SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINAY TIME – July 24, 2022

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

TODAY’S MASS INTENTION: János & Margit Szendrey, by Frank Szendrey

MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS FOR THE COMING WEEK:

FROM THE DESK OF FR. BONA: Many of us travel in the summer and to ensure safe journey we ask St. Christopher, as the patron of travelers, to intercede for us. His memorial is on July 25^th. However, the reformers of the liturgy in 1970 had him delisted as they thought that minimal historical information is just too little. St. Christopher’s cult, however, is very old and can be traced to at least 450 AD. Therefore, in the eyes of the Church, he is still a real saint.

Who was St. Christopher? He was a martyr killed in the reign of the 3rd-century Roman emperor Decius (reigned 249–251 AD). According to the Christian tradition, Christopher was initially called Reprobus, was a Canaanite, and was 7.5 feet (2.3 m) tall with a fearsome face. While serving the king of Canaan, he took it into his head to go and serve “the greatest king there was.” He went to the king who was reputed to be the greatest, but one day he saw the king cross himself at the mention of the devil. On thus learning that the king feared the devil, he departed to look for the devil. He came across a band of marauders, one of whom declared himself to be the devil, so Christopher decided to serve him. But when he saw his new master avoid a wayside cross and found out that the devil feared Christ, he left him and enquired from people where to find Christ. He met a hermit who instructed him in the Christian faith. Christopher asked him how he could serve Christ. When the hermit suggested fasting and prayer, Christopher replied that he was unable to perform that service. The hermit then suggested that because of his size and strength Christopher could serve Christ by assisting people to cross a dangerous river, where they were perishing in the attempt. The hermit promised that this service would be pleasing to Christ.

After Christopher had performed this service for some time, a little child asked him to take him across the river. During the crossing, the river became swollen and the child seemed as heavy as lead, so much that Christopher could scarcely carry him and found himself in great difficulty. When he finally reached the other side, he said to the child: “You have put me in the greatest danger. I do not think the whole world could have been as heavy on my shoulders as you were.” The child replied: “You had on your shoulders not only the whole world but Him who made it. I am Christ your king, whom you are serving by this work.” The child then vanished.

Christopher later visited Lycia (in present day southwestern corner of Turkey) and there comforted the Christians who were being martyred. Brought before the local king, he refused to sacrifice to the pagan gods. The king tried to win him by riches and by sending two beautiful women to tempt him. Christopher converted the women to Christianity, as he had already converted thousands in the city. The king ordered him to be killed. Various attempts failed, but finally Christopher was beheaded. The Greek name Christophoros means “Christ bearer.”

EMERIC – AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATION: As many of you know very well, during late spring, summers, and early fall it can get extremely hot inside the church (up to 90° F). Making our time in the house of God as prayer conducive as we can, we have decided to embark on a fundraising campaign to raise funds for the installation of whisper silent, esthetically pleasing, ductless air conditioning units in the church. The cost for this project would be just over $79,000. While we can afford to use some limited funds from our existing savings and try to apply for grants for this project, it is important to receive the financial support of all parishioners. All donations, large or small, are greatly appreciated and can be made with your donations in the weekly offertory basket with a check or an envelope marked “For air conditioning” or on our website with a note of the same. We would particularly be pleased if families or individuals, who are capable, make a donation for this cause in the amount of $1,000 or more. Thank you very much to those who have already donated!

9 NIGHTS OF NIGHT PRAYERS (AUGUST 7-15): Each evening, during the 9 Nights of Night Prayer, nine churches in the Diocese of Cleveland will open their doors at 8:00pm to offer a time of Night Prayer beginning at 8:15pm. We will be one of those nine churches. This is a good evangelization opportunity for us. Join us during these nights to be nurtured with Sacred Scripture and refreshed by the loving presence of God. If you can volunteer as greeters and lectors, please let Fr. Bona know. The last night (8/15) there will be an ice cream social as well.

LOOKING AHEAD: St. Stephen Day parish picnic will be on Aug. 21. Details to follow.

LAST WEEKENDS’ COLLECTION (7/17): Last Sunday’s collection will be published in the next week’s bulletin. Online (Paypal) donations from Aug. 22, 2021 – July 10, 2022: $5,760. May God reward your generosity. Thank you for sending in your donations by mail or using our website https://stemeric.com/donations/.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK, especially for Bev Kimar, Rose Dudevszky, Teréz Kalász, Gerő Kondray, Lajos Boday, and Julius Skerlan.

THIS SUNDAY the 11:15 AM Mass from St. Emeric church will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/saintemeric/ and https://stemeric.com/

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