Our Offering for the Feast

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1 All Saints Parish E s t a b l i s h e d July 26th, 2015 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Our Offering for the Feast We have been told that Mass is a feast where we can gather as family to share in God s bounty. Yet even this gathering, just like any family gathering, often comes with its own set of challenges. Now and then we may end up sitting next to strangers, or perhaps a young family whose children are still learning to be attentive. There are days when we are frustrated because our neighbors are chatting loudly. We might put much thought and effort into preparing for Mass, only to be discouraged and distracted by the messy pews, or the creaky floors, or the casual attitudes of others. Under such circumstances, it may be reasonable for us to feel uncomfortable, to react with impatience, and to even be upset. But in today s gospel story, Jesus responds to the massive, needy, overwhelming crowd with loving welcome and acceptance. He takes the small offering of two loaves and five fish, and he feeds the people until they have had their fill, with twelve baskets left over. In the Disciple Maker Index Survey this past spring, participants were asked whether All Saints Parish is a community that makes them feel welcomed and accepted. Out of those who responded, only 37% strongly agreed. In this area, we fall well below the national average (42%), the diocesan average (42%), and even other participating parishes who are similar in size to ours (43%). This tells us that we still have plenty of room for improvement when it comes to welcoming others into our parish family. What do we have to offer for today s feast so that all may feel welcomed and accepted in our community? Can we spare an ounce of patience for the crying child, or an inch of compassion for the struggling elder? Could we express a little kindness to the unknown visitor, perhaps with a smile or a handshake? Would we be willing to share our church in reverent silence with those who are praying before Mass, or share a few extra minutes of our time to tidy up our place after Mass? Many might feel that they have very little left to give, finding themselves stretched thin by the pressures of everyday life. But as Christ shows us in today s gospel, God s abundance is sufficient for us and even goes beyond human calculation. If the offering of two loaves and five fish could feed five thousand, who knows what God might do with our offerings today? The sacrifice of patience may yield encouragement; the gift of compassion may bring consolation; the act of kindness may renew a faltering faith; the example of care and reverence may inspire the same care and reverence in others. When Jesus raised his eyes to see the throngs of people approaching, he did not recoil from them or refuse to accept them. Instead, he said, Have the people recline (Jn. 6:10). Even today, he invites us to recline at the table with him, to share in this holy feast. As we raise our eyes to Jesus, may we learn from his example to welcome one another with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love (Eph. 4:2). And may this sacrifice of love create room for an outpouring of grace in our hearts and in the hearts of all who join us for the feast. Ponder and Pray In what practical way will I commit to be more welcoming of others at church in the coming weeks? Will I be more reverent and improve my attire or posture? Will I act considerately by being silent in the church, or tidying up my place in the pews? Will I practice patience and compassion for those with young children? Will I introduce myself to someone I have not met before? Fr. Michael Radermacher, Pastor 503 3rd St. SW, Puyallup, WA

2 Parish Contributions Update July 18/19 Collection Budget ASTRA presents Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. 1 Corinthians 12:4-5 Difference from Budget Weekly $ 19,514 $ 19,026 $ 488 Year to Date $ 58,769 $ 57,077 $ 1,692 National Parents Day And Parish Bake-Off! SUNDAY, July 26 After all morning Masses All are invited! Bring the whole family! Join us after all the morning Masses in the courtyard/ school for some coffee, fruit, donuts, and of course, some homemade treats! July 17th to August 1st, 2015 at the Parish Center Tickets available at or call the ASTRA message phone at (253) , or send an to info@astramusical.com. Tickets are not sold at the parish office. Thank you! Volunteer opportunities Hospitality Hour Set-up Crew and Hosts Looking for a great way to get to know other parishioners and put a smile on people s faces on a Sunday morning? Join our Hospitality Hour crew! We are looking for volunteers who can set up the tables and chairs, set up the beverage station, oversee hospitality service, and clean up the gym. We are also looking for host teams who can pick up the donuts, set them out, and serve our guests. If you are interested, please call Renee at (253) All saints events calendar July 27 th to August 2 nd, 2015 July 27 Monday July 28 Tuesday July 29 Wednesday July 30 Thursday July 31 Friday August 1 Saturday August 2 Sunday Knights of Columbus Parish Potluck - School, 6:30pm Eucharistic Adoration - Church, after 8:30am Mass (Benediction at 10am) Parish Picnic Planning Meeting - Parish Office, 6:30pm Prayer for Life - Puyallup Planned Parenthood, 10:30am (contact: Marj Dawson ) Prayer Shawl Ministry - Parish Office, 10am Sign up to volunteer with the (Phoenix) Family Housing Network in the vestibule after all Masses Eucharistic Adoration - Church, after 5pm Mass (Benediction at 9pm) Sign up to volunteer with the (Phoenix) Family Housing Network in the vestibule after all Masses Altar Society for July Marianne & Ron Cech Betty Chipps Deb Ramirez Mass Intentions Mon, July 27, 8:30am: Moises Peñalver Tue, July 28, 8:30am: Martha Noi Nguyen Wed, July 29, 8:30am: Delza Delen Sat, August 1, 5:00pm: Theresa Hoa Le Earl & Bertha Davis Nancy Polich Sun, August 2 7:30am: Joan Chim Pham Tien 9:00am: All Saints Community 11:00am: Martin Ringhofer 7:00pm: Janet & Dustin Fink Need prayers? Contact our Prayer Line by calling Florence Guthrie at (253) To book Mass intentions, or to add names to the Prayers of the Faithful or to the Long Term Prayer List, please call the parish office at (253) Our Advertiser of the Week is: Vassey Nursery Thank you for supporting our parish bulletin! We are grateful for the support of our bulletin advertisers! To advertise your business, please contact Michelle Jacob, Catholic Printery

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5 Community Services Item of the Week: Muffin/Cake/Cookie Mix Please place your donations in the back of the vestibule next weekend or drop them off at the parish office during office hours. St. Vincent de Paul at All Saints Parish Meeting on Wednesday, July 29 6:30pm in the School Mark your calendar for our third SVDP meeting on Wednesday, July 29th at 6:30pm in the All Saints School Lunch Room. A president will be elected and other important set-up tasks are underway. Come and lend your skills to this new and exciting ministry aimed at serving those who are poor. Back to School Supply Drive Distribution Dates: August and at the School Lunch Room **Now Accepting Donations!** We have started receiving your donations for our annual Back to School Supply Drive. It is not too late to make your contribution. See the list below for needed supplies (items in bold are especially needed). Financial contributions are also most welcome. Thanks for your generosity! Backpacks 1 Binders 2 Binders Glue Sticks Highlighters 2-pocket folders Crayons Markers Erasers Blue, black, red pens Notebook paper One Subject Notebooks (wide and college rule) Pencil cases or boxes Protractors Sharpies #2 Pencils Kids Scissors Notebook Dividers Graph Paper Compasses Pencil Sharpeners Rulers Colored Pencils Financial Contributions Youth and young adults Junior and senior high youth ministry BASE CAMP and QUEST: Twilight Tuesday for Quest this week is Arnold s! That s a clue to what we are doing. You may have to ask your parents. (Renee, can you insert an emoji here?) Wind Down Wednesday for Base Camp this week is an evening hike. Meet at All Saints at 6:00 pm. Wear clothes appropriate for the weather and bring your own water. Base Camp MISSION TRIP: Interested in a trip Aug. 5-7? Contact Carmen for more information! Registration forms are online. The cost is $165. If you are interested, please contact Carmen. We have a limit on how many we can take but we have a few spots left to fill! CONFIRMATION FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS: To register to prepare for Confirmation in 2016 you must be 1) 16 or older by the date of Confirmation or a junior or senior in high school; 2) already received the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion; 3) have been active in your parish community for one year prior to registering for Confirmation class. Preparation will begin in late September For candidates out of high school, preparation begins in January. Please see Carmen prior to the start of classes to begin the preparation process. Contact: Carmen at carmenb@allsaintsparish.com or text (253) or call (253) A Prayer for Transition O faithful God, As your people, we cherish our memories and our history as a sacred gift. We also ask you to guide us in our time of transition. We need your wisdom that we might be receptive to change, conversion and growth. We need your grace to redirect our hearts that we may be willing to offer ourselves in joyful service. Do not allow fear, ignorance or pride to limit the work of your spirit, nor custom to prevent the creativity within us from bearing fruit. Open our hearts to the call of the Gospel. Give us courage and renewed hope that we may meet the challenge of being the church of our time. Amen.