Text Box: TWELFTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME JUNE 22, 2008 Text Box: “The gracious gift of the one man, Jesus Christ - which is the forgiveness of all our sins – overflows to us all.” The more we start to really believe those words of St. Paul today - which is what we celebrate here at Mass each Sunday - the more we will do as Jesus says to us in today’s Gospel: “we will fear no one…. we will not be afraid.” When we come to Mass each Sunday, and as we pray every day, we should ask the Holy Spirit to help us to really start to do what the Bible says: “entrust your cause to the Lord... for He rescues your life” from all that threatens you. Start to believe that nothing happens to you without your Father caring about it. He loves you so much that He knows “how many hairs you have on your head.” He takes care of the tiny sparrows - but you are worth infinitely more to Him than anything else in His creation. Take time this summer - when hopefully you will have a little slower pace of life - to pray a little more. Ask the Holy Spirit to come to your heart, so that you might see that the greatest gift God gives you every week – is the gift you receive here at Mass on Sunday: the words of Truth, and the Body and Blood of Jesus, our Lord. The more we believe in what we hear and receive here, the more we will “speak in the light what the Lord says to you here” - the more we “proclaim it on the housetops.” Not many of us have been up on many housetops, proclaiming our faith lately, and so we need to keep asking the Holy Spirit for the faith and the courage to “acknowledge Jesus before others” by the witness of our faith in Him, by our love for others, which flows from His love within us. If you ask Him - “the Lord, in His great love, will answer you.” He will “acknowledge you before His heavenly Father” again this week, and no matter where you are: at work – at home – at Giant Eagle – at the beach - at Kennywood Park - the gift of Jesus’ love will “overflow for many others” - from you. Believe that it can happen . - Fr .John

CONGRATULATIONS TO MAIREAD AINE McCONNELL who was baptized last week in our parish.  We rejoice with her family for this sign of new life in our midst.

PLEASE PRAY FOR  MICHAEL TRPCIC Sr, father of Michael Trpcic who was buried this past week. To his family we  extend  our  sincere  sympathy and prayerful support.

BAPTISM  PREPARATION CLASS:  All expectant parents who plan to have their child baptized at St. Bonaventure Church are asked to attend a Baptism Preparation Class.  The class will be offered on Monday, July 14, 2008 at 7:30 PM in the Parish Library.  To reserve a place, please call 412-486-2606 x 200.

PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN: For those volunteering in ministries involving children, there are Protecting God's Children workshops held throughout the Pittsburgh Diocese.  For a list of the workshops dates and locations go to the Diocesan website www.diopitt.org.  Volunteers must also register, in the Diocesan Database. There will be a Protecting God’s Children workshop at St. Mary of the Assumption (Glenshaw) on Tuesday June 24th at 6:30 PM.  To register call Marge Wesolek at 412-486-5521.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A GREETER? We are looking for more greeters for the Masses on Saturday night and Sunday and Fr. John would like to extend an invitation for families/single people to greet visitors and parishioners before Mass each week. There is a sign up sheet in the gathering space so if you feel your could share in this ministry we would welcome you and your family to sign up. It is a great way to welcome people into our church

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: We had a great week with our children as they “surfed with Jesus”  -  learning a little more about Him, and experiencing  His love though all those who came to be with them during the week. We especially thank, for their great work, our DRE, Natalie Lesnefsky, her lovely husband and our Youth Minister, Ben, our “music man” John Fisher,  from Franciscan University in Steubenville,. our parents who volunteered, and all of our teen aged helpers – the “lifeguards” - who did such a great job. Thank you to all the parents who came to our “grand finale” on Friday evening.  And finally – thank you to all of you girls and boys who came to our Vacation Bible School. You took part and listened well – thank you for all the love and joy you brought to us. Have a great rest of the summer with Jesus !

YOUTH GROUP NEWS: Our youth group had an awesome retreat at Franciscan University in Steubenville last weekend. Everyone from our “Lead Team” who were there all week, and then served as leaders- to all those – including many of our eighth grade graduates - who joined us for the weekend- were blessed by the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Thank you to Ben and Natalie Lesnefsky, Chuck Rhoades- and all the parents for your support. You can’t imagine what you are missing when you are not a part of our Youth Group. Come any Tuesday night to the “Pit.”   

ST. BONAVENTURE PTG  would like to thank all the people who contributed to and shopped at our Fleatique on Saturday, May 31st.  It was an exciting morning with many bargains to be found. It was a joy to see so many treasures recycled and wonderful to see so many smiles on faces as they left the sale. If you missed it, join us next year! Profits from the Fleatique will be used by the school PTG to help provide for teacher grants and various school functions in the upcoming year. Your continued, generous support over the years is very much appreciated.