For years, I thought that the only people that evangelized were the protestant churches.  I had this picture in my mind of people going door to door with pamphlets, or asking if I had a personal relationship with Jesus.
     Did you know that “evangelization” is from a Greek word, which means “good news”?  It comes down to us from Christ through the Apostles, and the root of Evangelization is from … where else … the Catholic Church.
     In Catholic tradition, the baptized are called to spread the Good News.  We do that by the way we live our lives, and how we treat others.
     In our parish, the “Reaching Hands” are those that reach out to others, to share about our parish and our faith, and who provide a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.  Specific apostolates include the bulletin and e-ministry, the Neighborhood Outreach Groups, Newcomers Welcome, Parish prayer line and parish retreats.
     In addition to learning more about these teams at the parish website, the easiest way to show your Attitude of Gratitude is by sharing a welcoming smile each time you see someone new at Mass.  A smile and a kind work are the first steps to becoming Christ’s evangelist!

     Throughout His ministry on Earth, Chirst healed the sick, fed the hungry, comforted the brokenhearted and gave hope to the downtrodden.  His actions showed us how we are to treat those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
     The Caring Hands apostolates within our parish focus their energies on those who are in need of various types of assistance.  Our "Caring Hands" teams manage the parish pantry, work with the local serving center, provide assistance to the homeless, provide support for Heartgift, and comfort the greiving through the parish bereavement apostolate.
     Since the days of Christ, the Catholic Church has reflected Christ's caring hands.  While we hear of the failings of the Church, most don't realize that the Catholic Church is the single largest provider of charitable services in the world.  In this country alone, over 30% of all hospitals are Catholic hospitals.
     Consider showing your attitude of Gratitude by joining the caring hands of Chirst.  You can read more about the "Caring Hands" at www.sjvroundrock.org.

Dear SJV kids,
we hope you all are enjoying the summer vacation and praying for a much needed rain in Texas. Please remind your parents to register you for Religious Education for the year 2011-2012.

In today’s world, fear has become part of everyone’s life. We are all afraid of one thing or the other at some point in our life. Some are more afraid than others. Fear weakens us and can be an obstacle to our growth and to our spiritual life.

Sometimes fear grows in us due to lack of faith. When I was a kid, I remember my Mom telling me a simple tip to overcome fear that I would like to share with you. Anytime you are afraid, ask God to make the evil go away and ask your guardian angel to protect you. As you say this, make the sign of the cross and keep all your trust in God. Your fear will go away because our Lord, the living Father, hears each and every word of His children. After that, all you need to do is show your attitude of gratitude with prayers of thanksgiving.

For more information on these and other parish events, please read the bulletin and check the web site (www.sjvroundrock.org).
 
·         First Friday Adoration continues in the Day Chapel through tomorrow morning at 9 am. All are invited to spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
·         This Saturday, Aug 6, we will finish the sidewalk in front of the office.  We will lay stones into a "straight" path along the front of the office.  If you can help, come out at 8am on Saturday.  We will be done by noon.
·         You are the choir- Preview this weekend's music: http://sjvroundrock.org/thisweekendsmusic
·         Religious Education registration continues.“Regular” fees apply through August 14. If you register after that date, you will pay “late” registration fees. The fee schedule is in the bulletin.
·         Religious Education Catechist and Aid openings.Please contact Jenny at re@sjvroundrock.org.
Sunday: 8^th grade lead, 8^th grade aid
Wednesday: Kinder Aid, 1^st lead
RCIA Adapted Lead/Aids
·         VianneyFest! October 23, 2011!  Team Leaders needed. Will you and your family help? Sign up sheets are in the narthex this weekend or you may contact Keith Copeland at 512-565-0391 or kjcope762@yahoo.com.