MASS INTENTIONS

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2

   4:30 PM   Stephen Pallotta by Roccy & Marcia Risbara

 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3

  7:30 AM   Stephen Pallotta by the Andreson Family

10:30 AM   Edward Kane by Bob & Donna McQuinn

 

MONDAY, AUGUST 4

  8:00 AM   Stephen Pallotta by Jeanne & Bob Schafer

 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5

  8:00 AM   Eucharistic Service

 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6

  8:00 AM   James J. Conroy by Mary T. Conroy

 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7

  8:00 AM   Eucharistic Service

 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8

  8:00 AM   Joseph P. Bernard by Paul & Edith Levesque

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MASSES NEXT WEEKEND

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9

   4:30 PM   Pat Kachmar by Family

 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 10

  7:30 AM   Stephen Pallotta by Roccy & Marcia Risbara           

10:30 AM   Carol Mallozzi by Family

 

FAITH FACTS: On August 6th, we as Catholic Christians, celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration. This feast celebrates the incident in Christ's life when His Divinity shone through His humanity. Traditionally it occurred on Mount Tabor and was intended to prepare His Apostles for His Passion and Death on the Cross. In this Feast, we recognize His Kingship over creation and His Divinity and we anticipate our own future exaltation

“STEWARDSHIP  -- A Disciple’s Way of Life!”

In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus feeds the five thousand with five loaves and two fish. The message of stewardship is that God’s gifts, shared, will always be more than enough.

(From Stewardship By The Book, by Sharon Hueckel.  Used with permission.)

Commentary:

It really is a wonder that Jesus puts up with us. “Trust God,” He told us over and over. “God loves you, God will care for you, if you just have faith in Divine Providence. Just the tiniest bit of faith can move mountains.” The very word “providence” comes from the word “provide.” He showed us what He meant with the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Do we take Him at His word? Do we really trust that God will provide for us, as Jesus did for the crowd who were hungry? Or do we listen but not hear, and instead put our trust in bank accounts, jobs, real estate, and all the other things that promise security but eventually are only dust. God is always willing to provide, but we must offer the opening through our faith and trust.

 

WEEKLY REFLECTION

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Nothing can separate us from the love of God. No matter what may be happening in our lives, no matter how many stupid, thoughtless things we may have done, God still loves us and is ready to give us the grace we need at the moment. This is the most profound and amazing gift we have been given and it is difficult for us to understand or even accept it. Every moment of every day, God offers us His love and grace. The only thing we need to do is accept it – not “earn” it. The more open we become to God’s love and grace, the more peaceful oru spirit becomes and the better we can cope with whatever happens in our life. Do you believe in God’s love?

All who are thirsty, come to the water!

~Isaiah 55:1

 

FINANCIAL REPORT JULY 27, 2008

Total Required to Support Parish                $  9,500.00

Parish Offertory Collection                         $  6,977.50

Building Fund                                             $     653.00

Electronic Funds July (weekly Offertory)  $      967.36

Electronic Funds July (weekly Bldg Fund) $     220.86

Total                                                         $  8,818.72

 

See article on page 3 for today’s Second Collection

 

Project G.R.A.C.E. News

Granting Resources and Assistance through Community Effort

P.O. Box 6846, Scarborough, ME 04070-6846

883-5111  E-mail address: pgme@projectgracemaine.org

 

DO YOU HAVE?: The Project G.R.A.C.E. office is in need of a new or gently used laser printer that could handle 3000-10,000 copies per month, with network capability. If you have one you are willing to donate, please let us know.

 

SUMMER NEWSLETTER: Our Summer Newsletter has been mailed out to over 1,200 readers on our mailing list! This edition includes information on our Back to School efforts, Summerfest re-cap and our upcoming Trivia Bee event. 

 

BACK TO SCHOOL EFFORTS: It’s hot outside, but it’s almost back to school time at Project G.R.A.C.E.  We are in the process of setting up donation spots for school supplies. Please check back for locations. We are also collecting donor information if you are interested in “adopting” a student to purchase a backpack for.

 

IF YOU KNOW of anyone in the Greater Scarborough area, who is struggling to meet basic needs, please consider referring them to a volunteer at Project G.R.A.C.E.  Referrals can be done anonymously. Call our office at 883-5111 or send an email to pgme@projectgracemaine.org

 

PROJECT G.R.A.C.E. NEEDS YOUR TIME AND TALENT!: Project G.R.A.C.E. is taking a summer break from meetings. We will resume our bi-weekly meetings in mid-September. If you can’t attend bi-weekly committee meetings, there are many other ways to volunteer, just give us a call and we can discuss opportunities.

 

MISSION BASKET FOR AUGUST

This month, our Mission Basket donations will be for McAuley Residence, a safe environment and comprehensive transitional housing program which offers life skills, counseling, emotional support and mentoring to women in significant need. Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, this program is offered to those with or without children, within the framework of Christian Mercy values. Please be as generous as you can for this very worthy cause. Thank you.

 

In case you missed this last week, here’s the news on our repairs.

Building Update: This summer has brought a flurry of work here at the church. The big project will be replacing the roof of the church. That work should begin on or about August 1st. In addition, Risbara has replaced some rotted fascia boards around the building. We also expect to do some painting - before the roof work begins - on the tower. We recently had a crane here to check the tower for leaks and we have replaced some missing shingles on the tower. We hope to do some work on the church windows as well. We are paying for the roofing project out of funds from the sale of St. Jude's Chapel. The rest of the work will be paid for out of our operating budget, thanks especially to those of you who so generously responded to our appeal last fall to increase your weekly offering. Your continued faithfulness to the parish is making us a safer, more attractive and solid building in which to carry out our ministries on behalf of the Scarborough community.

 

Food Cupboard: As of July 24, we have given a week's worth of food to 389 men, women & children. The cost of food supplies are now coming out of savings and it is not going to get any better. We need your help in either monetary donations or specific food items. We are in need of Baked beans, Cake mixes, Peanut butter, Tuna fish, Spaghetti sauce and Spaghettio's. Please see the bin in our Narthex. Thank You!

CYCLES

OF FAITH

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

 

In Hollywood's version of Man of La Mancha, Don Quixote sings of doing what seems impossible-fighting unbeatable foes, righting unrightable wrongs, trying when one's arms are too weary. But it is the last verse which is the most powerful: "And the world will be better for this / that one man, scorned and covered with scars / still strove with his last ounce of courage / to reach the unreachable star."

 

In today's Gospel reading from Matthew, we hear the story of the feeding of the 5,000 people with only a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish. Impossible, you say? This is the only miracle of Jesus that is recorded in all four Gospels. Our lesson is to look deeper into the miracle and realize that the gifts God has given us are so plentiful we can share with those around us, especially those who need God the most.

 

Once we have grasped the reality of God's power, we will then confirm our faith and hope because we will once and for all know that nothing is impossible with God (CCC 274). When faced with a seemingly impossible challenge, do not allow the test of doubt to keep you from realizing your potential. Even the disciples, who witnessed so many miracles, coped with doubt as to the resurrection of Christ; look at what they were able

to accomplish!

 

THE SANCTUARY LAMP WILL BURN

THIS WEEK

AUGUST 3 ~ AUGUST 9

In Loving Memory of

TOM WILSON

 

 

PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer accepting clothing for St. Vincent de Paul. You may notice that the blue bin has been removed for now. Thank you for helping.

 

BROADWAY’S BEST: Anthony Barrasso’s famous Dinner-Theater will happen again this year on Sunday, NOVEMBER 2nd. This is a fundraiser for St. Maximilian’s Building Fund, so we are looking for a committee who will help sell tickets, decorate, set-up, clean-up, solicit gifts for a silent auction. This was one of the best events that we ever had at St. Maximilian Kolbe. Will you help? Call Kathy Sparda, 883-1742.

 

PETER’S PENCE COLLECTION: This weekend, our Second Collection will be taken for Peter’s Pence, which enables the Holy Father to respond with emergency financial assistance to our brothers and sisters in need throughout the world—those who suffer as a result of war, oppression, disease, and natural disaster.

 

It’s hard to believe but it’s almost that time again! On Sunday, August 31st, is the 5th Sunday of the month and time for St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish to volunteer at the Wayside Soup Kitchen, cooking, serving and cleaning up! Being a volunteer is simple, does not last long & is very spiritually fulfilling. Contacts: anyone wishing to cook, call Steve Gressani (541-3281 daytime or 510-1875 evenings) or if you wish to serve, call Harry Hamilton (885-0923) or e-mail Harryham@maine.rr.com   Thank you very much!!!

 

 

I want to thank everyone for sponsoring me for the Maine Right to Life Walk on July 12th. Because of your generosity, I got $112.00 to donate to the Maine Right to Life! Thanks again and God Bless You All.

                                                            Grace Curran

 

PRAYER WITNESS FOR LIFE at Portland’s Planned Parenthood Clinic: Prayer has always been a major tool in the fight against abortion, and in Portland a Pro-Life group led by Catholic priests, has started another witness for life in front of Planned Parenthood’s Portland offices at 970 Forest Ave. The group, made up of teens and adults, meets outside the abortion clinic on the second Saturday of each month to pray the 20 decades of the rosary, supplemented with pro-life meditations from Priests for Life. The pray-out lasts about 90 minutes and the next one will be on August 9th at 9:00 AM.

Habitat for Humanity seeks “Coastal”Volunteers!

If you are looking to volunteer your time to a worthwhile cause while also enjoying summer in Maine, Habitat for Humanity has the position for you! Habitat for Humanity has partnered with Coastal Living Magazine and Safe Passage on this year’s Coastal Living Idea House at Pine Point and we need your help! Volunteer responsibilities include collecting an admission fee at the Maine Idea Cottage door and being available to answer questions for those touring the house. All proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity and Safe Passage! Training provided. For more information, contact Kate Callahan at volunteer@habitatme.org or by phone at 207-772-2151.

 

AUGUST 15TH IS THE ASSUMPTION &

A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION

Cluster Masses are:

St. John – 6:30 PM, Thursday, August 14th

St. Bartholomew – 7:00 PM, Thursday, August 14th

Holy Cross – 7:30 AM, Friday, August 15th

St. Maximilian Kolbe – 8:00 AM & 6:00 PM,

Friday, August 15th

 

 

FLOWERS FOR MARY The Art & Environment Committee is asking parishioners to please bring in flowers from their yards or garden for masses on August 15th a Holy Day – the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary. Please leave flowers in the kitchen on August 14th. Many thanks!

Worship & Spirituality

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

 

1st.Reading:    Isaiah: (invitation to grace)

2nd. Reading:  Romans (indomitable love of Christ)

Gospel:  Matthew  (Jesus feeds five thousand)

 

Key Passage: Jesus instructs the disciples, “Give them some food yourselves”

 

Thoughts to ponder:

In this gospel Jesus shows compassion toward his people who have great need. They are poor, hungry, and desperate – and so Jesus tells His disciples to feed them. Thus, integral to His compassion is action. The apostles take care of the problem instead of just offering concern.

 

Questions to ponder:

 

Social Justice and Peace

Compassion equals action!

 

 

“Handcrafting Justice” will come again to

St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish the weekend of October18th & 19th.

 

Handcrafting Justice feeds the poor, the hungry and desperate. We, His disciples will take care of the problem as the disciples did in the gospel story.

 

 

 

 

But they said to him, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have here." Then he said, "Bring them to me," and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. - Mt 14:17-19

 

Readings for the Week of August 3, 2008

Sunday:                 Is 55:1-3/Rom 8:35, 37-39/Mt 14:13-21

Monday:                Jer 28:1-17/Mt 14:22-36

Tuesday:               Jer 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22/Mt 14:22-36

or Mt 15:1-2, 10-14

Wednesday:         Dn 7:9-10, 13-14/2 Pt 1:16-19/Mt 17:1-9

Thursday:              Jer 31:31-34/Mt 16:13-23

Friday:                    Na 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7/Mt 16:24-28

Saturday:               Hb 1:12-2:4/Mt 17:14-20

Next Sunday:        1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a/Rom 9:1-5/

                                Mt 14:22-33

 

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Catechetics & Initiation

 

FAITH FORMATION REGISTRATION: (K-12)

If you are new to Saint Maximilian Kolbe or have a child entering Kindergarten, please call the Catechetics Office (883-1742). Registration forms may be found on the shelf in the back of the Church. Volunteers are always needed for the catechetical sessions. (Last year, we had nearly 100). Volunteers will be asked to fill out forms for background checks, and take a 3 hour class called “Protecting God’s Children”. No one will be allowed to assist in a classroom without this documentation. Thank you for your cooperation. We want to keep all children safe at St. Maximilian Kolbe.