Questions for reflection on the Scriptures for the 18^th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

1) Questions on the Reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes: What seems to be the author’s mood? What is the point he is making? How is it still relevant today?

2) Questions on the Reading from Colossians: As St. Paul continues to talk about the effects of baptism, what is the theological point he is making here? What are the practical implications for us in our lives?

3) Questions on the Gospel: What is the situation? What is Jesus’ initial response to the man who asks Jesus to get involved? What is his message to the crowd? What is the point of the parable? How does that connect with the other two readings?

DAYTIME BIBLE STUDY: The noon Bible Study will meet this Tuesday, 12–1 PM in the Rectory. We will base our study on the Scripture readings for next Sunday. Please bring your Bible and join us.

EVENING BIBLE STUDY: The evening Bible Study will meet this Tuesday, 7-8 PM, in the Rectory. We will be reading Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, Chapters 1-4. Please read the material ahead of time and come prepared to discuss what you have read.

CONGRATULATIONS, AND THANK YOU!!, TO ALL THOSE WHO WORKED OR PARTICIPATED IN THE AUCTION! We will publish the results, including the raffle winners, next weekend.

PARISH OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED THIS MONDAY, JULY 26.

THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA IN EVERYDAY LIFE will be offered through the St. Charles Lwanga Center, 4746 Carter Avenue, September - May.  The Bridges Foundation, Inc. will conduct an information session at the Lwanga Center on Wednesday, Aug. 11 @ 7p.m.  Questions?  Call Cheryl Rauschenbach @ 636-225-8433 or Cheryl_rauschenbach@yahoo.com.

KEEPING THE COVENANT, Chapter 8: Structuring for Ownership. “The theme of the book is joint ownership of the parish shared by pastor, staff, leaders and people. They are co-workers with God and one another…. Establishing a structure of joint ownership is the key to this covenant becoming reality.” The book suggests we structure “Commissions” in 5 areas: worship, community life, formation, outreach and administration. (St. Matthew does not have a “community life” commission, and divides “administration” into two areas: finance & budget, and stewardship & development.) The role of each commission is to link, assess, vision and funnel information and people in their particular area. The author further suggests that each commission include a staff resource person, co-chairs, meet on a common leadership night (or day), and develop a “Covenant Booklet” to help establish consistent procedures and policies. There is also strong push for training of new people as they join a commission.

Questions: 1. In your parish, who does the oversight and planning for each of the key areas of parish life? 2. What changes would have to take place so that all those in leadership positions are working well together and are connected with all of the ministries and organizations of the parish?

ANYONE WISHING TO SERVE ON THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL AT THIS TIME is invited to contact a member of the Council for more information.

DAILY READINGS, July 26-31:

Monday: Jeremiah 13:1-11; Deuteronomy 32; Matthew 13:31-35

Tuesday: Jeremiah 14:17-22; Psalm 79; Matthew 13:36-43

Wednesday: Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21; Psalm 59; Matthew 13:44-46

Thursday: St. Martha: Jeremiah 18:1-6; Psalm 146; John 11:16-27

Friday: Jeremiah 26:1-9; Jeremiah 69; Matthew 13:54-58

Saturday: St. Ignatius Loyola: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1; Matthew 8:18-27.