747 NW 43rd Street Gainesville FL 32607 Office: 352-376-5405 Fax: 352-375-7568

Dear Parishioners, This Sunday begins a series of readings from the Gospel of Matthew which tell the parables of Jesus. The first is this parable about a sower sowing seed and having it fall on various sorts of ground. Some do not take root, others fall on good soil and bear much fruit. The early Church, which felt perfectly authorized to speak for Jesus, gives us an interpretation of this parable attributed to Jesus himself. It says the story is about various kinds of people who receive the Word of God and some accept it and some don’t. One commentator confidently notes: “the purpose of the parable [of the sower] is not to exhort believers but to explain unbelief.” (David L. Turner) Now, are we to think that early Christians could not understand why some believed in God’s message of Christ and some did not? These are believers schooled in the Old Testament, especially knowledgeable of the prophets. They would know that the prophets were often not listened to by the people, because of unbelief. Look at what God says through the Prophet Jeremiah, for example: “From the day that your ancestors came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have persistently sent all my servants the prophets to them, day after day; yet they did not listen to me, or pay attention, but they stiffened their necks. They did worse than their ancestors did. So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you.” (Jeremiah 7:25-27)

Pastor, ext. 111 Fr. John M. Phillips, V.F. fr.john@holyfaithchurch.org Associate Pastor, ext. 113 Fr. fremmanuel@holyfaithchurch.org Deacon, ext. 109 Dcn. Michael Demers dcn.michael@holyfaithchurch.org

Letty Valentin Director Adult Faith Formation, Letty Valentin Director , Cristina Logan, Director

Sr. Adell Lininger, SND, Director

TiAnna Rosario, Youth & YA Minister

Dcn. Michael Demers

Dcn. Michael Demers, Director

From the Heart o f t he Pas tor . . .

Continued on page 2 ...

So perhaps there is more to this parable than meets the eye; and that’s exactly how parables are supposed to work. They are not just simply “little illustrations” to make a point. Parables, according to many Bible scholars are meant to surprise us, even shock us into a new way of thinking about God and the Kingdom of God. They shouldn’t make us too comfortable, but rather uncomfortable. We will keep this in mind over the next several weeks as we hear the parables of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew.

Here is how one Scriptural resource describes the surprising function of parables:

“Change is necessary for those who would accept Christ’s message. The new wine of the gospel cannot be poured into old pre-conceptions. If we are to receive the Good News we must open ourselves to new and at times frightening ways of thinking. Jesus knew that parables had the capacity to explode one set of pre-conceptions and thus open the way to another mode of living…Jesus’ parables have the power to subvert the world as we have conceived it. They topple our presuppositions and invite us to build a new understanding with the pieces which remain. The truths which emerge from this process surprise us. They are truths we had no way of anticipating. Jesus knew that the kingdom of God was always new and alive. He understood that parables were the perfect vehicle by which to reflect that life and newness.” (“The Parables of Jesus,” www.buildingontheword.org/bible-study/the-parables-of-jesus)

So I share all this because as I was studying the parable in this Sunday’s Gospel and preparing the homily, I couldn’t settle for a simple interpretation; I looked for the ‘surprise” in this parable. And it took some time to find it. The parable seems so ordinary. It speaks of the broadcasting method of planting seed practiced by farmers of the time. Of course, not all the ground is productive. But what does this have to do with God?

If anyone would know the best way to sow seed, it would be God. God would know which soil is good and which is not. Why waste seed on poor soil? Ordinary human farmers at the time hoped for the best in spreading seed all over and obviously some went to waste.

But what if Jesus is telling us that God spreads blessings generously, to everyone? He sows his Word to everyone, good or bad. This would shock Jesus’ audience who were taught that God blesses only the good. It probably shocks many of us today, who are so ready to decide who is desirable and who is not in our society; who is deserving and who is not; and usually, we are always on the winning side in our own estimation! This is surely a God who doesn’t always act the way we want God to act, but the real question is do we act the way God wants us to act? Are we generous with God’s blessings?

This greatly challenges me, but that’s what a parable does.

Yours in the Heart of Christ,

Fr. John

Continuation: From the Heart of the Pastor ... July 16, 2017

Is This Fr. John’s New Tiny Rectory?

Near the NW 39 Street exit is a small hut. Some have asked what is it? It is the new Boy Scout Hut of Holy Faith for meetings and storage of Boy Scout equipment. It is dedicated to St. Michael the Dragon slayer.

Boy Scout Troop #307 is sponsored at Holy Faith and meets on Mondays at 7:30pm. We are thankful for the presence of the Boy Scouts at Holy Faith!

Thanks to Thomas Manukian, a Boy Scout with Troop #307 for the newly improved Mary Garden at Holy Faith. Thomas put in many hours along with other Boy Scouts for his Eagle Scout project working on the Mary Garden area. We thank all of them for helping to make Holy Faith campus a beautiful place to the glory of God!

As of July 17 we will resume having one weekday entrance to Holy Faith only at NW 43 Street. In other words, the gates at the NW 39 Street exit will be closed Mondays through Fridays to prevent traffic cutting through our church campus. On Saturdays and Sundays both entrances will be open. We had this arrangement before we started construction of the New Parish Life Center. It is not just the many cars which cut through the property but also larger service trucks and all of it is hard on our driveways. Also, many cars speed through the property, not observing stop signs, especially at the crossing from the Church to the Parish Life Center, an area of lower visibility for pedestrian crossing. We apologize for any inconvenience to our parishioners but trust all will understand the safety and maintenance needs which make this arrangement necessary.

FINAL NOTICE ABOUT WEEKDAY ENTRANCE TO HOLY FAITH

Jesus is the Light. Follow Him! Many children and families participated in the Catholic Camp Out Vacation Bible School at Holy Faith this summer. Vacation Bible School is an opportunity for elementary school children to learn about the love of Christ through interactive Bible stories, music, arts and crafts, and even snacks! Yes, even the snacks correspond with the lesson for each day. Kids learn and have fun at the same time!

Our overall theme for the week was ‘Follow Him’, so children focused each day on different life situations that are important to follow Jesus in. Such as, following Jesus in service to others, looking for Jesus in the darkness of challenges or sadness, relying on Jesus’ comfort when we are afraid, and following our Bright Morning Star into a new life when we have turned away from sin.

Middle school and high school youth helped to lead children through the lessons and parents and grandparents got to join in and help during our first Family VBS day. VBS was a truly memorable experience for all who were there throughout the week. Holy Faith looks forward to meeting with the campers again next year!

Washing of the

Feet at Family VBS

Monday, July 17, 2017 NO Scheduled Meetings

Tuesday, July 18 HoFa Crafts Ministry Group

(10:00 AM) Location: Conference Rm 2

Closed Meeting (10:00 AM) Location: Conference Rm 1

SCC_Al Losch (10:00 AM) Location: Mtg Room 8

Private Event - SM Manager's Mtg (12:00 PM) Location: Social Hall Section A

Book Club: The Jesuit Guide to Almost Anything (2:00 PM) Location: Mtg Room 9

Wednesday, July 19 Novena: Our Lady of Perpetual Help

(10:01 AM) Location: Chapel Book Club: The Return of the Prodi-

gal Son (10:30 AM) Location: Mtg Room 9

Choir Rehearsal (7:00 PM) Location: Ministry Center Music Rm

Thursday, July 20 Gainesville Networking Group (11:45

AM) Location: Social Hall Section C People of Praise-Praise & Worship

Prayer Mtg (7:30 PM) in the Chapel

Friday, July 21 Bulletin Deadline for Aug 13, 2017

Send email with details to: bulletin@holyfaithchurch.org

Family of St. Francis Formation Classes (4:30 PM) Location: Conference Rm 2

Saturday, July 22 Baptismal Prep Class (10:30 AM)

Location: Conference Rm 1 Reconciliation (3:30 PM) Church

Sunday, July 23 Mass Times (see page 6) Baptism - Rigdon (12:30 PM)

Location: Church R.C.I.A. Breaking Open the Word/

Study (11:45 AM) Location: Fr . John's Office

TODAY!Sunday,

July 16th

HOSTED BY THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS in the Parish Life Center

After the 8am & 9:30am Masses

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: CCF to begin on Sunday,

AUGUST 20, 2017 Online registration at

holyfaithcatholicchurch.org (click on banner)

Paper Registrations in office.

The Diocese of St. Augustine invites men ages 14 and up on a discernment retreat led by the seminarians of the diocese on July 29-30 at the Marywood Retreat Center .

Contact: Diocesan Vocation Office 904-262-3200 x 101 or vocations@dosafl.com

Migrant Ministry Back to School Outreach Project

Please help the students served by MIGRANT EDUCATION in our area as they begin their new school year with confidence and pride by buying and filling a backpack with school supplies. Backpacks are needed for students from Pre-K through High School age. See the poster in the vestibule for suggestions. Thank you for your compassion for these students.

PLEASE BRING FILLED BACKPACKS AND/OR SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO

THE BOX IN THE VESTIBULE BY AUGUST 14, if possible.

The Holy Rosary is prayed every weekday at 9:00am and at 10:00am in the Chapel. All are invited to come and pray with us this beautiful devotion to our Blessed Mother.

Wednesday, July 19 Ex 3:1-6, 9-12; Ps 103:1b-2, 3-4, 6-7; Mt 11:25-27

7:00am John Duffy, RIP, by Kathleen & Michael Perri 9:30am Dan Angeles, RIP, by Lito Izon

Thursday, July 20 Ex 3:13-20; Ps 105:1 and 5, 8-9, 24-25, 26-27; Mt 11:28-30 7:00am Charles Hoffer, RIP, by Mimi & Family 9:30am Brian Kurinzi, RIP, by Rose Gray

Friday, July 21 Ex 11:10—12:14; Ps 116:12-13, 15 and 16bc, 17-18; Mt 12:1-8 7:00am Tim Venetti, RIP, by Sunny Balogh 9:30am Jennifer Hacket, For Special Intentions

Saturday, July 22 Sg 3:1-4b or 2 Cor 5:14-17; Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9; Jn 20:1-2, 11-18

9:00am Chris Williams, RIP, by David & Sylvia Williams Sunday, July 23

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Wis 12:13, 16-19; Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16;

Rom 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43 or 13:24-30

Monday, July 17 Ex 1:8-14, 22; Ps 124:1b-3, 4-6, 7-8; Mt 10:34—11:1 7:00am Thresiamma Joseph, RIP, by Mark & Elisa Beachy 9:30am Mabel Gonzalez, RIP, by Toruno Family

Tuesday, July 18 Ex 2:1-15a; Ps 69:3, 14, 30-31, 33-34; Mt 11:20-24

7:00am Annette Fergusson, RIP, by Adelina Gerry 9:30am Sr. Stephanie Nakagawa, MM, RIP, by Edith Aburano

Intercessions for Life

Lord, hear our prayers for the sick of our parish and for all those in need of our prayers.

We pray especially for: Adelina, Alain, Amando G, Amy Sue, Angel C, Angela R, Anita, Anne L, Anne T, Anthony C,

Antonio, Barbara F, Barbara M, Barbara N, Barbara R, Bebe, Bella, Ben, Betty R, Bev, Beverly B, Brian I, Caitlin, Carisma O, Carmen, Chela, Cindy F, Dale F, Dan & Beth T, Danny C, Dave, David K, Dawn S, Dayce, Dcn. Fred, Dcn. Mike, Dekle V, Delia A, Denise P, Diana F, Donald, Doris R, Doyle, Edna H, Elizabeth, Elizabeth D, Frank F, Georgean, Gerardo, Ginger, Gloria C, Harry F, Hilda D, Hope, James B, Janet S, Jeff, Joan, Joel R, Joey, John A, John K, John S, Joseph C, Juan Carlos D, Judy C, Joseph S, Julieta L, Kathi L, Kathy Jane B, Kathy D, P.Ladkani, Kip, Baby Lillian Hannah J, Lina T, Linda P, Lisa, Lotti M, Maddie J, Maria C, Martha, Mary K, Mary M, Maureen F, Michael H, Michael R, Michael T, Michelle P, Milagros, Millie, Milly L, Nancy L, Nilda, Norma L, Omar, Patricia, Pat O, Patricia P, Paul N, Paula A, Pearse H, Peg I, Pio S, Preston, Rebecca R, Regina R, Rico H, Rita, Rosa, Rosalia, Rosalie, Sally, Sandy H, Seleeta F, Shirley D, Shirley T, Sr. Rita, Steve R, Sylvia M, William & Wayne W.

To add or remove a name from the prayer list, please call the office or send an email to: bulletin@holyfaithchurch.org with your request.

OUTREACH TO RECEIVE SACRAMENTS OF THE SICK, RECONCILIATION OR EUCHARIST

If you have a loved one who is homebound, in the hospital or an assisted living facility or nursing home who wishes to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation or the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick or the Most Holy Eucharist, contact the office providing your name, the sick person’s name, the facility where the person is located along with the room number, or if the person is homebound, please provide the address and phone number of the person. 352.376.5405

For those who build a culture of life in our society, that their efforts yield a fruitful harvest.

We pray to the Lord ...

Sacramental Preparation

For Child’s BAPTISM CLASSES FOR PARENTS

Next Class: Sat., July 22nd at 10:30am in the Ministry Center.

Registration is required. email: holyfaithoffice@holyfaithchurch.org

or call the office at 352-376-5405, x122

Baptisms are scheduled on Saturdays at 11:00am or Sundays at 12:30pm.

Diocesan Marriage Renewal

Love, Marriage and Faith goes together and we are inviting you to enrich your relationship with God and each other during our next Diocesan Marriage Renewal weekend. Come and join us the weekend of August 18th- 20th at the Marywood Retreat Center locat-ed on State Road 13 in Switzerland, Florida. Let’s celebrate the gift of marriage together in Christ. For more information contact Ann and Jerry Webster, 904-268-3758, or visit us on the web at www.dmrjax.org.

Par ish Giv ing

Building Fund as of July 09, 2017

$2,762,951

Offertory: July 09, 2017 July Estimated Weekly Online Offertory

Total Offertory

$16,358.35 2,200.00 $18,558.35

EXTRA DONATIONS

Kids Treasure Votive Candles St. Patrick’s School Outreach to the Poor & Those in Need Latin America Missionaries Peter’s Pence Respect Life Ministry Convent Donations Sister Parish Donations Sister Parish Sponsorships

52.00 318.71 197.00 458.00

75.00 30.00 75.00

120.00 35.00

180.00 TOTAL EXTRA DONATIONS $1,540.71

Are you booking your summer vacations? Consider enrolling in eGiving through Faith Direct to make sure that your gift can reach Holy Faith Parish even when you cannot. Thank you for your continued support of our parish family!

Go to www.holyfaithcatholicchurch.org to sign up

Offertory: July 02, 2017 July Estimated Weekly Online Offertory

Total Offertory

$19889.12 2,200.00 $22,089.12

EXTRA DONATIONS Kids Treasure St. Patrick Interparish School Outreach for those in Need & the Poor Latin America Missionaries Peter’s Pence Respect Life Ministry Convent Donations Sister Parish Sponsorships

23.31 101.00

4,720.32 369.00

72.00 75.00

105.00 605.00

TOTAL EXTRA DONATIONS $6,070.63