August 16 2026

Dear Friends, I appreciate every season for what it brings before us from our God of Creation! Though, I’ll admit I have been particularly fond of summer for personal reasons since I was a child. As I grow older it takes more effort to appreciate summer with life, vocation, responsibilities, because of the demands of daily life. Nonetheless, I cherish these days. Did you see the “Buck Full Moon” last week? It was gorgeous and I marvel how God shares the gift of creation constantly with us! This was a gift to a beautiful summer evening. I’m going to take a break and vacation with lifelong friends in the coming days. Deacon Eric is always bringing to my attention to take some “Tomb Time” and refresh my heart and soul. So, that is my plan. I would like to share summer prayer with you. It was written by Father Austin Fleming who blogs at “A Concord Pastor Comments.” May you find it comforting as I do. “Come Summer With Me” Come summer with me, Lord; summer deep down in my soul; restore my faith in summer’s time, in rest, in joy, in play in you… Summer in my heart, Lord, and dwell there as if time would never end, as if all time were children’s time, eternal time when school is always out and joy is ever in… And let others summer in my shade, Lord, and share whatever summer’s peace is mine to give, whatever summer’s light is mine to shed, whatever summer’s warmth is mine to share… Good God of every season and every day this week, come summer with me, Lord, and let the child in my heart spend summer in your love… AMEN. Blessings to all, Father Rob

Dear Friends, One of the most wonderful things about our parishes are the many opportunities offered to bless our spiritual journeys. Morning mass and weekend mass are certainly at the top of our opportunities to enrich and enliven our growth as Catholic Christians. This summer we had a phenomenal Vacation Bible School that was exuberant with the voices of our young people, echoed by our enthusiastic volunteers and led by, I am prejudiced, by the greatest Parish Leaders, Karen Luke and Anne Gallagher. This past week, Anne gathered some of our best youth for a week of generous stewardship volunteering with our Sisters of Saint Joseph. The group spent the week residing on Gregory Street and going out to various missions each day! I had the honor of joining them for dinner on Tuesday evening. What a joy to be in their company, hear their stories, and to witness the love of Jesus working through their lives. September will come all too, too, quickly but spiritual journeys will come forth with the Annual Men’s Kentucky Retreat, the Women’s Bible Study, and a Directed Silent Retreat. Do check our website and parish email for all the important information addressing these great offerings. I would like to mention something dear to my heart and soul. Are you aware of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises? I am almost positive if you are not, you may know someone who has been part of this most blessed gift. OK, I am one of them. If you know anyone who has participated, then you know someone whose spiritual life has never been the same! Ask the person you know. Ask them if their time was well spent in growing as a fully engaged Christian. This experience is one of the most wonderful decisions I made. At first, many firsts, could I make the commitment. Well let me tell you, when it was coming to ending, I could not believe how quick it went by and how sad I was to say it was ending. But of course, when you experience this gift, it never ends! I hope you have been following the bulletin and emails about this experience. If not, check out the information by contacting Bob Muhlnickle at rlmuhlnickel@gmail.com or me. I hope you will prayerfully pray about being part of this years, Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. You will not be disappointed. Nor will the Lord, who will be pleased you are giving Him this time! Blessings, Father Rob