Greetings from Fr. Dave

I am fully back in the parish after a fine vacation. It sure doesn’t take long to get back into the routine here. I am grateful for those who picked up the slack in my absence, and always grateful to get back to the vitality of the Holy Trinity community, especially after experiencing other communities while away.
 
Sadly, some of our parishes are cold, unengaging, and unwelcoming. In today’s culture, and with the current level of anxiety and fear, it is even more urgent that churches of all denominations present clearly and attractively the Good News of Jesus! He is our Rock, our Strength, our Companion, and our Hope as we walk thru these difficult times. Let’s not hide that message and our own testimony!
 
Fr. Charles Harris CSC, now deceased, had a saying posted in his kitchen: “If the salt stays in the saltshaker, how will the potatoes get salted?”. You and I are salt for the world, and the world desperately needs what we know! Come Holy Spirit and inspire our words, actions, and interactions!
 
And, a sober reminder to all adults. The anxiety, fear, and isolation that is so pervasive right now is taking a heavy toll on everyone, but uniquely on our young people who just don’t have the life experience and faith experience to keep this all in a bigger context. Teen suicide rates are climbing. Two resources I want to call to your attention and invite you post somewhere that you can easily find:
 

Washington County Crisis Line:  503.291.9111
 
Suicide Hotline:  800.273.8255

 
Both of these are staffed 24/7 and are eager to help. Let’s stay highly alert for ways we can assist all who are struggling with mental health during our tumultuous times.
 
With elections coming up soon, I have one more article for you that expresses particularly clearly our Catholic approach to voting. Bishop Robert Barron is familiar to many of you and remains an amazing spokesman for us on many issues. Take a moment to read his words.
 
Also, I want to give you all a head’s up that our annual financial report will be in next week’s bulletin.
 

Blessings to Morgan Chhay, Madeline Koeper, and Rosalie Wittmayer, who were baptized this weekend!
 

Funeral services are scheduled this week for Jordan Asuncion. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace.