The Annual Collection for National Needs will be taken-up next weekend at all Masses.  This Collection is used to help spread the Good News of Jesus in His Gospel to those parts of our country and among those people in our nation where the Catholic Church barely exists.   For example, among the people of Appalachia and the deep South.     Also, among native American and Native Alaskan peoples.     

These funds are also used by our American Bishops to help support the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where many of our American priests and religious are trained.

In addition, these funds are used by our Bishops for emergency situations in our own nation, such as where problems exist because of fires, flooding, or earthquakes.

Please be as generous as possible.     For those who are tithing, this is another excellent charity to share your 5% of your Tithe unto the Lord.

On the Second Sunday of each month, our Newcomer's Hospitality will be at the doors of the church with donuts, juice and coffee after the 9:00 a.m. Mass.     Stop by and meet another parishioner, whether new or an old-timer.

This Saturday, July 29^th, is the Feast of St. Martha.     St. Martha is the sister of St. Lazarus, whom Jesus raised back to life after he was four days dead, and St. Mary (who many commonly identify as St. Mary Magdalen).     These three siblings lived together in Bethany, a small village, about two miles from Jerusalem.     

John's Gospel tells us that "Jesus loved Martha and her sister, Mary, and Lazarus."   St. Martha seems to have been the oldest, and the one who cared for their household needs.  Luke's Gospel tells us how Martha showed great solicitude to entertain and serve her guests well, including Jesus.

Because of Martha's solicitude for serving Jesus and His Apostles, St. Martha is invoked as the Patroness of those who serve the needs of others.    St. Martha is also invoked as the Patroness of Rectory Housekeepers and those who care for the needs of priests.

Let us beg St. Martha to pray for us, that we might be more caring and more solicitous in caring for the needs of others.      Let us also pray to St. Martha for those who serve the needs of our priests.    Lila Schwartz, the parish cook, and Nellie Paris who cooks on the weekend for us.