A Call To The Wedding Banquet As we reflect on this 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time the Gospel brings us into the heart of a powerful invitation. We hear the parable of the king who prepares a magnificent wedding banquet for his son. It is a vivid image of God’s boundless love, an invitation extended to each of us to share in the joy and abundance of the Kingdom. Yet the parable also carries an important challenge: we are summoned, but we must come prepared. When the king encounters a guest who is not wearing a wedding garment, we are reminded that responding to God’s invitation means more than simply showing up. It calls for a change of heart and a life shaped by grace. We are called to clothe ourselves in faith, charity, and good works so that we are ready to celebrate the banquet of salvation. Speaking of new beginnings, while I was recently away on my cruise to Alaska with my family, I totally revamped my personal website which always has the Sunday homily and other faith resources. I am constantly adding new material, so check it out. There is a page with the most recent updates. The website address is www.thegraceofpentecost.com. May the upcoming weeks find us preparing ourselves for the wedding feast of the Lamb by first and foremost always coming to Mass with an expectant faith and joyful heart. Have a blessed week! In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Christ, the Cornerstone of Our Lives In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the unfaithful tenants and concludes with a solemn warning: “The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it” (Matthew 21:43). The vineyard represents God’s people and the life entrusted to us. God lovingly cultivates us, gives us His grace, and calls us to bear fruits of goodness, justice, and holiness. Yet the parable also reveals how easily pride, selfishness, and resistance can lead us to reject God’s will. The servants sent by the owner are mistreated, and finally the owner’s beloved son is cast out and killed. In this son we recognize Jesus Christ, rejected and crucified by the world, yet raised from the dead to become “the very stone which the builders rejected” and the cornerstone of God’s plan. A cornerstone gives stability and direction to an entire building. In the same way, Christ must be the foundation of our personal lives, our families, and our communities. Without Him, our efforts may appear successful for a time, but they lack the lasting strength and purpose that come from God. With Him, even suffering and weakness can become part of a greater plan of love. The Church, as the People of the New Covenant, exists in Christ, through Christ, and for Christ. Therefore, every renewal in the Church begins with a renewed awareness of our living union with Him. We are not called merely to admire Jesus from a distance, but to remain close to Him as branches remain joined to the vine. Only by abiding in Christ can we bear fruit that endures. This Gospel also invites us to examine how we are caring for the vineyard entrusted to us. Are we offering God the fruits of faith, compassion, forgiveness, and service? Do our choices reflect gratitude for all that He has placed in our hands? Authority, responsibility, and leadership, whether in the Church, the family, the workplace, or society, are not privileges for personal gain. They are invitations to serve God and others faithfully. As we continue through this month of the Holy Rosary, we entrust ourselves to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who leads us always to her Son. We also give thanks for the Guardian Angels, whom the Church venerates as ministers of God’s loving care. From the beginning of life until its end, God surrounds each person with His protection and guidance. May we remain firmly anchored in Christ, the true cornerstone. May our lives produce fruits worthy of the Kingdom, and may Mary and the holy Angels help us to recognize God’s presence, resist evil, and reveal His goodness in the world. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Parents: The First Teachers of Faith As we begin another year of our Faith Formation program, we are grateful for the opportunity to walk with families as they grow in knowledge and love of God. Our parish program plays an important role, but it is important to remember that parents are the primary educators of their children in the ways of faith. Faith is not formed only in a classroom or during a weekly lesson. Children learn about God through the daily example of their parents and guardians: through prayer at home, participation in Sunday worship, acts of kindness and forgiveness, conversations about faith, and the way family life reflects the love of Christ. The lessons children receive at church are strengthened when they see those lessons lived at home. This responsibility can sometimes be neglected, not because parents do not care, but because family life is busy and faith can easily be pushed aside. Yet no one has a greater influence on a child’s spiritual life than the people who love and guide them each day. Parents do not need to have all the answers. They simply need to make room for God, seek Him together with their children, and model a willingness to learn and grow. As a parish family, we are here to support parents in this sacred calling. May this year’s Faith Formation program be more than a series of classes. May it be an invitation for every family to deepen its relationship with God and to make faith a living part of daily life. Please also consider participating in our ChristLife program. It will provide an excellent opportunity for everyone to be strengthened in their inner being through the grace of the Holy Spirit (cf. Ephesians 3:14–19). Let us begin this year with renewed commitment, trusting that the seeds of faith planted in the home, nurtured by the parish community, and strengthened by God’s grace can bear abundant fruit in the lives of our children. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Dear Parish Family, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped put together the All-Parish Family Picnic last weekend. A special word of thanks goes to Janet Pennacchi Dahlquist, who helped organize everything. While we weren’t blessed with great weather this year, we were blessed with excellent food and hospitality, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I once again want to express my gratitude to everyone in our parish family who has demonstrated faith and trust as we move through the Partners in the Gospel program. I wish you all a most blessed weekend! In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Here is a polished version with grammatical and stylistic revisions: Dear Parish Family, In his landmark apostolic exhortation *Christifideles Laici, Saint John Paul II reminded us of a fundamental truth of our faith: “The lay faithful are never separated from the Church, for they are the Church.” He called each of us, by virtue of our Baptism, to be “laborers in the vineyard,” actively participating in Christ’s mission in our world today. Often, we might think that “ministry” is reserved for priests or religious. Yet the heart of our mission as lay faithful is to be Christ-bearers in our families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. To live out this call, however, we must first deepen our personal relationship with the One who calls us: Jesus Christ. This is why I am so excited to announce that our parish will be hosting ChristLife. We had a wonderful training session on Saturday, August 29, and had the opportunity to meet the leadership team who will be helping us with this ministry. ChristLife is not just another parish program; it is an opportunity for a renewed encounter with the living God. Through its sessions, we are invited to journey together—to listen, to share, and to grow in our understanding of what it means to truly follow Him amid the complexities of modern life. Whether you have been a lifelong Catholic or are just beginning to explore your faith, ChristLife offers a space to ask the big questions and encounter the joy of the Gospel. It is an essential step in becoming the “laborers” that our community and our world so desperately need. I invite you to prayerfully consider participating in this upcoming experience. Let us respond to the Lord’s call with open hearts, ready to be transformed and, in turn, to transform our corner of the world. More details about registration and session times will be provided in the near future. Please keep this initiative in your prayers. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Strength in the Inner Self One of my favorite Scripture passages is Ephesians 3:14–21. In this prayer, St. Paul asks for a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in our inner selves. I recently shared with you in a homily that I had a powerful experience during Mass in which the Lord showed me that He accomplishes this wonderful work each time we receive Holy Communion. While reading The Imitation of Christ, I came across a prayer that reinforces what St. Paul was asking for the Christian community in Ephesus. I pray that you will feel the strength of the Holy Spirit guiding you through whatever challenges you may be facing. Here is the prayer from The Imitation of Christ. A Prayer for Cleansing the Heart and Obtaining Heavenly Wisdom Strengthen me by the grace of Your Holy Spirit, O God. Give me the power to be strengthened inwardly and to empty my heart of all vain care and anxiety, so that I may not be drawn away by many desires, whether for precious things or for insignificant ones. Let me look upon everything as passing, and upon myself as soon to pass away with them, because there is nothing lasting under the sun, where all is vanity and affliction of spirit. How wise is the person who thinks thus! Give me, Lord, heavenly wisdom to learn, above all else, to seek and find You, to enjoy and love You more than anything, and to consider other things as they are, according to the order established by Your wisdom. Grant me prudence to avoid the flatterer and to bear patiently with those who disagree with me. For it is great wisdom not to be moved by the sound of words or to give ear to the wicked, flattering siren. Then I shall walk safely in the way I have begun. Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, Book III, Chapter 27

St. Barbara and the Knights of Columbus are excited to host the annual Oktoberfest Auction again on October 17th at 6:00 PM - Tickets on sale now! The evening will start with a silent auction. During dinner there will be a live auction and the ever popular Dessert Dash! Join us for a fun night of German fare and fellowship. To purchase tickets, donate auction items, or contribute a dessert for the dessert dash, email quinnkatie88@gmail.com.

St. Francis de Sales & Spiritual Encouragement This past week, a series of challenging events led me to revisit one of my favorite spiritual books by St. Francis de Sales. In Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales reminds us that holiness is not reserved for monks, priests, or those who live apart from the world. Every person, whatever their vocation, responsibilities, or circumstances, is called to grow in love for God. St. Francis teaches that devotion must fit the life we are actually living. A parent, student, worker, grandparent, or caregiver can become holy through ordinary duties performed with extraordinary love. Prayer, patience, kindness, forgiveness, and faithfulness are not small things when they are offered to God. He also encourages us to begin gently and faithfully. Spiritual growth is not achieved all at once. Like a garden, the soul needs daily care: time for prayer, reflection on God’s Word, participation in the sacraments, and a willingness to begin again after failure. God is patient with us, and we should learn to be patient with ourselves. True devotion, St. Francis reminds us, should make us more compassionate, joyful, humble, and charitable. If our faith does not touch the way we speak, work, forgive, and treat others, then it has not yet fully entered our hearts. This week, let us seek God not only in church or in moments of quiet prayer, but also in the ordinary responsibilities of life. May we discover that every moment can become an opportunity for love and that every day is an invitation to become more fully the person God created us to be. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop

Partnership With Hallow App We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Hallow, the leading Catholic prayer and meditation app. Through Hallow, you can access guided prayers, meditations, Bible readings, reflections, and much more. These resources are all available anytime and wherever you are. Whether you are beginning a daily prayer routine, looking for a few quiet moments of reflection, or hoping to deepen an already-established prayer life, Hallow offers meaningful resources for every season of life. This new partnership will provide us with a wonderful opportunity to grow closer to Christ and to one another through prayer. As a parish family, we will be able to support our mission in new ways by praying together, exploring shared spiritual resources, and encouraging one another in our journey of faith. We look forward to discovering the many ways Hallow can help us make prayer a more consistent and enriching part of our daily lives. There will be exciting opportunities for our parish to participate together, and we hope this partnership will strengthen our sense of community and deepen our commitment to prayer. More information will follow, as I have scheduled an orientation toward the end of the month. Please watch for additional details about how you can get started and become involved. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

Hearing The Still Small Voice Of God Our first reading today is an important reminder of how difficult it can be to hear the voice of God in a world filled with so much noise and distraction. Elijah’s faith had already been tested before this incident. Jezebel had threatened to take his life, so he fled and told the Lord that it was too much for him and asked Him to take his life (cf. 1 Kings 19:4). An angel then appeared and told him to eat a hearth cake and drink some water, warning him that otherwise the journey to Mount Horeb would be too much for him. This reminds us that neglecting our physical well-being can have a very negative impact on our souls and our faith. The Lord often does not speak to us through dramatic signs, but through the “still small voice” or whisper, as He did with Elijah. Our world is filled with noise and with the desire to be noticed and affirmed through social media, and we often fail to hear that voice. Below is a beautiful passage from The Imitation of Christ that expresses the desire to hear the Lord’s beautiful voice, which gives us the guidance and strength we need for our spiritual journey. In the words of the psalmist, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Have a blessed week! In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor “I will hear what the Lord God will speak within me.” Blessed is the soul who hears the Lord speaking within her, who receives the word of consolation from His lips. Blessed are the ears that catch the accents of divine whispering and pay no heed to the murmurings of this world. Blessed indeed are the ears that listen, not to the voice that sounds without, but to the truth that teaches within. Blessed are the eyes that are closed to exterior things and fixed upon those that are interior. Blessed are those who penetrate inwardly and try daily to prepare themselves more and more to understand mysteries. Blessed are those who long to give their time to God and who cut themselves off from the hindrances of the world. Consider these things, my soul, and close the door of your senses so that you can hear what the Lord your God speaks within you. “I am your salvation,” says your Beloved. “I am your peace and your life. Remain with Me, and you will find peace. Dismiss all passing things and seek the eternal. What are all temporal things but snares? And what help will all creatures be able to give you if you are deserted by the Creator?” Leave all these things, therefore, and make yourself pleasing and faithful to your Creator so that you may attain true happiness. (Book 3, Chapter 1)

Champions For Christ I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who participated in Cathletics Vacation Bible School this year at St. Barbara Parish from July 27 through July 31. It was such a joy to join you and witness the joy and creativity involved in engaging our children as they learned more about our Catholic faith and God’s marvelous plan for our lives. Our leaders and volunteers put so much time and effort into providing a beautiful atmosphere and experience for the children. It was wonderful to see how much they learned and enjoyed during our closing family Mass and barbecue. Once again, this experience reminded me how blessed I am to be part of our parish family. Thank you, everyone, for your love and dedication in sharing our faith with our children so that they may grow up knowing that, in His goodness, the Lord has a marvelous future filled with hope for each one of them when they seek Him with all their hearts (cf. Jeremiah 29:11). You are all truly “Champions for Christ.” In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

An Invitation To ChristLife This fall our parish will offer ChristLife, a parish-centered evangelization and discipleship program designed to help people encounter Jesus, grow in faith, and learn to share the Gospel in everyday life. Whether you’re new to church, returning after time away, or a long-time parishioner seeking to go deeper, ChristLife meets you where you are and helps you take the next step. What is ChristLife? A simple, three-part process focused on relationship with Jesus: Discover (an invitation to meet Christ), Follow (growth in Christian life and habits), and Share (training to witness and invite others). Sessions combine prayer, short teaching, small-group conversation, and personal reflection, rooted in Scripture and the Church’s tradition. Designed to be warm, practical, and welcoming to people at every stage of faith. Why consider ChristLife? Encounter Christ more personally through Scripture, prayer, and community. Grow in confidence to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). Build supportive small groups and a culture of invitation in parish life. Equip yourself to live and share the faith with charity and clarity in family, work, and neighborhood. What to expect A welcoming environment where honest questions and real-life struggles are honored. Short, engaging sessions that foster conversation and spiritual growth. Opportunities to deepen prayer life, learn practical ways to witness, and join others on the journey of discipleship. A personal invitation I warmly invite you to consider taking part in ChristLife this Fall. Come with an open heart. Together, let us grow in our love of Christ and our ability to share that love with others. Our first training day will take place in late August and more information will be forthcoming. In Christ, Fr. James Northrop, Pastor