Dear St. James Family,

A few weeks ago a parishioner contacted me about Pope Francis concerns. He sent me an article describing a list of potential papal problems: Pope Francis’ newly appointed doctrinal chief possibly supporting same-sex blessings, left leaning U.S. clergy being appointed by Pope Francis to the global synod, fears of a Church in crises as coalition forces of radicalism seek to rewrite the Catechism in favor of same sex activity, and a suspicion that Pope Francis is preparing for a big change which will cause outright heresy and schism.

You may also have seen headlines such as these so I am looking forward to addressing them. This Sunday’s readings are on the papacy, so this is a great opportunity to look at the foundational bedrock upon which Christ structured his Church and why we have nothing to fear from these media stirrings. However, I will also be explaining why, in spite of a persons understanding of the papacy, that this fears can still be troubling and how to be free of these unsettling worries. Come and find hope!

Women’s Prayer and Breakfast Meeting: Connect and Grow

Saturday August 26, 9:30-11:00 AM at Beach Diner Mandarin (11362-11 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville). Cathy Messina will present the first chapter of the book, Saint Gianna Molla: Wife, Mother, Doctor, for discussion and reflection. There is no need to read the book or prepare ahead of time. Please let Cathy know by text (415-205-9705) if you are coming so she can arrive early and get a table that will accommodate the group.

 

Nametags this Sunday, August 27

Thanks for remembering to put on a nametag as you arrive for Mass this Sunday. This helps others to get to know you and for us to be better connected as a community. Taking the time to stick around for a few minutes after Mass and introduce yourself to others is a great service to our Lord and his Church in making St. James a place of hospitality and welcome.

 

Prayer and Potluck at the Setzer Home, Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 4:00 PM

Experience one of the treasures of the Ordinariate: Praying the Daily Office Evening Prayer while having fun and eating food with your favorite people at the home of Nancy and Rex Setzer: 11668 Mandarin Rd., Jacksonville. Please let Brian (found at the hospitality table) know after Mass that you are coming so that he can get you signed up to bring a dish. For questions or more information please contact Doug Nesmith: dnesmith01@yahoo.com 904-708-0675. Please RSVP by September 7, 2023. Thanks.

 

Christian Essentials Class Begins, Monday, September 25, 2023

If you are looking for the class that boils Christian teaching down the basics from beginning to end, this is it. You will learn about beliefs, worship, morals, and prayer in a captivating series of presentations that will put you on a rock solid foundation no matter what life may bring your way. Try out the first class to see if this is for you and if so, get the essentials covered in thirteen sessions. Every other Monday evening beginning, September 25, 2023. Learn more.

 

Founders Day Historic St. Augustine Celebration

458th Anniversary of Founder’s Day at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mission Nombre de Dios, 101 San Marco Ave., in St. Augustine for Mass celebrated by Bishop Pohlmeier at the Rustic Altar, a reenactment of the landing of Pedro Menendez and the dedication of the Dr. Michael Gannon bridge. For more details call (904) 824-2809.

 

Catholic Night at the Ball Park, September 16, Special St. James Price

Special price through the sponsorship of a St. James parishioner: $30 includes your ticket and all-you-can-eat buffet or $14 per person for ticket only. Starts at 5:05 p.m. Doubleheader between the Jumbo Shrimp and the Gwinnett Stripers sponsored by the Diocese of St. Augustine Office of Communications. 121 Financial Ballpark, 301 A Philip Randolph Blvd., in Jacksonville. Reserve your spot by paying Brian Burch who can be found at the hospitality table after Mass.

 

Other Upcoming Dates

Check out More Upcoming Events at the Website

Faithfully, your pastor,

Father Mayer