August 9, 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters, It’s hard to believe that summer is winding down and the young folks are almost back to school! As we do each year, we will be doing our annual blessing of backpacks this weekend. Along with that blessing, please offer a special prayer for all of our students and teachers, that this year will be a time of growth and learning for everyone. Particularly for everyone at our parish school, we pray that the love of God will be the main lesson learned, so that our kids will grow in wisdom and grace and that together we continue to grow into a community of love. Many thanks to everyone who participates in our special second collection for the school this weekend. As we come to the end of the summer season, we also say farewell to our summer seminarian, Jonathan. It has been a joy to have him with us, and seeing his love for God and the Church gives all of us great hope for the future of our diocese. Please keep him and Justin in your prayers as they head to St Meinrad Seminary in Indiana to continue their studies. We give thanks to God that the Diocese of Birmingham has four new entrants into priestly formation this fall, for a total of 19 men preparing to serve as priests in our Diocese. While we are all aware of the tremendous need for priests, it is always amazing to reflect on the way that God is at work in the hearts of the men who have answered the call. One special word on this upcoming Saturday (August the 15th). This day marks the Feast of the Assumption and normally carries the obligation to come to Mass. However, this year, since it falls on a Saturday, there is no obligation. Nonetheless, the parish will offer a special Mass on Saturday morning at 10am in honor of the day, for those who would like to honor our Lady on this beautiful solemnity. Through the intercession of St Thomas and the Blessed Virgin Mary, let’s celebrate the presence of God’s grace and his on-going care for each of us and our whole community. God bless,

Father Jantz