Questions for reflection on the Scriptures for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

1) Questions on the Reading from the Book of Revelation: How would you explain the meaning of each of the symbols in this passage? What connection do they have to today’s feast?

2) Questions on the Reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians: How does St. Paul describe the impact of the resurrection on our lives? What connection does this have with today’s feast?

3) Questions on the Gospel: What is the situation? What is the meaning of the response of Elizabeth’s baby to the presence of Mary and her baby? How does Mary respond to the experience. How does this relate to today’s feast?

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 two Letters to Timothy. Please read the material ahead of time and come prepared to discuss what you have read.

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 this Wednesday, Aug. 11 @ 7p.m. Questions?  Call Cheryl Rauschenbach @ 636-225-8433 or Cheryl_rauschenbach@yahoo.com.

8/8/10: KEEPING THE COVENANT, Chapter 9: The Pastoral Council is the Glue. The roles of the Pastoral Council are described in 5 words. Mission: the major function of the Pastoral Council is to explore what are the core values and essential elements of the parish. Model: the Council should be a model for other leadership groups to emulate, as they collaborate, share wisdom and insights, deal with conflicts that arise, pray with one another and enjoy each other’s company. Focus: another essential task of the Council is to provide a common direction and focus for the parish as a whole. Decisions: the Council acts as the arbitrator and discerner in determining which individual should be the decider regarding a particular project or issue: they decide who decides. Crisis: for larger crises in the parish, it is the job of the Council to confront them squarely and discern the best course of action to follow. The book recommends the commission structure as the best way to accomplish these roles, and emphasizes the Council’s role in fostering communication with and among parishioners.

Questions: 1. How does the present Pastoral Council operate, and how is it connected to other leadership groups in the parish? 2. What would have to change to bring the Pastoral Council to the center of parish life and allow it to be the “glue” that holds everything else together?

THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL WILL NOT MEET THIS MONTH. THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5.

DAILY READINGS, July August 9-14:

Monday: Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28c; Psalm 148; Matthew 17:22-27

Tuesday: St. Lawrence: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; Psalm 112; John 12:24-26

Wednesday: Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22; Psalm 113; Matthew 18:15-20

Thursday: Ezekiel 12:1-1; Psalm 78; Matthew 18:21-19:1

Friday: Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63; Ezekiel 16:59-63; Matthew 19:3-12

Saturday: Ezekiel l18:1-10, 13b, 30-32; Psalm 51; Matthew 19:13-15.