The 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Thoughts from Fr. Ryan
This Saturday, we celebrate the feast of Ss. Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ. That makes this day the patronal feast of all grandparents! So, to all you grandmas and grandpas out there, Happy Grandparents’ Feast Day! Let’s talk about why you’re such a blessing to our families and our world.
If you’d told me 25 years ago that grandparents would have the responsibilities that they do nowadays, I might’ve raised an eyebrow. But here we are. Some of you are practically raising your grandkids, pouring your hearts into parenting all over again. Others have become the go-to daycare crew. And even those of you who aren’t on daily duty, are still the glue holding families together, offering a perspective that cuts through the noise of our screen-obsessed world. In a society glued to those tiny digital rectangles, you’re the ones reminding us there’s a life OUT THERE.
I stumbled across a tweet a while back that said, “Millennials having a childhood without social media feels like we all got the last chopper out of ’Nam.” Now, I’m not a Millennial, but that line struck a chord. I grew up parked in front of the TV or hunched over a computer as a kid, but compared to today’s youngsters, my childhood feels like I was practically feral! These days, kids are tethered to screens from the moment they can hold an iPad. It’s like they’re born with a digital umbilical cord. Grandparents, you’re the ones who show them there’s more to life than likes and notifications. You’ve got stories of a world before Wi-Fi! Which is, bizarrely, hard for the young to imagine.
The modern family can get stuck. Life moves fast—schedules packed, carpools endless, and everyone’s rushing from one thing to the next. Grandparents, you’re like a window cracked open in that bubble, letting in a breeze of wisdom and perspective. You bring a different perspective, a contrary way of thinking, maybe even a stubborn streak or two that challenges the status quo. And, sometimes that’s exactly what a family needs, whether they know it or not. You remind us that life isn’t just about keeping up with the Joneses—it’s about roots, relationships, and real connection.
And here’s something else you do that’s pure magic: you keep parents human. Oh, you grands remember, don’t you? You remember that time in high school when your now-adult child thought they were a big deal. You remember that fiasco with the car. You’ve seen the report cards, the temper tantrums, the questionable fashion choices. And you’re not afraid to spill the beans to the grandkids when the moment calls for it! That’s a gift!. Parents, especially those wrangling teenagers, need that reminder that they’re not perfect, and that’s okay. You give them a chance to laugh at themselves, to loosen up, and to remember they’re still a work in progress, just like their kids.
But here’s the real kicker, grandparents: you’re teaching us how to navigate now. Every generation has leaned on the wisdom of those who came before, but you’re the ones doing it for this moment. You’re not just coasting into the sunset, grumbling about “kids these days” (maybe sometimes). Your grown kids and grandkids keep you on your toes, pulling you into their lives whether you’re ready or not. They’re watching you—how you handle change, how you face challenges, how you keep the faith in a world that’s spinning faster every day. Your example, good or bad, is shaping them. And that’s a calling, whether you signed up for it or not.
That’s why we need to lift you up in prayer, and why Ss. Joachim & Anne are such perfect patrons for you. These were folks who lived through some serious family drama. Their daughter, Mary, was found pregnant before her wedding in a culture where that could’ve meant a death sentence. Talk about stress! Yet they raised a woman strong enough to say “yes” to God’s wild plan, to give birth to the Messiah, and to stand at the foot of the cross. Joachim and Anne know a thing or two about parenting through tough times, and I have no doubt they’re ready to hear any prayer you send their way—whether it’s for patience with a toddler, wisdom for a teen’s big questions, or just the energy to keep up with the grandkids.
Mass Intentions for the Coming Week
- Sat 5:30 pm In memory of Pat & Marleigh Bullard, Patrick Thomas, and Eva & R L Reynolds/family
- Sun 8:00 am (Traditional Latin Mass) PRO POPULO for the living & deceased members of our parish
- Sun 9:30 am In memory of Kathleen Mills/Massey
- Mon NO MASS
- Tue 9:00 am In memory of Enoul “Jim” Jumonville/family
- Wed 9:00 am In memory of Jackson Jumonville/family
- Thu 9:00 am In memory of Gail G. Graughnard/Nettles
- Fri 5:30 pm In memory of deceased members of Bolton and Howington families
- Sat 5:30 pm In memory of Donald and Payton Trichell/family
- Sun 9:30 am In memory of deceased members of Johnson and Roy families
ALTAR CANDLES this week are burning for the special intentions of Margo Corulla
Assistants at Holy Mass
| Date | Servers | Lector(s) | EMHC(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7/19 5:30p | - | A Farlow | M Rome |
| 7/20 9:30a | MaryKatherine, Maura, Elizabeth | Youth-Michael M | - |
| 7/26 5:30p | - | MA Gilfoil | C VanderVieren |
| 7/27 9:30a | Cooper & Courtland | J Howington | - |
Upcoming Events
- Confessions every Friday & Saturday from 5p until Mass and Sunday from 9a until Mass
- August 17 Third Quarter Social - Potluck Brunch following 9:30 a m Mass
For Your Information:
FORMED.ORG has weekly features at https://watch.formed.org/this-week-on-formed. Remember to sign in using our parish’s zip code (71282) at https://signup.formed.org
ROSARY GROUP meets on Monday at 5:30 p.m. to pray the Rosary. Everyone is invited to join in prayer. For more information, contact Louise Magoun (318-341-2403), coordinator.
TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS is offered at 8 a.m. on SUNDAY. There is no longer a Mass on Saturday mornings. The Sunday Morning Traditional Latin Mass does count for your Sunday Mass obligation. English translations of the readings and prayers will be provided and the sermon will be in English. MAUSOLEUM We have reached the end of our sales period for the Mausoleum. It will, of course, be possible to purchase spaces in the future, Our sales representative, Garth Daniels, can be reached at (318) 295-4409 If you have any questions or you know of anyone else interested in making a purchase, please encourage them to speak with Garth or call the church office. THIRD QUARTER SOCIAL will be a Potluck Brunch on Sunday, August 17 in the Church Hall. The Committee for the event includes Shannon and Bart Wood and Betty and Kenny Smith, co-chairs, MaryKathryn Book, Kendra and Dave Collins, Connie and Dan Copes, Kaci and Norman Ernst, Lance and Stephenie Marsh, Peggy and Phil Scurria, Beth and Chip Sullivan
EMPOWERING GOD’S CHILDREN parish volunteers must be VIRTUS trained and go online regularly at www.virtus.org for the latest training bulletins. Any questions or issues can be reported to the office. Printed resources are available on the table at the entrance to the Church. “Protecting our Children, Understanding and Preventing Child Sexual Abuse” includes Resources and Contact Numbers for reporting abuse. “Protecting God’s Children, Teaching Touching Safety Quick Reference Guide” The Diocesan Policy for the Protection of Minors and The Diocesan Code of Pastoral Conduct for Priests, Deacons, Pastoral Ministers, Administrators, Staff, and Volunteers are available in the Safe Environment section of the diocesan website at DioceseAlex.org or a copy may be requested from the Safe Environment Office (318) 445-2401.
PLEDGE TO HEAL If you or a family member has been abused or victimized by a representative of the Catholic church or a member of the clergy, please believe in the possibility for hope and help and healing. Dr. Lee Kneipp, Clinical Psychologist, Victim Assistance Coordinator, Diocese of Alexandria encourages those persons to come forward and speak out. Dr. Kneipp is establishing support groups in the central Louisiana area for victims and family members. The focus of these groups is to further emotional and spiritual healing as an adjunct to therapy, in an atmosphere of others who understand the pain, betrayal, and fear associated with abuse. Dr. Kneipp can be reached at 318-542-9805. All calls are confidential.
WELCOME TO OUR FAITH FAMILY to ÁNGEL PAZ, son of Enrique & Mariza Paz, who was baptized on Saturday, July 12.
Our Return to the Lord
Stewardship “Today’s readings speak of hospitality. Abraham, who cheerfully did for his guests all that desert hospitality required, was rewarded with his heart’s desire–a son. Martha also busied herself with all the details of hospitality, but grudgingly and with complaint. Am I a cheerful or a grudging giver?
| Weekly Budget FY 2025-2026 | $ 2,500 |
| June Budget | $ 10,555 |
| June Collections | $ 13,752 |
| June Total Expenses | $ 11,151 |
| July Budget | $ 10,000 |
| July 13 Collection | $ 3,899 |
| July Collections To Date | $ 6,597 |
Let us Rejoice in the Lord!
Happy Birthday Caroline Marsh (July 19), Kendra Collins (July 21), Preston Collins (July 22), Nap Book (July 26)
In Our Daily Prayers…
PRAYER FOR HURRICANE SEASON...Our Father in Heaven through the intercession of our Lady of Prompt Succor, spare us during the Hurricane Season from all harm. Protect us and our homes from all disasters of nature. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hastened to help us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Please let us know of anyone who is ill or hospitalized and would like to receive a visit from Father. Also, help us keep our prayer list up to date by advising us of those who should be added or removed.
For our Pope, Leo XIV, our Bishop, Robert Marshall; and our Diocesan leaders, our President, Governor, Mayor and national, state and local elected representatives
Our parishioners who are sick, shut-in, under full-time care and for those who care for them, and for those otherwise in need of our prayers: MaryKathryn & Nap Book, Connie & Dan Copes, Elizabeth Crothers, Leslye Ellerbee, Susan & Johnny Gilfoil, Margaret & Pat Gilfoil,Terry Farlow Hall, Sidney & Mary Jane Johnson, Frances & Bill Kennedy, Ed Mills, Susie Murphy, Bobby Reynolds, Mike & Sue Rome
Our friends and relatives who need our prayers: Ashley Alexander (Regan), Graham Allen (S Gilfoil), Marie Farlow Bellard, Nap and Martha Book, Kay Boolos (S Gilfoil), Dick & Sue Boyd (S Gilfoil), Chris Breard (Gilfoil), Gayle Brown (Dukes and Oliver), Sarah Cannon (Gilfoil), Fran Castile (Keene), Caroline and Albert Christman, Jeannie & Donald Collins, Teresa Carney Condra, Jami Cook (Wilks), Mike Coullard (Oliver), Gene Cox, Marla Evans Cummings, Carol Dipert (Rome), Mac Donaldson (Ellerbee), Mike Farlow, Patty Farlow, Judy Fortenberry, April Franklin (Wilks), Fred and Cathy Fulton, Thom Gilfoil, Wyly Gilfoil (Gilfoil), LaVonne Givens, Charlotte Green, Rita Hargrave, Evie Hilburn (Lancaster), Charles Howington, Callie Halbach Hyams, Will Irby (P Gilfoil), Diane Johnson, Carla Leese (S Gilfoil), LaLa Lopez (Hernandez), Caroline Marcello (Watts), Michelle McGuire(Gilfoil), Kiely McKellar (S Gilfoil), Frank McKinney, Mona Martin (MA Gilfoil), Boyce Miller,Cole Norris, Randy Parker, John Neill, Bailey, Scott, and Tiffney Rome, Janie Saxon (Lancaster), Sara and Jess Shields (Keene), Debbie Kedrick Sims, Tommy Trichell, LeeAnn Rome Tranchina (Rome), Randy Watts, Jr.
Our collegiates: Aidan Collins, Preston Collins, Henry Ellerbee, Lilly Falgout, Jag Gilfoil, Matilda Johnson, Caroline Marsh, EmmyLu Marsh, Charlize Richardson, Carter Sullivan, Walker Sullivan, Chandler Wood, Marsh Wood
