My Dear Friends:

As we begin the month of September, all of our ministries are for the most part up and running. We have so many events, retreats, and workshops coming up to strengthen our faith that I thought it would be beneficial to highlight them in this weekend’s column. 

Emmaus 

Next weekend, we begin with a Spanish Emmaus retreat for the women of the parish. It will be held at Casa Manresa on September 8—10. 

There will be an English Emmaus retreat for the men of the parish the weekend of October 20-21. We will publish more on that retreat as we get closer. 

Prayer Workshops 

The Prayer and Living Workshop founded by Father Ignacio Larrañaga are beginning a new workshop in Spanish aimed at the young adults of the parish starting this Thursday, September 7 at 7:30pm. Members of this ministry started a workshop specifically for married couples a few weeks ago, as well. 

Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola 

This spiritual treasure of the Church is usually done by the Jesuits over a 30-day retreat (I personally have done them over five-day retreats), but the exercises have been modified for the laity over 30 sessions that run from September to April.  They will be given in Spanish on Monday nights starting on September 18 at 7:30pm.

 Youth Group 

Our high school youth group began two weeks ago, and we encourage the teenagers of our parish to join us every Sunday night at 6:30pm in Comber Hall. 

That Man is You! 

Following the great success of our Mom’s Group “Walking With Purpose.”  The dads of our school are organizing “That Man is You!” to strengthen the fathers of our parish in formation.  This group will meet on Tuesday mornings at 7:45am in Comber starting on September 19th. We’re really excited about this new venture, and the Mom’s group will also return soon! 

Marriage Covenant 

At the end of this month, we will be hosting a Marriage Covenant Retreat in Spanish the weekend of September 29-October 1.

Music Ministry 

Finally, our Schola returns to the 10:30am Mass next Sunday.  They’ve been rehearsing for the last few weeks and are always looking for new voices to add to our choir.  If you are interested in joining, please approach our organist and Music Director, Luis Cuza, after Mass.  On a sidenote, our parish concerts with Seraphic Fire return in November. 

Lots happening in our parish, and I did not even get to the biggest event of them all!  Stay tuned…. 

God bless you all,