The gospel for this weekend is generically and appropriately labeled as the ‘multiplicaton’ of the loaves and fishes, rather than just the ‘creation’ of more bread and fish. Creation from nothing (creatio ex nihilo for the Latin aficionados) is one of the attributes we ascribe to God; and presumably his fully divine Son. Yet, Jesus makes a point of engaging the disciples, not just as servers at the banquet, but hopefully in their emotional commitment to feed the hungry.

“Come away by yourselves …. and rest awhile.” Jesus says these words to his disciples knowing that they were getng exhausted. It is unlikely that the disciples were working any harder than Jesus, but Jesus had the advantage of being fairly certain about what they were doing, whereas the disciples were largely in the dark. When we are moving forward without certainty it drains our energy. [Driving in a whiteout is more exhaustng than the same path on a clear day.] Jesus wanted the disciples to recharge, not simply to be more efectve at ministry, but to give them down-tme where most physical, psychological and spiritual growth occurs. Summer is short, and whether you travel abroad, or enjoy the healing hills and waters of Warren, come away and rest awhile; if Jesus tells us to do so it we should be able to do it for at least a week guilt free.

I’ll admit that I’m looking forward to this assignment. This fallen away fly fishermen is stunned to now actually live in a place where ‘a river runs through it’. I am even more stunned to be in places of work and worship as inviting as the water. Grateful to be with you. Fr. Mark

1. Community is everything. We missed it so terribly during Covid and it has been the best to be a community in the years post Covid. We need each other; we need God. 2. To be an Amazing Parish you must pray! Everything should begin and end in prayer. We must follow his example and keep praying. Pray everyday- everywhere and visit Jesus in the Eucharist always! 3. Reconciliation is a gift. Forgiveness is the key to healthy relationships. Visit the confessional frequently and let God love you. He is a merciful God. 4. Do not let fear or anxiety rule you. We have a God who walks with us each and every minute of each and every day. Let him love you; guide you; and protect you. Be not afraid! 5. Our young people are a treasure and we must hear them; see them; teach them and walk with them. Please, please, please pass on this beautiful faith to our youth. They desire it; they need it; they deserve it! 6. Our elders are a treasure. They have lived, loved and lost. They are wise and they are faithful. They have seen the worst of this world and they have seen the best. Ask them to share their stories and thank them for their gifts and their servant hearts. They faithfully and generously helped to build the Kingdom of God. 7. Service is critical to being Church: service to our God, to one another, to the homebound, to the poor, to the afflicted, to our country, to all! Service is a key component to our happiness. Pour yourself out! 8. There is no right time to discover God or His love. There is no perfect time to receive a Sacrament or say a prayer. Live in these moments; embrace the opportunities that present themselves for you to share the faith; share a glory story; pray for someone; be kind to one another. Don't wait: do it now and never surrender in the face of a challenge. 9. Experience is everything. We must experience God and His incredible love first and then we will want to know Him more. Offer the experiences; support the experiences; engage in the experiences. Our goal should be to turn people's lives upside down with an encounter of the redeeming love of Jesus Christ! 10. We are one (Warren County Catholic Community) We are holy (God is in all we do and all we are.) We are Catholic (Be proud of that.) We are apostolic (Invite to Ignite!).