I remember as a child watching a television show called “The Seven Keys”. The purpose of the show, as I recall, was to find the right key that would fit the right lock and, if one was successful, then a wonderful gift was found behind the locked doors. All one had to do was to concentrate, remember, and then be lucky enough to have chosen the right one of “The Seven Keys”.  

Key play an important part in our lives; they keep doors locked, they open them up. They keep a safety box locked; they open it up to get to the valuables. Keys are used for cars, boats, machinery, window locks, and even to open the recesses of someone’s heart! Find the key to a problem and you have a solution. Keys are often lost (as I am experiencing more and more); keys are often found and there is no memory of what they used to open!  

“I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim’s shoulder; what he opens, no one shall shut, when he shuts, no one shall open”. These words from our first reading for Sunday Mass recall the gift of leadership given to Eliakim; unfortunately, this gift of leadership went to his head and he lost the power of the keys. Ah, the sadness of losing what one had gained because of selfishness.

In the Gospel this weekend we read: “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.” Those keys given to Peter by Jesus can be understood as the seven Sacraments of our Church: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick. Each time a Sacrament is celebrated the doors of grace are unlocked and the power, love and mercy of God flows upon His holy people, the Church. These keys are meant to be used often; let us keep an eye on these seven keys for the spiritual life and not let them get misplaced or go unused.

I am going to take an 11 day break from the parish…beginning on Monday, August 24 and returning on Friday, September 4. Not going anywhere in particular; just taking some R&R and perhaps getting a few rounds of golf here and there. All will be in good hands with Fr. Evan. Let us pray for one another and as the song goes “See you in September”! Msgr. John

Dear God,

Thank you for this opportunity to learn in different ways this year. Thank you for parents, teachers and everyone who is working hard to make this school year a success. Help us see you every day, in every way because You are here among us. We ask you to help us practice small acts of kindness and charity in order to make this world a better place just as your Son, Jesus, taught us. Bless our learning environments wherever they may be, and we love you! 

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit!

Amen

Marya Wallace, Director of Children’s Faith Formation mwallace@st-timsrc.org (949) 495-4126

As we continue with the PSA for this current year, here are the most up to date amounts:

The figures as of July 31 are these:

Number of donors: 412 (15.8% of our 2600 registered households)

Thanks to all who have made a pledge or given an outright gift. Remember: all the money we collect over the $145,000 for the diocese stays here in our parish for the needs of our food pantry, our St. Vincent de Paul Society, and 10% for a struggling parish in our diocese.  It’s not too late to give to the Pastoral Services Appeal 2020. Contact Steven at sangel@st-timsrc.org or Bev at bfisher@st-timsrc.org for more information or to get a pledge card.  God bless us all.

TODAY IS THE MISSIONARY CO-OP PLAN SECOND COLLECTION- a day when we can remember that we stand in solidarity with Catholic brothers and sisters around the world– a day to share in the mission of God around the world. Your generosity supports the work of priests, religious and lay leaders originally scheduled to come to parishes in the Diocese of Orange for the Summer Co-op Appeal who share our faith with those most in need. Pray for and give to those living as missionary disciples and serving the poor during the COVID-19 crisis in other parts of the world. Give online: www.rcbo.org/missioncoop

Join us for our weekly Parish Bible study on Monday nights from 7:30-8:30pm on Zoom. Join us as we study the upcoming Sunday Gospel. No previous experience or knowledge of the Bible is necessary! Email Matt Zemanek at mzemanek@st-timsrc.org for the link and information to participate. These are also recorded and available to watch throughout the week on Youtube, Facebook and our website. This weeks study can be found here: https://youtu.be/0Sw_1ND6Fs4 

THRIVE Young Adult Ministry is continuing to meet every Thursday from 7:30-9pm on Zoom. Join us for social time, Scripture study and discussion based on the upcoming Sunday readings (usually the second reading) and some fun Catholic trivia. Follow us on Instagram @thrive_yam for daily content, and email Matt at mzemanek@st-timsrc.org for additional information.

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation will continue in the Fall. Registrations will open soon online, keep an eye on these weekly emails and our website for updates!

Our High School Youth Ministry is continuing to meet every Sunday from 7:30-8:30pm on Zoom. all teens are welcome to join us for an opportunity to check-in, play games, pray together and dive into Scripture. Follow us on Instagram @sttimsyouthministry and email Matt at mzemanek@st-timsrc.org for details.

Would you like to experience a deeper encounter with God? Would you like to discover how faith and everyday life can thrive together? The Exercises will include daily prayer, weekly teachings, weekly small faith sharing groups, and monthly large faith sharing time from Sept to June. For more information or to RSVP please contact Helene Markel, 949-697-9703, hmarkel@st-timsrc.org

Follow us on Facebook for daily spiritual content, Mass, updates, periodic events, and for a weekly rosary Live on Tuesdays at 8:30am. www.facebook.com/sttimothycc