LISTENING TO GOD
Familiarity, in the case of the Lord’s Prayer, probably hasn’t bred contempt in most of us, but it certainly can breed a kind of inertia. The words we speak in prayer run the same risks as all our other human words: they can be spoken hastily, thoughtlessly, carelessly. In a manner parallel to the words we say in the Lord’s Prayer—“forgive us as we forgive others”—today might be the day to invite God to “listen to us as well as we listen to you.” Today might be the day to listen to the Lord’s Prayer with newly attentive ears. Let us learn from the example of Luke’s Jesus, who would not instruct others how to pray until he himself had been a man of prayer. Moreover, listen carefully to the follow-up Jesus gives for the prayer itself. In our quick-fix society we must heed the call to persistence; in a world that puts glib explanations on difficult situations we must continue to seek and knock; in our all-toohumanness, we must be open to the patience, grace, and wisdom of the will of God. Do we want the Lord to listen to our voice? Maybe we can start by listening to God’s. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.

SAINT MARTHA (first century) - July 29
Whether you find Martha Stewart admirable or annoying, she has the perfect patron saint. Luke describes Martha—saint, not Stewart—as “burdened with much serving” (Luke 10:40). About Mary, seated, listening to Jesus, Martha complained, “Do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?” Jesus’ response,“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things . . . Mary has chosen the better part” (10:41, 42), suggests to some the superiority of the contemplative life, leaving the rest of us, supporting families, earning livings, (helping others?), as “secondclass” Christians. But Luke introduces Martha and Mary immediately after Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan, whom Jesus recommends as a model of practical compassion, concluding, “Go and do likewise” (10:37). Go and do! Sit and listen! Discipleship is never either/or but both/and. Jesus ministered in prayerful silence and hospitable service. Monastic calendars add Martha’s sister Mary and brother Lazarus, calling all three “hosts of the Lord,” recalling their welcome of Jesus to their home in Bethany, reminding us Whom we welcome whenever we extend summertime hospitality!

CENTERING PRAYER
A prayer of consent to the presence and action of God within us, prayed in God’s first language—SILENCE—every 2nd and 4th Monday, in the Church at 7:00pm. For information: Pat (562)243-8460; Melissa (562)434-1998

CHILDREN’S and YOUTH CHOIR
All children and young adults who like to sing are invited to join the choir! We will be singing this summer and look forward to having you join us. We meet once a week and sing once a month. Please contact: Julie Westervelt (562)243-1286.

ADULT CONFIRMATION COURSES
Beginning Sunday, September 12th and continuing through December, 9:00-11:15am, Our Lady of Refuge Auditorium, 5210 Los Coyotes Diagonal, Long Beach. For more information, please call our Rectory, 438-3826.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults):  How Does a Person Become a Catholic?
Are you curious about Catholicism? Or, do you know someone who is interested in the Catholic faith? As a Catholic community, it is our greatest joy as well as our mission, to continually welcome new members.“Inquiry” is the first step in the four-step process of faith formation and education known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

Inquiry classes will begin August 11. Meetings will be every Wednesday evening from 7 – 8:30 in the Jubilee Room through Sept. 1. We encourage and invite interested individuals to “come and see” what living a life as a committed Catholic Christian can mean for you. For more information, please call the Rectory at (562) 438-3826.

PARISH COMMUNITY GROUP: - SHARING OURSELVES
Our parishioner outreach service has been a longstanding mission of the Community Group and is still available to our parishioners. It is our mission to try to help home-bound or other parishioners who need assistance. Volunteers who want to assist and visit parishioners who require help are very much needed. If you would like to help or if you know of someone who needs assistance, contact: Linda Gager (562)433- 2985. Sponsored by our Parish Community Group.

COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY
“Life “Changes” - Study of the Book of Acts. Every Thursday, 7:00pm, in the Jubilee Room. For more information, call: Patricia Goodman (562)434-7434.

LEGION OF MARY
Meets every Wednesday, 8:45am, in the Jubilee Room. Everyone is welcome.