October 11 is Clergy Appreciation Sunday! Barely 6 months and a few weeks here at Saint Raymond, I have seen and experienced how much you take care of your priests, deacons and seminarians – whether in residence or visiting, be it words of encouragement, assistance at tasks or treats to the appetite! While it is true that there is always something for us to do at any given day or time, it is also true that there is always a reason to smile and be grateful for the opportunity to serve and love you the way the Lord continuously calls us to. So as you appreciate us (this sound self-serving for me to say it) – you’re welcome – thank you for your presence and your prayers. We definitely need them!!!
On that note of prayer, I’d like to invite you to consider participating at the 2020 Rosary Coast to Coast, providentially on this same weekend, October 11, immediately following the 12PM Mass. We will safely gather in front of the church signage along San Ramon Road and there pray simultaneously with the entire US the Holy Rosary – believing that indeed, the Blessed Mother is with us as she intercedes for all our needs. The “spiritual battle has intensified with the forces of evil becoming even more extreme in their positions against life from conception to birth to natural death and the sanctity of marriage and family. These forces manifest a radical rebellion against God’s creation of man and woman into which they seek to indoctrinate even our children … It is in this environment that a Call to Spiritual Arms is being issued again and with even greater urgency to prayer warriors across the country and the world.”
Likewise, coinciding with this is the need to facilitate safer and stronger communities by directly enabling collaborations among police, residents and businesses via the linkages that exist within houses of worship like Saint Raymond. On October 9, we will offer the 6PM and the 8PM Praise and Worship in support of the National Faith and Blue Weekend happening within the US from October 9 – 12.
Finally, you are invited to our first outdoor movie night at 8PM on October 13, memorial of Our Lady of Fatima. Sit back, relax and enjoy a spirit-filled movie! And don’t forget to bring your own chair, light jacket and popcorn (no sharing please!)
Peace and blessings,
Fr. Erick