Church of SS. Cosmas and Damian
From the Pastor's Desk

From the Desk of Father John

     Today we celebrate the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time and Mathew’s Gospel offers us some insight into the kingdom of heaven. It is like a buried treasure, a pearl of great price, a dragnet. Similar in content to the parables of how to be faithful disciples, these images refer to our work and our efforts and our sacrifices to reach the kingdom of God.
     And we all know about sacrifices and work and effort. So many of us put a lot of time and talent and effort and work and sacrifice into our homes and families and work and extra-curricular activities. In the same vein do we invest as much sacrifice, work and effort into our faith building and our kingdom seeking?
     For example: I look around and see lots of people NOT here during the summer months; I have listened recently to some parents who felt disappointed because their children didn’t get what they [the parents] wanted from our Summer Institute; and I listened to some who felt that the summer Faith Formation Institute for their children shouldn’t interfere with their chosen summer activities, or at least come at a time that is convenient for them. How does one justify this in kingdom building?
     Even the Master in our Gospel parables tell us of judgment and it is the Lord who indeed will drag the net over our hearts and lives and take the good and discard the bad. Perhaps we need to do the same in our own lives.
     CONGRATULATIONS are in order as well as GOOD BYE to Pastoral Associate Debbie Grgic who will be leaving Ss. Cosmas & Damian and beginning a full-time position at St. Rita School, on August 1st. She has accomplished much with us in Generations of Faith and Sacramental Preparation Programs and done a great job! She will continue to monitor our VIRTUS Training and Volunteers. MANY, MANY THANKS, Debbie and Good Luck to you!
     Many thanks to our Adopt-a-plot Volunteers who are so very HELPFUL and GENEROUS in keeping the grounds neat and weed-free! You have our Green-Thumb award!
     Try to be as helpful to Eagle Scout to be, Drew Horvath, as he begins his Project of beautifying the beds on either side of the old Church building. Removing the grass and weeds will be a tiresome project, but the laying of landscape material to keep the weeds at a minimum and then the planting material will also be a lot of work. I do know that a couple of trees that need to be cut down will be mulched for these beds as well. We are trying to reduce, reuse what we already have. Thanks, Drew and Good Luck!
     Thank you for your commitment to stewardship in your Sunday offering. Be blessed!