A word of thanks to all who made possible the outdoor shades over the piazza. It was a long time coming. And although we have had to endure the Southern California sun during the summer, the shades we now have are a long time investment.

Not only will this help us through the coming weeks for the daily outdoor Mass, this is a long time investment for is unique area. The piazza is so full of memories of fellowship enjoyed and friendships deepened over a coffee and a doughnut, gatherings for Holy Week and festive celebrations. We are hoping and praying they will, some day soon, they will be rekindled.

At the same time, I can foresee a time that when we are all eventually back inside the shelter of the church, the piazza will become an enduring place for hospitality, encounter and celebration. It opens up so many possibilities. May by next summer, we’ll have a few Adirondack lounger chairs and enjoy santa margaritas on the rocks!

Thank you for supporting this project and the continuing faith and confidence you have and continue to show in the future of St Margaret’s mission and ministries. As always, there is still work to be done.

40 Days for Life Continues

Stand for life and pray for the end of abortion during the 40 Days for Life Campaign (Sep 23 to Nov 1). Join the pro-life community in prayer, fasting, and vigil hours. Prayer vigils will be outside five different abortion facilities in San Diego county. Details of the proper protocols expected and locations of the prayer vigils, including sign up for local vigil hours can be found at www.40daysforlife.com.

Supporting Single Parents

On Wednesday, October 21 at 7 pm, the Office for Family Life & Spirituality is hosting a workshop on Single & Raising Saints: Supporting Single Parents with Jo Holt, author of the same named book. For more information, please contact John at jprust@sdcatholic.org.

Special Calendar Day Ahead

September 29: Feast Day of the Archangels

Tuesday marks the feast day of the three archangels, Saints Michael, Raphael and Gabriel. These purely spiritual beings infuse God’s grace in and throughout creation towards its goal to welcome the Kingdom of God in earth as it is in heaven. St. Michael is the patron saint of those who serve in uniform, particularly the military and those work in law in order. St Raphael is the patron saint of those in the healing professions, particularly nurses and doctors and those who help us with our health care needs. St. Gabriel is the patron saint of those involved in communications, particularly the media.

As we look out at our world, our nation and local communities through Christian eyes and hearts, we must always notice the ongoing spiritual battle for the minds, hearts and lives of all our brothers and sisters. We pray for those in uniform, particularly those in military, law enforcement and firefighters. We pray for those working in the medical field, especially those who are sick in body or mind. We pray for those who write the headlines and post messages, that they will always communicate the truth with the virtue of profound respect for the common good.

May we too have the strength and perseverance of Michael, the calm healing presence of Raphael and the gentleness of Gabriel.