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Dear St. James Family, |
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I have something to admit. When I visit and listen to another preacher, especially at a Sunday morning Mass, I struggle with the temptation of wanting to critique and point out the flaws in the homily. Perhaps you do this as well sometimes. In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus turns that entire notion upside down and instead critiques not the preaching, but the hearing. He points out the various ways people receive the good news and what this means. He describes how the gospel being read and preached, if well received, is a great blessing, but to the one who receives it badly, this can actually be dangerous and put the person in an even worse predicament. I bet you didn’t know that coming to Mass can be dangerous (don’t worry, the blessings far outweigh this risk :-). This Sunday you will be able to identify the way that you receive preaching, and whether this increases culpability or fosters ever growing abundance and blessing. |
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Learn about the Benefits of the Brown Scapular: This Sunday, 9:30 AM Through this sacramental endowed with the prayers of the Church, evil spirits are powerless when the wearer of a scapular faces temptation, calling upon the Holy Virgin. Pious legend holds that on July 16, 1251, the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Simon Stock, gave him the brown scapular and said “in which he that dieth shall not suffer eternal fire; behold the sign of salvation, a safeguard in danger, the covenant of peace and everlasting alliance.” My plan is to do the Brown Scapular teaching and enrollment outside because the schola (choir) is normally practicing inside beginning at 9:30 AM and I want to avoid interrupting them if possible. Also, you will probably want to purchase a brown scapular ahead of time to be blessed and so that you can be enrolled. No worries if you forget as we have a few extras on hand, though supplies are limited.
How the Bible Came Together Workshop: Two Spots Left. Last day to RSVP There are currently fourteen of us who have signed up to be at this much loved workshop that has been helpful to many people who are seeking truth, especially when it comes to the Bible and the foundations of the Christian faith. This evening will be led by myself, Father Mayer, who grew up as a devout Pentecostal, dug into atheism and Hinduism, then served for a time as an Episcopal Priest before joyfully becoming a Catholic Christian. Save your spot at this highly praised workshop while seats are still available. July 17, 6:30 – 8:30 PM at Queen of Angels Catholic Store. Please let me know if you are coming by today, July 13 so we can place the catered food order: office@stjamescc.org or text 904-999-1423
I met with the St. James Council this past Tuesday to finalize the presentation of the big plans that we have been working on and will be presenting for your input, thoughts, and ideas before moving forward. All of this will take place on July 23, the Sunday when we are celebrating our patron, St. James the Greater. At the 12:00 PM catered meal on that day I will be presenting our big news. To be part of all of this, you need to RSVP by this Sunday, July 16 so that we know how much food to order. Thanks.
Hanna Park Summer Fun, Saturday, August 5, 2023, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM Join the St. James crew for a picnic under our reserved pavilion 5: splash pad, playground, trails, beach. Pack a picnic meal so that we can all eat together and then head on over to the beach or anywhere in the park that you would like. Please let me know if you are coming by August 3, 2023. Parking is $5. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, 500 Wonderwood Drive, Jacksonville, FL
Getting Last Rites Right before its Too Late – Most Recent Homily Learn about the Anointing of the Sick, one of the most misunderstood sacraments. The Last Rites of the Church provide innumerable graces, consolations and the strength needed to make that great leap from time to eternity. Learn about the power of this sacrament, who can get it and when to get it and why earlier is better than later. Listen to this and my other homilies at StJamesCC.org/Homilies or by searching “Fr. Mayer’s Preaching & Teaching” wherever you get your podcasts
General Fund Giving for June: $7,281.60 | Monthly Average Giving for past twelve months: $7,176.09 (average giving at this same time last year: $6,005.93). Help us increase our monthly average giving to $11,000 in order to move into a leased space allowing for daily Mass, 24/7 prayer, classes, gatherings, meetings, space for children’s ministry, an office for Fr. Mayer. At our current growth rate, we hope to meet this goal during 2024 or earlier. Capital Fund Giving for June: $2,070 | Needed for buildout in space we hope to lease and for other long term purchases such as a tabernacle, altar, comfortable chairs, speakers, signage, art and statues. June Expenses: $5,589.45 | Covers quarter of priest’s support, half of pension, travel, liturgical supplies, music, building rent and liability insurance, advertising, bishop’s tax, almsgiving, hospitality
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Check out More Upcoming Events at the Website
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Faithfully, your pastor, Father Mayer |
Preaching and culpability, Exciting Announcement, Finance update 7/13/23
