Greetings from Fr. Dave

A week ago I finished a book by the Jewish author Mary Doria Russell, A Thread of Grace. In it she writes about the Jewish refugees fleeing over the Alps to Italy in 1943 seeking safety, but finding even more unimaginable horror and suffering. The quote from which her title is taken is this:
 

“No matter how dark the tapestry God weaves
for us, there’s always a thread of grace.”

 
She writes eloquently about the “threads of grace” present to the refugees in the midst of all they endured and all they lost: actions of kindness, sometimes with heroic risk, and efforts made to end the violence. The quote she uses comes from an unnamed Jewish writer who survived the Holocaust. In our times of violence and anger and so much blaming, may each of us be threads of grace — in our homes, our schools, our language, our work places, and yes, even on our congested roads!
 

The Holy Day in honor of the Assumption of Mary is this Thursday, August 15^th. Masses are at 8:15am and 7:00pm. Join us to celebrate the promise of Eternal Life!

 
Huge thanks to our ice cream providers last Saturday night! I saw so many smiles on so many faces when we announced it, and after Mass while greeting people. Something as simple as ice cream can be an amazing and effective “thread of grace”. Perfect night for it too! Sunday morning people, your loss! Of course, you get donuts every week, so quit your whining! Thank you to the morning crews that make the donuts available week after week. Well done to you as well.
 

The response to our partnership with L’Arche has been strong! Andy Noethe’s introduction two weeks ago was impelling and compelling. We had 20 individuals come last Saturday morning seeking more information about living in the house. More information can be found at  www.larche-portland.org or by calling 503.251.6901.

They have another summer event coming up on at 7:00pm on August 17 ^th — a viewing of the film “Summer in the Forest”, about the beginnings of L’Arche, at Lady Hill Winery in St. Paul. We update our webpage regularly with their upcoming events and work parties, so keep an eye on that as well.
 

Blessings to Vy Anh, Amaya Perez, Lotte Pronovost, Vivian Reese, and Jolie Tufts, who were baptized this weekend!
 

Congratulations to Julianne Joyce and Scott Osborne, who were married here on August 10 ^th. Blessings to you both, and to all of our married and engaged couples!
 

Last week, funeral services were held for Jay McIntosh. Services are planned for Vera Buelt for Friday, August 16 ^th at 11:00am. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace.