Dear Parishioners:
I am blessed as I prepare to celebrate my second year as pastor here at Annunziata. Many thanks for all your kind words and prayers of support. This past year, I have been blessed to join in prayer with you and to share and support our faith together. I look forward to the new school year, with Mrs. Caroline Hall leading our PSR program.
The Church has also blessed us with so many Saints that continue to influence us these past ten days. On July 31st, we had St. Ignatius of Loyola who founded the Jesuits; on August 1st, St. Alphonsus Ligouri who founded the Redemptorists; and on August 8th, St. Dominic who founded the Dominicans. Each was unique in themselves and in their orders, but all were united in striving to bring people to Christ.
St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556) founded the Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits. Wounded in battle as a Spanish soldier, he had a spiritual conversion and decided to devote his life to God. Spending a year in extreme ascetic practices, he had mystical experiences that would be the basis for his book Spiritual Exercises, which became the foundational guide for the Jesuits and is used by many in leading retreats. While studying at the University of Paris, he gathered other students who would go with him to Rome to found the Jesuits. They soon established many universities, went out to the world as missionaries, and became recognized leaders in the Counter-Reformation, spreading the faithful teachings of the Catholic faith.
St. Alphonsus Ligouri (1696–1787) founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, or the Redemptorists. He became a lawyer at the age of 17 and practiced for eight years without losing a case. When he finally lost a case due to an oversight, he took it as a sign from God to leave that profession and become a priest. Through his book Moral Theology, his preaching, and his modest life, he strived to seek a balance in life.
St. Dominic (1170–1221) founded the Order of Preachers, or the Dominicans. Unlike Ignatius and Alphonsus, Dominic was raised to dedicate his life to the Church and to become a priest. Pope Innocent III approved the founding of the Dominican order to preach throughout various territories in opposition to heresies.
Also, tomorrow, August 4th, we celebrate St. John Vianney (1786–1859), the patron saint of parish priests—a man renowned as a confessor, pastor, and for his sanctity.
As we remember these saints and the gift of faith they shared with us, let us also strive as a community to bring Christ to those we meet. Let us pray for one another as we all seek to grow in holiness. Let us also be ambassadors and evangelizers of our faith community, spreading the Good News of Jesus and Ste. Genevieve by inviting men and women to join us in prayer.
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults — OCIA
This September, we will again start the process for men and women who are inquiring about the Catholic faith. OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the process through which adults enter into the Catholic faith. OCIA is a spiritual journey designed in phases and implemented through various rites. The participants' spiritual growth is encouraged and enhanced through weekly reflection on God’s Word and the teachings of Catholic doctrine and traditions. Please contact me if you are interested in joining the Church at 314.606.4181.
Becoming a Catholic is one of the most profound and joyous experiences of life. Some are blessed enough to receive this great gift as infants, growing over time into a recognition of the enormous grace that has been bestowed upon them—the dignity and wonder of their identity as Catholics. Others come into the Catholic fold as older children or adults. In these cases, it is important to understand the joyful process by which one becomes a Catholic.
If you know someone who might be interested in joining the Church—be that a family member, coworker, or neighbor—please contact the parish office with their name and phone number. Our parishioners are always the best evangelists. Your faith and how you live it will speak volumes to those around you.
Let us pray for those who are contemplating joining the Catholic faith and encourage them through our words, actions, and prayers. God bless you for sharing your faith!
Msgr. John Shamleffer
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