Deacon Chris Hulburt
Among the many great contributions of the Catholic Church to the development of the modern world is its collection of papal encyclicals and apostolic exhortations on issues of social justice. The Church does not shy away from the prophetic application of its theology to the very practical needs and political circumstances of the world in which we live.
Labor Day is an excellent example. In the Industrial Revolution of the late 19
th
century, labor conditions were oppressive. Men, women, and children were working in unsafe conditions, and receiving near slave wages as unrestrained capitalists grew ever more wealthy. In 1891, Pope Leo XIII directly addressed the injustice and inhumanity of these conditions in
Rerum Novarum: On the Condition of Labor.
In a remarkably evenhanded way, the pope criticized both runaway capitalism—which exploits individual workers and releases owners from social and moral constraints, and socialism—which subordinates individual liberty to social well-being, without respect for human rights and religious welfare.
Pope Leo insisted that consideration of moral law must be part of every economic system and every economic transaction. In short, we must be clear that work is for the benefit of humans, not that humans are for the benefit of work. A year after
Rerum Novarum,
American workers marched in protest in New York City (what some historians refer to as the first unofficial Labor Day). Two years later, in 1894, President Grover Cleveland made the holiday official—a day of rest for workers. May our celebration of Labor Day always remind us of the inherent dignity that all people enjoy, everyone made in the image and likeness of God.
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Sharing the Gift of Life
Donating Blood to Those in Need
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Sunday, September 8
7:30 a
m
–1:30 pm
Sponsored by:
Knights of Columbus and San Diego Blood Bank
Blood Drive
Did you know that every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood? One blood donation can potentially save up to three lives! Join us next Sunday as we share the gift of life with those in need.
The Knights of Columbus have teamed up with San Diego Blood Bank to help make donating blood easy and convenient. The Bloodmobile will be parked right here on the corner of Cass and Missouri Streets next Sunday. To donate, you can pre-register by visiting the Knights of Columbus table after Mass this Sunday or
register online at here
. As an added bonus, all blood drive participants will get a free breakfast voucher!
Breakfast on the Plaza
Whether or not you can donate blood, plan on staying after Mass for a delicious breakfast on the plaza. The menu items include scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, and orange juice. Adults $7 and children $4.
Many thanks to the Knights of Columbus for organizing this opportunity for us to gather together and serve our brothers and sisters in need of healing. What a great way to live out our mission to encounter, love, and serve Jesus, one another, and the world!
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GROWING IN FAITH TOGETHER
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GIFT Registration is Now Open!
GIFT—Growing in Faith Together—is the Saint Brigid Parish process of children and family faith formation. First Communion and Confirmation Preparation will take place within GIFT.
Who is GIFT for?
It is for people who are seeking community, faith formation, and/or for children preparing to receive the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation. GIFT is for children ages 3-18 and their families. GIFT family gatherings are intended for families with children in grades 1-8.
Where will GIFT happen?
GIFT sessions will begin in the Parish Hall. Different areas of campus will be used for break-out sessions and small groups.
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Inspiration and Upcoming Events
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There are a lot more ways to get and stay connected, grow in faith, enrich your prayer life, and serve others. See Sunday's issue of The Way for information about these events and more:
Happy Labor Day!
- See page 5 for a Prayer for the Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers. We pray you and your loved ones have a very blessed Labor Day.
Get to Know the People in the Pews
- #IamSaintBrigid -Check out page 6 to learn more about how our parishioners live their faith at work.
Mixing Service with Celebration
- Oktoberfest Food Packaging Event and Celebration - Saturday, September 28. Register today! See Flyer for details.
Go on a Missionary Day-Trip
- Casa del Migrante Shelter, Tijuana - Saturday, September 14. Join us as we minister to immigrants, refugees, and deportees through food, shelter, clothing, and love! Page 12
Senior Ministry
- Luau Luncheon - Wednesday, September 4 at 12 pm. $5 at the Door. RSVP to the Parish Office: 858.483.3030. Come join the fun!
Young Adults
- Labor Day Beach Party - Calling all 20 and 30 somethings! Come join us for a fun day on the beach. Page 12
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
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Can you imagine if Jesus threw a party? From the wedding feast at Cana, we know He wouldn't let the wine run out. From this Sunday's Gospel, we know there would be quite a lively array of guests! We also knew who the most important people would be - everyone. Jesus advises throwing a party that turns everything upside down. Everyone should assume they're the least important attendee, and the guest list shouldn't include the neighborhood "who's who." Rather, we should go looking for "the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind" and hope they RSVP. Jesus describes a particular posture towards our own hospitality.
Parties are about the other people. "Do not recline at table in the place of honor." How often can small talk become a one-upmanship of job promotions, home renovations, and our children's achievements? We've all been to parties where being the most interesting guest is the highest achievement. Yet so often, we know the best party guests are the ones who listen well to our stories. Whether we are guests or hosts, we have the opportunity to look on others with humility and awe.
Parties are opportunities to serve. Jesus advises us to be careful who we invite "in case they might invite you back and you have repayment." Does Jesus literally mean we shouldn't invite our friends over? Of course not! But He does invite us to special consideration when we offer hospitality. When we invite people over to our home, what motivates us? Who we want to spend time with? Who we'd like to impress? These ultimately have only ourselves in mind. How about asking: Who could use some extra care right now? Who could benefit from a fun evening out? In other words, who can I serve?
Come Lord Jesus.
Live in my mind.
Dwell in my heart.
Be my companion on the journey of life.
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Parish Office 858.483.3030
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