Over the last several weeks we have discussed how God has given us the seven sacraments as a means for sharing His Grace with us. Part of our call as Christian stewards is to share God's grace with other people.

At SJV, we have adopted a vision to be the "Hands of Christ" as the manner in which we will share the grace of God with each other and with our community. Just as there are seven sacraments, we have organized ourselves around seven "Hands". Each of these hands is a different way that we can contribute.

Our church teaches that "Faith without works is dead". This means that each of us is called to live out the faith we profess and demonstrate that faith in our actions. Over the next several weeks, we will explore each of the "Hands" and how each of them allows us to demonstrate our Attitude of Gratitude to God.

 
For more information on these and other parish events, please read the bulletin and check the web site (www.sjvroundrock.org).
 
·         Fr. Michael’s e-mail address: mjoconnor@sjvroundrock.org
·         Please welcome Msgr. Louis Pavlicek who is celebrating Masses with us this weekend.
·         You are the choir - Preview this weekend's music: http://sjvroundrock.org/thisweekendsmusic
·         Religious Education Catechist and Aid openings. Please contact Jenny atre@sjvroundrock.org.
Sunday: Kinder lead, 8^th grade lead, 8^th grade aid
Wednesday: 1^st lead, 1^st aid, 3^rd lead
RCIA Adapted Lead/Aids

   The last Sacrament we will cover is that of Holy Orders. This sacrament is conferred on those men who are called to serve as Deacons, Priest or Bishops. These men dedicate their lives to the Church and are consecrated to delivering the sacraments to the faithful.
   Deacons have the authority to deliver the sacraments of Baptism and Matrimony. They were originally called to assist in administration and care for the people so that the Apostles could focus on teaching, preaching and spiritual development.
   Priests have the additional authority to confer the sacraments of Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Eucharist and under special delegation from the Bishop, Confirmation. It is the priests that have the primary responsibility for our spiritual lives and our nourishment with the Word, the Eucharist and the other sacraments.
   Bishops receive the fullness of Holy Orders and trace their lineage directly to one of the Apostles. They have the additional authority to confer Holy Orders and Confirmation. The Bishops hold the full teaching authority of the Church in their diocese and they have they have the responsibility of maintaining the integrity of the faith.
   The primary responsibility of the ordained is our spiritual well being. Unfortunately, most Deacons, Priests and Bishops spend a significant amount of their time in administration of the secular needs of their parishes or Dioceses. It is the responsibility of the lay faithful to take care of the secular needs of the Church. Show your Attitude of Gratitude for our ordained ministers by becoming the hands of Christ in our parish.

For more information on these and other parish events, please read the bulletin and check the web site (www.sjvroundrock.org).
 
·         Couples of Faith July meeting at SJV on Saturday, July 23 in St. Monica Hall. Pot luck meal at 7 pm, presentation begins at 7:30 pm. Speaker: Seminarian Tim Nolt (home parish St. John Vianney, currently at St. Francis on the Brazos). TOPIC:  A Couple’s Blessed Intimacy.
·         Young Adult Book Study:Come join the SJV YA's for a book study on Scott Hahn's "The Lamb's Supper". All 18 and older are welcome to attend and will need to bring their own copy of this book. Book study will begin on Wed, 7/27 and will also meet on 8/3, 8/10 and 8/17. We will meet in St. Monica's Hall from 7:30-9pm For more information email Jennifer Reyes at YoungAdults@sjvroundrock.org
·         You are the choir- Preview this weekend's music: http://sjvroundrock.org/thisweekendsmusic
·         The Black Bag collection is this weekend.Proceeds support the parish Pantry as well as our efforts to provide utility assistance to families in need. Thank you for your generous support.
·         Religious Education Catechist and Aid openings.Please contact Jenny at re@sjvroundrock.org.
Sunday: Kinder lead, 6^th grade aid, 8^th grade aid
Wednesday: Kinder lead, Kinder aid, 1^st lead, 1^st aid, 3^rd lead, 5^th aid
RCIA Adapted Lead/Aids

     The first five sacraments parallel the various stages of live.  These sacraments are experienced by nearly everyone.  The last two sacraments parallel specific callings for some, but not all.  Holy Matrimony is the sacrament that pertains to those who are called to join together and serve God as a married couple.
     A married couple makes a lifelong covenant with God and with each other.  The Church is indivisible from Christ, so, too, a valid Catholic marriage is indivisible.  A married couple become as one, therefore they share the responsibility of helping each other make it to heaven.  Finally, the married couple may be blessed by naturally cooperating with God in the creation of new life.  They, therefore, shoulder the responsibility of leading a new soul to the light of Christ.
     Those who live out their marriage in the grace of God demonstrate the love of God to each other and their children.  The love they share and the sacrifices they make for each other serve to model an Attitude of Gratitude to their extended family, the Church.

For more information on these and other parish events, please read the bulletin and check the web site (www.sjvroundrock.org).
 
·         The SJV Knights of Columbus are selling fajita tacos ($2 a taco) after the Sunday Masses (July 17). Proceeds will help the Knights fund more parish events as they continue to build community within our parish.
·         You are the choir - Preview this weekend's music: http://sjvroundrock.org/index.cfm?load=page&page=379
·         Couples of Faith July meeting at SJV on Saturday, July 23 at 7 pm in St. Monica Hall. Seminarian Tim Nolt (home parish St. John Vianney, currently at St. Francis on the Brazos) TOPIC:  A Couple’s Blessed Intimacy

     Many of Jesus’ miracles were healings of the infirm.  Quite often when Jesus would heal someone, he would simply state “your sins are forgiven.”  The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick reflects both the healing power of God, and the forgiveness of sins, just as Jesus demonstrated.
     Those that are seriously ill hold a special place in God’s heart.  First of all, they are bearing the cross of suffering, which Christ told us we all must carry.  Second, the infirm often display a heroic level of humility and fortitude which can set an example for others to follow.  Finally caring for the infirm is a way for each of us to share God’s love with someone, who may desperately need to feel loved.
     This sacrament is granted to those who are seriously ill as a way to strengthen and cleanse them spiritually, quite often in preparation of their final journey to heaven.  We will all be blessed at some point in our lives to need and desire the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.  A wonderful way to demonstrate your attitude of gratitude is to reach out to the infirm, visit them, and show them God’s love.

For more information on these and other parish events, please read the bulletin and check the web site (www.sjvroundrock.org).
 
·         Religious Education 2011-2012 – Last Day for early registration is this Sunday, July 10. Early registration fee - $35 per child ($105 family maximum). RE fee increases if you wait until after July 10 (see bulletin). Registration forms are in the narthex.
·         The SJV Knights of Columbus are selling fajita tacos ($2 a taco) after next weekend’s Sunday Masses (July 17). Proceeds will help the Knights fund more parish events as they continue to build community within our parish.
·         The SJV office is closed next week. Phone and e-mail messages will be monitored.
·         Happy Anniversary to Fr. Michael! On Wednesday, July 13, he celebrates 26 years as a priest.

Dear St. John Vianney Parishioners, It is with humility but with great joy that I take this opportunity to introduce myself to you as your new Pastor. My name is Fr. Michael Joseph O’Connor...

Dear SJV Kids,
     We hope you all are enjoying your summer vacation.  Vacation Bible School this year was a great succes where ou learned about our Catholic faith through fun-filled activities.   
     God loves each one of us so very much that He gave us His only son, Jesus Christ.  We are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus in our daily lives.  He taught us how to pray to our hevenly Father in simple and yet very powerful ways.  When you do not know what to pray, just say the "our Father", the prayer the Lord taught us.  Say it slowly and think about each word in the prayer.    
     Jesus aslo aught us how to be good.  He showed us how to be opedient to our parents.  Although He is from God the Father, He opeyed, helped and grew up just like any other kid.  Let us show our attitude of gratitude by following the footsteps of Jesus.
     The Stewardship committee and the children of SJV Parish bid a loving farewell to Fr. Edwin and welcome Fr. Michael with open hands.  We offer thanks and prayers to God for all our priests.

For more information on these and other parish events, please read the bulletin and check the web site (www.sjvroundrock.org).
 
·         Welcome Fr. Michael! Our new pastor is here. Please welcome him when you see him at Mass this weekend!
·         The second collection this weekend is for Debt Reduction. Your generous contribution helps us pay down the debt on the church.
·         Monday, July 4 – 9 am Mass in the church to celebrate our independence! Please join Fr. Michael for this special liturgy.
·         Religious Education 2011-2012 – Last Day for early registration is July 10. Early registration fee - $35 per child ($105 family maximum). RE fee increases if you wait until after July 10 (see bulletin). Registration forms are in the narthex.