Spirit of the Eagle – July 2017

Spiritual Tidbits for July from Father Tim

Samuel Johnson (1709 – 1784), the great English writer and devout Anglican, wrote, “That man is little to be envied, whose patriotism would not gain force upon the plain of Marathon, or whose piety would not grow warmer among the ruins of Iona.” The patriotic month of July has arrived and I’m sure many of us will be enjoying the fireworks and flag-waving again this year with enthusiasm. Listen to the Christian enthusiasm of some of our nations founding fathers: “The Christian religion is, above all the religions that ever prevailed or existed in ancient or modern times, the religion of wisdom, virtue, equity and humanity.” ~ John Adams. “I . . . [rely] upon the merits of Jesus Christ for a pardon of all my sins.” ~ Samuel Adams. “To the triune God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost – be ascribed all honor and dominion, forevermore – Amen.” ~ Gunning Bedford. “On the mercy of my Redeemer I rely for salvation and on His merits, not on the works I have done in obedience to His precepts.” ~ Charles Carroll. “As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the system of morals and His religion as He left them to us, the best the world ever saw or is likely to see.” ~ Benjamin Franklin. “Sensible of the importance of Christian piety and virtue to the order and happiness of a state, I cannot but earnestly commend to you every measure for their support and encouragement.” ~ John Hancock. “The great pillars of all government and of social life [are] virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone, that renders us invincible.” ~ Patrick Henry. We should also have an even stronger enthusiasm to holiness. An Iona holiness. Iona Abby is on the West Coast of Scotland. It is one of the oldest Christian religious centers in Western Europe. The abbey was a focal point for the spread of Christianity throughout Scotland and marks the foundation of a monastic community by St. Columba. Iona was first attacked by Viking raiders in 795 A.D. From that point on down through the centuries it was either being attacked, burned, sacked, or destroyed. In 1899 it was rebuilt and Iona is, once again, a community of Christians and place of pilgrimage. I pray that your July is full of invincible holiness. ~ Father Tim

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In our own efforts we always fail, and therein we cannot apprehend Him. But where He works and we endure, there, by that enduring, we apprehend Him beyond all our efforts. ~ John of Ruysbroeck

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Bible Study

Our next bible study class will be on July 16th and will continue uninterrupted until the Labor Day holiday.  When we do pick back up, we will start in Acts chapter 4. Bible Study is held from 9:30 – 10:15. This is a wonderful opportunity to pray, learn more about the Bible, or both! Please come downstairs to the Parish Hall if you would like to attend the Bible Study. This group is learning much and having a wonderful time doing so! Please come and bring a friend!

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July Coffee Hour

The Butler family will host a Coffee Hour on the 9th of July for Savannah. She will be leaving us at the end of August to study in Paris, France with several other Asbury University students. She will be very busy in the month of August preparing for her journey (and so will Fr. Tim and Janet). Please come and join us for some food and fellowship!

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July Spirituality Class

Please join us after Holy Mass on the 16th July as we watch a movie based on a real life miracle. It is a family movie chocked full of love and hope. If you don’t believe in miracles, you will after this film. You will be surprised by the ending! Bring your own popcorn!

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So the height of the divinity, humbled to the earth, and joined with your humanity, made the Bridge and re-formed the road. Why was this done? In order that man might come to his true happiness with the angels. And observe it is not enough, in order that you should have life, that My Son should have made you this Bridge, unless you walk thereon. ~ St. Catherine of Siena

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Psalm-Children

“And I also say to you that you are Peter; and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (NKJV Matthew 16:18). During the month of June the children focused on the fact that we, the fellowship of baptized Christians, are the church. This month, the children will learn a bit more about what is inside the church building. July 2 Father Neuroth will give the children a tour of the church as well as discuss some of the history of St. John’s. July 16 Savannah Butler will cover the altar and vestments. In addition, on Saturday July 15, there will be a Psalm Children field trip to Big Bone Lick State Park with a focus on appreciation of God’s creation and a reminder that prayer can occur wherever we are. Looking ahead, I would like to meet with all current teachers, parents, and those interested in helping with the Psalm Children Ministry on August 6 after mass. As always, children ages 2-12 are encouraged to attend. ~ Mary Matias Akhtar

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July Birthdays & Anniversaries

Suzie McHale – Birthday – July 1
Heather & Tim Grothaus – Anniversary – July 3
Leslie & Mike Shelton – Anniversary – July 9
Trudie Baur – Birthday – July 14
Judie Boughner – Birthday – July 21
Micheal Fraser – Birthday – July 26
Joanna Kleier – Birthday – July 29
Juanita Marvin – Birthday – July 30
Tom Hulsey – Birthday – July 30
Mike Lenz – Birthday – July 31