Dear St. John Neumann Families and Friends,

I don’t know about you, but to me this summer seems to have flown by. According to the way we perceive it – it would seem that time can speed up and slow down… and sometimes it can do both at once. Time feels stretchy. The Church recognizes that with our seasons and how we adorn or restrain the liturgy… just think of the quieter Masses during Lent, or the long prophecies and gospels read during Advent. Similarly, in the secular/commercial side of the world – we hear this month of that strange holiday “Christmas in July.” I’m all for celebrating the wonder of the Incarnation [the Word becoming flesh] all throughout the year, but this summer I am thinking more of Thanksgiving in July. Anyone can, of course, be thankful – but as Christians giving thanks is both natural and supernatural. That’s because of the Incarnation – Jesus, the Son of God joined us in humanity that we might join Him in divinity… so when we, as members of His body give thanks, it is the Son giving thanks to the Father. St. Paul encourages numerous times in his letters to give thanks at all times, in every circumstance. While there are so many dark moments and situations in our world, there are also many, many reasons and moments for which we should obviously give thanks. I know the whole parish is most thankful now for Fr. Floersh’s quick discharge from the hospital and the pace of his healing after his recent stroke! Fr. Floersh and his family have expressed the gratitude so many times for all your prayers. Please continue to give thanks and to pray for his recovery.

“I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1.3-4).

God bless you all.

In Christ,

Fr. Joe