Blessing of the Animals

Photos by Jane Winstead

Deacon Jim conducted the Blessing of the Animals Monday, October 4, to mark the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Parishioners gathered behind the Parish Center with their dogs and cats and other pets for the occasion. At least one snake was observed in the gathering.

St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment. The ceremony is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis' love for all creatures.

St. Francis also was the founder of the Franciscan Order, whose members follow the saint's rules of a simple life dedicated to service of the Lord.

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Faith the size of a mustard seed

Photo by Jane Winstead

Jesus said if you have faith the size of a mustard seed you can move mountains, Father Tim told parishioners Sunday. The gospel was from Luke 17:5-10. The apostles asked the Lord to increase their faith so that they would have the strength to follow God's Word. He had told his disciples that although sin would occur to be sure they were not the cause of someone sinning. He also told them to rebuke the sins of their brothers but to forgive if they repent, and to continue to forgive as long as they continue to repent. The apostles did not believe they had the strength to obey. "Increase our faith," they said.

Luke 17

6 The Lord replied, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to (this) mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you."

7 "Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here immediately and take your place at table'?

8 Would he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished'?

9 Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?

10 So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'"

Pop! go the scouts

Photo by Jane Winstead

Scouts from St. Raphael's own Troop 219 and Pack 219 are raising money for troop and pack activities with offers of tasty Trail's End popcorn snacks. The scouts were on hand after Masses on Sunday, October 3. Parishioners could choose from several flavors, including cheddar cheese corn, white cheddar cheese corn, Unbelievable Butter and butter light.

Three new featured pages

We've added three new permanent pages to the Saint Raphael Messenger.

• Catholic Video offers a selection of video from around the world featuring Catholic speakers who offer support and encouragement to Catholics living their faith.

• Who is St. Raphael? was inspired by the recent celebration of the feast of St. Raphael during the Children's Mass. Father Tim told the story of St. Raphael, St. Michael and St. Gabriel.

• Lighthouse Catholic Media offers detailed information about the weekly featured speaker available at the kiosk in the narthex as well as videos by other Catholic speakers whose CDs are available through the Lighthouse ministry.

Links to these new pages also can be found under Pages in the column on the right.

Parish Council begins work

Photo by Jane Winstead

Seated, from left, Ken Dandar, Father Tim Sherwood, Lynn Edmonds, Lloyd Abentroth. Standing, from left, T. Allan Smith, Pat McGuire, Celeste Brown, Marty Foreman, Ursula Abner, Michael McBride, Deacon Jim Grevenites and Valerie Wostbrock. Council members Shelly Shukys, Jon Campbell, Therese Johnson and Peggy Hawkins were not present.

The Parish Council has started a process to develop a mission statement and vision for the parish as well as a revision of the bylaws.

At the suggestion of Father Tim, the group will reflect on the broad mission of the parish, its direction and its future, and will make recommendations at its next meeting at the end of October.

All suggestions are welcome. You may send an e-mail to council president Ken Dandar or contact any council member.