Often a crisis point becomes such a time of upheaval that you can forget you have many strengths with which to cope. For example, a woman who loses her job may forget that she still has excellent physical health and a strong emotional disposition, both of which are powerful strengths for moving forward and obtaining a new position.
If you are facing a stressful period in your life, take the time to take an inventory of your strengths. Ask yourself, What do I have going for me? Write your answers. Perhaps your list will look similar to this one:
●       Excellent physical health
●           Mental stability
●           Ability to persevere
●           Good friends
●           Supportive family
●           A university degree or trade skill
●          Some money in the bank for a "rainy" day
●          No major financial obligations
●          A deep faith in God
●          Connection to a church
●          A sensitive and compassionate pastor

Today the psalmist acknowledges, "You girded me with strength...." .  God created you with inborn strengths. As you grow, God continues to have your strengths develop, mature, and expand so that when tough times come, you can tap into those strengths.

SOURCE:    Daily Strength: One Year of Experiencing the Psalms,Victor M. Parachin,                 page 261

Loving God, I thank you for creating me rich in imagination,
for creating me rich in creativity, for creating me rich in strength.
Now, empower me to use your good gifts
to shape, manage, and direct my crisis
to a successful outcome.                      Victor M. Parachin

REFLECTION
    The following are the scripture readings for next Sunday.  We invite you to prepare for the Sunday Mass by reflecting upon these readings.
First Reading     Exodus 32: 7-11, 13-14
    How important are material goods to you? Do you put success and money at the top of your list? Remember you must always keep the focus of your life on Christ, and His teachings? Would the Lord ever think you are stiff necked?
Psalm       51
    Do you look upon Christ as your heavenly Father? Do you try to pray the Our Father at least once a day? Do you often say an Act of Contrition asking to be cleansed from all your sin? We all need God’s mercy and love to get through this world.
Second Reading     1 Timothy 1: 12-17
    St. Paul feels he is the foremost sinner. Where does that leave you and me? Does it comfort you to know that Christ came to save sinners? Do you feel you frequent the Sacrament of Reconciliation  often enough? Are you prepared to change your ways for Christ?
Gospel     Luke 15: 1-32
    Are you a loving and understanding parent? Like children, are you always willing to say you are sorry and seek forgiveness? Reflect on the importance of family love and understanding. Remember, loving others starts at home. Never be jealous. Would you have been as understanding as the younger son’s father?

Dear God,
The holidays are over and we return to school for a new year.  May it be for us all a new start: a chance to surprise ourselves at what we can achieve, a new opportunity to make friends and to make this school a community where everyone can feel at home.

SOURCE:    The Lion Book of 1000 Prayers for Children, Lois Rock, page 103

OFFERTORY COLLECTION FOR THE WEEKENDS OF     
August 21 and 22:    $4,638.56
August 28 and 29:    $4,930.60
Thank you for your continued generous support.     

ST. PATRICK’S MERCY HOME FOUNDATION
    The 3rd Emerald Auction and Dinner in support of St. Patrick’s Mercy Home will be held Thursday, September 16, 6:30 pm at Holiday Inn (St. John’s). Cost $60. (tax incl.). Call Jim at 726-2687 ext. 229 for tickets or information.

2010 CANADIAN JESUIT MARTYRS’ AWARD
    Congratulations to Michael Greeley this year’s recipient of the Canadian Jesuit Martyrs’ Award.
    The bursary valued at $500. is awarded to a graduating high school student who is a member of this parish and who demonstrates attendance at a post-secondary institution. The characteristics exhibited by the recipient should be: intellectually competent, open to growth, religious,  loving and committed to justice in the generous service to the people of God.

NEW PASTOR
    The transition from Father Mike O’Donnell, SJ to Father Wayne Bolton, SJ will take place at the 11 am Mass on this Sunday, September 5. Father Provincial, Father Jim Webb, SJ will be present.

PARISH OFFICE CLOSED ... MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
    The Parish Office will be closed Monday, September 6, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

MASS OF THANKSGIVING
    There will be a special Mass of Thanksgiving for our Jesuit Jubilarians, Father Charles Holland, SJ and Father Joe Schuck, SJ on Wednesday, September 8 at 7:30 pm.  We will also celebrate Father Jack Hall’s, SJ departure for a new assignment in Toronto.  A reception will follow in the Parish Hall following the Mass.  All are welcome.

CHOIR PRACTICE
    Choir practice will resume Thursday, September 9,
    7:30  pm in the Church.  New  members are welcome.  For more information, please call Mary Brennan -
747-5874.

EVENING MASSES
    The Monday and  Tuesday 7:30 pm evening Masses will resume September 13.   Tuesday evening Confessions will  resume September 14 at 6:40 pm.
   
FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER
    On  September 9, bells around the world mark the Magic Minute" at 9:09 am for the "The FASD Bell Concordance." The bell idea is used as there is a purity about bells that reminds us of the innocence of children. Everyone is invited to come to the steps of Confederation Building to ring a bell and share in a minute of reflection at 9:09 am on Thursday, September  9,  with the FASD Regional Committee and the general public, while bells will be rang in honour of this important day. 
    For more information call 752-4926.

CALLING ALL PARENTS:  REGISTRATION
    Our Liturgy of the Word programs for children and youth and our sacramental preparation programs for First Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation will resume in October.
    Registration will take place on Sunday, September 19 and Sunday, September 26 in the Parish Hall, before and after the 11 am Mass.  More details in next week’s bulletin.  If you have any questions, please see Maria Kelsey or one of the volunteers at Registration.  The registration fee for all programs (both sacramental and Liturgy of the Word) will be $20 per person with a maximum cost of $35.
    Families who reside within parish boundaries or who regularly worship at St. Pius X are eligible to register for these programs.  
Deadline for registration is Sunday, September 26.

HELP WANTED
    Are you interested in helping with our Liturgy of the Word or sacramental preparation programs for children and youth?  There are many ways you can help.  Why not phone us at the Parish Office - 754-0170, or e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   to find out more about this rewarding and exciting ministry.

CLOSE TO HOME - LONG TERM CARE IN OUR PROVINCE
    The Department of Health and Community Services is developing a strategy for providing long-term care and community services in our province.  There are a series of consultations being held to discuss “Close to Home” a vision for the future.  There will be hearing on Thursday, September 9, 2 - 4 pm and 7 - 9 pm at Holiday Inn.
    Many of our parishioners have been or are currently caring for family members at home or in personal care or in nursing homes.  Because of our experience, we have many valuable insights to share with government representatives.
    Everyone is invited to attend these meetings.  Come along to help to plan for the future.
    Copies of Close to Home are available at the tables and the Church and Chapel entrances.

VOCATIONS NEWS
St. John Vianney Vocations Support Group
    The next meeting will take place Monday, September 13, 7 pm at Mary Queen of Peace Church.  This meeting is open to men between the ages of 18-50 who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.  If you require more information or plan to attend, please contact Father Steve Courtney - 279-1625 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .


PROMOTING AND CELEBRATING A CULTURE OF LIFE  - A MORNING OF
LEARNING AND DISCUSSION FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE OF ST. JOHN’S                 
“I came that you may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
    Archbishop Currie has declared Sunday, October 3rd “Respect Life Sunday” in the Archdiocese of St. John’s, as it is throughout all of Canada. To help us prepare, the Office of Adult Faith Formation, in collaboration with the Right to Life Association, invites you to a morning of reflection, discussion and learning on Saturday, September 11th. During this morning, we will focus on the various issues that are of concern to us as Catholics, as human beings, and as sisters and brothers in God’s great web of life. Together, we will explore issues and topics that touch on life from conception through to natural death. You will hear good speakers who have important and informative insights to share. We will share insights about what it means for us to live out of a vision of a consistent ethic of life that respects all, particularly those who need our advocacy because their voices are less likely to be heard in society—the poor, the mentally or physically challenged, the elderly and the unborn.
    This will be held Saturday, September 11, 9 am – 12 noon, at the Episcopal Library, Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre.  No registration required. All are welcome.  The cost is a non-perishable food item to be donated to Emmaus House.
    For more information, contact Anne Walsh, Director of Adult Faith Formation at 726-3660.
   
MUN CHAPLAINCY NEWS
    If you, your child, or your grandchild will be attending MUN this year, please drop by the Chaplaincy Booth at MUN Orientation on September 7th to meet your Roman Catholic Chaplains Noreen Yetman and Anne Walsh.
    MUN Chaplaincy is also hosting a Chaplain Welcome Back Party for its students on Wednesday September 8th, 7 pm at St. John’s Chapel. Come meet your Chaplains, other students and enjoy pizza, music and have some fun!
    On Sunday September 12th, there will be Mass at the St. John’s Chapel at 4 pm. Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Martin Currie.
    Mass will be celebrated each week at the St. John’s Chapel with priests from the Archdiocese presiding. All are welcome! 
 
Fall Retreat
    MUN Catholic Community will be hosting a Fall Retreat on Saturday, September 25th at Mary Queen of Peace Parish.  Further details next week.