School Days

August brings all the enthusiasm for the start of a new academic year.  The teachers are already coming in for meetings and room preparations.  We held a joint faculty meeting for both schools (St. Raphael and St. Gabriel) on August 8.  Fr. Lawson and I spoke to the topic of “Catholic Identity” in our schools and the important aspects of setting our education in the framework of our Catholic teaching. 

Please keep an eye out as we begin the school year for children walking to school.

First Day for St. Raphael:  August 12

First Day for St. Gabriel:  August 18

Gabriel House

If all goes as planned, the remediation of Gabriel House will begin on August 11, or thereabouts.  To allay any concerns, the work is handled by industry standards with all residue properly bagged and removed to a secured container.  Air monitoring is conducted the entire time to assure the success of the work which will take about a month to complete.

As to the rest of the entire project, the committee has spent the summer meeting with the architect and construction manager trying to address issues of costs, scope of project and adjustments. 

Annual Catholic Appeal

Many thanks to all who supported the Annual Catholic Appeal.  This collection helps support a wide range of charities and agencies of the Archdiocese serving many of those in most need.  There is still time to contribute and all gifts are appreciated.

August 15, Feast of the Assumption of Mary

The holy day of obligation honors our Blessed Mother being taken to heaven after her life on earth was completed.  Masses at St. Gabriel’s will be on August 15 at 6 am, 8 am, 12 Noon, and 6 pm

Masses at St. Raphael’s will be on August 14 at 5 pm and August 15 at 8 am.

St. Patrick’s Old Rock Church Picnic

Looking for an old-fashioned country picnic?  St. Patrick’s Old Rock Church located past Pacific, MO is holding their picnic on August 17 beginning with 11 am Mass (with Fr. Molini) and the picnic follows.  Great fried chicken and beef dinners are served “family-style” and there are games and music as well.  The picnic supports this historic church built in the mid-1800’s by Irish immigrants and stands as it did:  no electricity, plumbing, heating or cooling.  It is a beautiful example of a historic building built by the faith and devotion of the local community.  The address is: 150 Rock Church Rd, Catawissa, MO 63015.  Google the directions and come on out…it’s about a 50-minute drive.