This weekend’s second collection is the annual Mission Appeal which is conducted by the Propagation of the Faith. Each year we have a different missionary from somewhere in the world come to speak to us about the missions and to solicit our support.

This year we have a Maryknoll Lay Missionary, Heidi Cerneka, who is here to share with us her experience in Brazil. Maryknoll has a special place in my heart since I had an aunt who was a member of the Cloistered Maryknoll Sisters in Ossining, New York for many years until her death in the mid-seventies. Their primary vocation in life was to pray for all their missionaries throughout the world. I have many fond memories of visiting that cloister when I was growing up. Although we were not able have any physical contact with her until after the Second Vatican Council, the warmth and welcome we always felt as a family will long be remembered. She was my father’s youngest sister; he had one older sister who was also a religious, a School Sister of Notre Dame. They both died fairly young but obviously left a deep impression upon me and my siblings.

I know you will be your usual generous selves when the collection basket comes around.

On another note, I will be leaving today (Sunday) for a couple of weeks’ vacation. I am grateful to Fr. Simon will be covering for me during this time and for his presence this summer. He has been having some interesting experiences and I hope memorable ones as well.

When I return it will be parish picnic weekend. Don’t forget to mark your calendar, August 24th at the Elks.