In today’s Gospel (Luke 16:1-13), Jesus calls us, as His disciples, to be worthy stewards of the gifts God has given us. He does so by use of the negative example of the dishonest steward. He is offering what we would call a “backhanded compliment” to the corrupt employee— citing the canniness of this shady character, while at the same time decrying his morally unacceptable behavior. He does this in much the same way that one might “admire” the apparent genius of a sophisticated jewel thief or bank robber. It’s as if Jesus were saying: “If only you, my disciples, were so shrewd and quick to use your gifts to promote the interests of your faith.”We are all called to be focused and prudent stewards of the gifts God has given to us in terms of time, talent, and treasure. We are called to share not only what we have, but much more importantly, who we are with our brothers and sisters. Our faith community puts a special claim on us for our service—through our presence, our prayers, and our willingness to commit ourselves to serving others.
This weekend, on Catechetical Sunday, we are celebrating and highlighting the work of our dedicated staff and parishioners serving through the parish Religious Education program. This year we will have up to 900 children and teens enrolled in classes and sacramental preparation. It is a gargantuan task, involving the “time, talent and treasure” of so many generous trained volunteer catechists. We congratulate, honor, and thank them for their vital role in planting the seeds of faith in the lives of our children. Special thanks to the members of our Parish Staff who have worked so hard all summer to prepare for this school term: Bill Bischoff (Director of Catechetical Ministry), Elena Zavala (Director, pre-K-6, Spanish) and Larry LaGrasta, (pre-K-8, English) and Bonnie Contreras, secretary.
Let’s remember as well the members of our Hispanic Committee (Comité Hispano) who did such an incredible job putting together our very successful Fiesta Patrias event this past weekend: Lucila Marez, Daniel Ramirez, Maria Rincon, Martha Zamora, Margarita De Teresa, Catalina Perez, Elsa Salas, Elena Zavala, Maria Diaz, Jesus Javier Figueroa, Leticia Figueroa, Gregorio Alberto Rodriguez, Juan Nuñez, Lupericio Baltazar, Humberto Martinez, Veronica Beltran, Javier y Elizabeth Mendez, Cesar y Fabiola
Martinez, Jose Maceda, Lidia Rodriguez, Maria Garcia, Erika Gonzalez, Ignacio Hernandez, Elizabeth Salinas, Ana Montanez Cabrera, Socorro Diego Arroyo, Corina Sanchez, Daniel y Alma Boone, Silvia Martha Rivas, Angel Ramirez, Bartolo Mendez, Veronica Hernandez, Elena Suarez, Jorge Ponce, Miguel Benitez, Tere Monasi, Rocio Hangis, Alfredo Hernandez, Arturo Cedillo, and Roberto Esparza. Muchísimas gracias!!
We are in constant need of volunteers for this and other ministries in the parish. Feel free to contact the Parish Office anytime to offer your services. If you haven’t done service before, consider doing something now. If you feel you have done your job—thank you!—but please continue to pray with and for us.
Many thanks, Fr. Chuck
PS: This weekend, don’t forget to stop by at the table staffed by the members of our Small Christian Community (SCC) groups for free coffee and doughnuts! Talk about service!!
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