St. John Neumann
Catholic Church

Please know that I am looking for a few donations of used lawn furniture for the rectory.  With the completion of their Eagles projects at the rectory, SJN teenagers Jared Lee and Nicholas Eberhart have created new spots for the priests to enjoy some outdoor relaxation: on the patio that is on the Tom Smith Road side of the house (next to the garage); and on the Wentworth Lane side of the house, on the new backyard deck. I don't want to spend our limited finances for something that is not essential (making the rectory a bit nicer for your priests), so I'll hope for a few donations of used outdoor furniture (chairs and tables and the like). I think I've already been promised a used grill!

By the way, in addition to Jared and Nick, Kevin Arputharaj, Kyle Cowdrick and Chase Rudell recently have completed their Eagle projects at SJN. I thank God for all of scouting (girls and boys) and ask all to support these worthy institutions of American goodness.

Labor Day weekend. On Monday, we will honor the dignity of work and all who labor to "build the world" and all who serve the peoples of the world. This is the weekend that many use to mark the end of summer and the beginning of fall. In some parts of our beloved country, it's beginning to feel like fall. In our particular part of these United States, its still "HHH" (hazy, hot and humid)... but getting better!

This notion of getting better... that's another way we can look at the spiritual renewal of SJN. By God's grace, we are getting better all the time. Just look at what is happening all around us. The Lord is blessing us in a mighty way. Please join me day by day, in a prayer of thanksgiving, for all the blessings we are receiving.

One such blessing is Thomas Van Soelen and our 11 AM choir. Each Sunday, the members of the assembled choir offer us such joy, such beauty. They practice on Thursdays and sing on Sundays. They don't sing for our applause, but for the glory of God's love... and for our spiritual good. Thomas would like to have a few more men and women in the 11 AM choir. You don't have to possess an operatic voice. You don't have to read music. Just come and be a part of that wonderful choir. This is another way some of you can grow in the Lord. Consider giving the Lord and this parish family a bit of time on Thursday night and Sunday morning. Please contact Thomas at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   or call (404) 592-7151 and leave a message for him. Please consider this "gift of self".

Along with the ministry of singing, we have lots to offer you this month. Our three Bible studies begin soon, reading the Book of Genesis and seeking to know more about God's original plan for humanity. You have the chance to read through Genesis on Monday nights, Wednesday mornings and Saturday mornings. Look for information in the bulletin.

I am hoping that every couple with infants and young school-age children will join me in the study of John Paul II's Theology of the Body. If you plan to be a part of this class (beginning on the 17th, at 6:30 PM), please go ahead and order the two short books and read the first chapter in each. The two books are: Theology of the Body for Beginners, by Christopher West, and Men and Women Are From Eden, by Mary Healy. They are available on line, and I recommend both, highly.

Deacon Greg Ollick and I hope that most every adult will join us at the 7:30 PM time period every Thursday. On the 17th, I will have another book club, and we will read Ralph Martin's The Fulfillment of All Desire. (The parish office has copies of the book for $12.00.) For those of you reading this extraordinary text with me, please read the first chapter by the 17th. Deacon Greg and I will "sort of" alternate these Thursday sessions. On the 24th, Deacon Greg will begin a year-long course on Catholic Apologetics. Please come and join Deacon Greg in the study of our faith.

The nursery will be provided every Thursday, from 6:15 PM to 9:15 PM; and along with all that is offered (choir rehearsal, Deacon Greg's class and my two studies), we have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament each Thursday: from 7 to 8 PM in English and from about 8:15 to 9:15 PM in Spanish. For all of this, come and see!

Let us honor the dignity of work and all who labor, for our families, for our parish, for our nation and for the Lord!

AMDG

Msgr. David Talley