If you enjoy the heat, this is your type of weather!  I am not a big fan of the heat. Thank goodness for air conditioning.

This past weekend, I received a few requests for blessings for students leaving for college. On Monday, I was approached by a family who asked for a blessing for their son, who will be leaving on Friday. After blessing the young man, I asked where he would be attending school. He replied, “Purdue.”  I  responded, “that’s great!”.  A few moments later, another family approached me for a blessing for their son. After blessing that young man, I asked, “Where will you be attending school? He replied, “Purdue.”   I responded, “Wow, the young man I just blessed is also going to Purdue.  I asked if he knew him. He said he did not. I ran after the other young man and his family and introduced them. This could be the beginning of a new friendship.

Please remember in your prayers the many students who will begin a new school year in the days ahead. The first days of school can be challenging. We must all encourage and support our students.

I also ask for your prayers for Mr. Peterson and the great faculty and staff of Saint Raymond School as they begin a new school year.

Love,

Father Mark Ruiz

(For the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2025)