Coffee and Donuts -All guests from other parishes are welcome to join us after the 8AM and 10AM Masses for a light breakfast.
Feast of the Assumption—Aug 15 - The Feast of the Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning that all Catholics are required to attend Mass on this day, Monday, August 15th. Masses at Mater Dei will be:
Youth Group - Our next Youth Group event will be a Field Day with athletic and other outdoor competitions on Saturday, August 20th, from 6PM - 9PM. The Youth Group is open to young people ages 13 - 18. For more information contact us at youthgroup@materdeipa.com
Young Adult Meeting - Our next Young Adult Group Meeting is on Saturday, August 13, beginning at 5:30pm. For those new to the group, Fr. Flick gives a talk and leads us in a Rosary. This is followed by plenty of time to mingle and socialize with food and drink. To RSVP or get more information contact Brittany Stewart at Bvasilak816@gmail.com. If you'd like to bring a dish or beverage please do! This will be Fr. Flick’s last meeting, and a good opportunity to say thank you.
Fr. Flick Transfer - Fr. Flick is being assigned to the FSSP apostolate in San Diego. His last Sunday with us will be August 28.
Convert Class - In September we are beginning a Convert Class taught by Fr. Eichman which will be held Tuesday evenings at 7pm in a classroom behind the Church. The class will run approximately 90 minutes, is designed to cover the basic teachings of the Church, and will use the Third Baltimore Catechism. While designed for those entering the Church and adults who have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation, this class is open to all.
Mass Intentions - On account of the large number of Mass intentions currently scheduled, we will not be taking any new intentions until the fall. When we begin taking intentions again, an announcement will be placed in the bulletin.
2017 Confirmation Ceremony - Bishop Gainer will be conferring the sacrament of Confirmation on those currently preparing for this sacrament on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 11:00am. Those with children who are not enrolled in our Confirmation Class should contact the parish office for verification that they are on track to complete all requirements and also to be placed on our confirmandi contact list.
Saint Lawrence
St. Lawrence is highly extolled by the Fathers and held in great veneration by all Christian nations. “As Jerusalem was glorified by Stephen, so is Rome renowed by its Lawrence from the rising to the setting of the sun,” says the holy Pope Leo in a sermon on the feast of this Saint. Spain is regarded as his native country; but he was brought up and educated in Rome. Sixtus II ordained him deacon and made him the first of the seven deacons of the Roman Church, wherefore he is also called Archdeacon of the Pope. This was a most important office; for it included the administration of the treasures of the Church. Exceedingly glorious is the martyrdom of the young Levite. When Pope Sixtus II was being dragged to the Catacombs for execution, Lawrence cried out to him: “Whither goest thou, Father, without thy son? Where art thou hastening, holy priest, without thy deacon? Never wert thou accustomed to offer the Holy Sacrifice without thy minister.” And how singularly consoling are the words of the high-priest to his deacon: “I am not forsaking thee, my son, greater combats await thee. Cease to weep, after three days thou wilt follow me, the Levite, his priest.”
During those three days the deacon hastened through the city, distributed the goods of the Church to the needy and in so doing he wrought several miracles. To the prefect of the city who ordered him to deliver up the treasures of the Church, he presented the poor of Christ as the treasures of the Church. On this account the heathen became enraged, and subjected the young hero to all manner of torments. St. Lawrence was scourged, struck with leaden balls, stretched on the rack, burned with red hot metallic plates. The judge then threatened him with an entire night of tortures. Radiant with an unearthly brightness, the intrepid sufferer exclaimed, “For me this night has no darkness, but breaks forth into the bright light of day.” Afterwards he was laid on a burning gridiron, whence he addressed the tyrant, “Behold, wretch, the power of my God; your heat for me is refreshing coolness, but it will end for you in inextinguishable fire.”
~The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Rev. Nicholas Ghir