Memorial of St. Alphonsus Liguori | Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Eternity: Today is the Memorial of St. Alphonsus Ligouri. He said something that is worth pondering: “From all eternity, God has loved you.” This is not something we have earned. It’s a gift to be received and lived.
You Matter: We all have questions that come from our hearts: “Why am I here?” “Where am I going?” “How do I get there?” These questions will be answered at our second annual Eucharistic Conference in Hays next weekend. I am looking forward to seeing many of you there. Please know that if you haven’t signed up yet you can still register or simply attend and register at the door.
What Matters to God: This weekend’s readings are challenging and good for us. From the Book of Ecclesiastes, the author states that “all is vanity.” The writer laments that he has gained many possessions for himself, and yet, what will happen to those possessions? Possessions don’t mean happiness. Jesus tells a parable about a man who stores his possessions for himself. Jesus desires us to store treasure in heaven. St. Francis said, “the only thing we take with us to heaven is what we’ve given away.”
Tipton: I am looking forward to attending the Tipton Church Picnic, dinner and auction this weekend. The support for their school is quite amazing!
Faith and Knowledge: Praying for a peaceful school year for all our teachers, students, staff and families. May all our young people experience God’s love for them this year.
Sems: Also praying for our 16 seminarians this year. I thoroughly enjoyed the two seminarian dinners this past week. Thank you to all those that attended and all those who support the diocese.
Marian: Currently, there are about 50,000 Vietnamese people from all over the country, including many from our diocese, attending the Marian Days in Carthage, Missouri. Their faith is inspiring!
Assumption: Speaking of our Blessed Mother, I look forward to celebrating Mass at our parishes who are named after the Assumption of Mary (Clifton and Herndon) for their Feast on August 15.
Campaign: Our spiritual campaign in our diocese to promote Eucharistic Adoration for peace has become national news. However, what brought me the greatest joy was a letter I received from a parishioner who shared several stories of people in his parish and the impact adoration has on them. Spending time with Jesus is the best!
Laity: I keep hearing about new initiatives starting up by the laity to help people in need, such as migrants and the poor. Thank you!
Blessings on all your endeavors. Hope you are enjoying fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and all the other goodies that come from our gardens.
Please know of my love and prayers!
Bishop Vincke