June 23, 2024

It has been a good start to summer and I know many people have been enjoying getting out for some well-deserved vacations.  I will be taking some time the end of July for a hiking trip in the Adirondacks with several of my brothers and a brother-in-law.

I want to encourage you as you travel to keep this website handy:  https://masstimes.org/

With this you can find Mass virtually anywhere in America.  Not only is this a great way to experience different parishes, it is an important way to grow your life of faith.  A helpful measuring tool to rate the importance and priority of something in your life is the convenience marker.  Do I do something only when it is convenient and easy or am I willing to do something when it is inconvenient for me?  When something in my life – my life of faith, an important relationship, exercise, etc. – moves from being done only when it is convenient to even when it is inconvenient, a really important step has taken place. 

When you are traveling you might be looking for some good material to listen to.  Consider the Hallow app.  https://hallow.com/ 

 This app is a treasure trove of resources.  I have been hearing from more and more people how much they appreciate it.  I often will use it to pray the Rosary as I am driving or to listen to a Sunday homily on my drive back home for the day off.  (I find it can be good to listen to someone other than myself!)

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast:  It is available on any podcast player or here at this link:  https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/frmikepodcast/

Fr. Mike is a great resource who can succinctly, clearly, and accessibly talk about any range of topics.  I particularly enjoy these podcasts that are roughly 6-8 minutes on a wide variety of questions. 

For the young men of our parish: there is a men’s discernment retreat coming up in July.  It is geared for giving guys 16-25 tools for better discernment.  Those who went last year took a lot away from it. 

More information and registration can be found here:https://www.stfrancis.ws/discernment  

God Bless,

Fr. Todd