New Wine in Fresh Wineskins;
How about Us?

“No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he does, its fullness pulls away, the new from the old, and the tear gets worse. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.” (Mark 2: 21-22)
 
It seems to me that Jesus was eminently practical; he used everyday examples in order to make a point clearly. This way of teaching made sense and most folks would nod with understanding.

Parishes are practical places and, for the most part, have been the place that Catholics come to get what the parish community offers. Mass, Confessions, faith formation classes, weddings, funerals, outreach programs, spiritual support, social gatherings and the like: these are all what make up an active parish. Many would think that the more the activities, the better the parish.

And now? Well, in this new reality of COVID time, our reality is very different. And I, along with our limited parish staff, are struggling to come to terms with the fact that we can’t do things as we have done in the past, and we must be open to new ways of ministering to the people of St. Timothy Parish whom we serve.

This new reality is especially challenging our ways of doing Faith Formation for every age group. Our newly established “Evangelization and Faith Formation Team” is realizing that we cannot do most of what we have done in the past, and the manner in which we have done it, in our present time.

Right now, we are finalizing our ‘guiding principles’ that will serve as the foundation for what we will propose to offer. We are constantly being challenged by our desire to go back to what is familiar and not to push forward with new ideas. I ask your prayers for us and for any insights you might have to offer to us. You can forward them to me at jurell@st-timsrc.org .

Be assured that I will keep you informed as to our progress; we know the Holy Spirit is alive and well and is guiding our efforts to find the new wine and the new wineskins.
Missionary Co-op Plan Second Collection
NEXT WEEK, we will participate in the Missionary Co-op Plan Second Collection. Typically during the summer we have the opportunity for missionaries to come to our parishes to share about their proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, including service to the poor. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are unable to visit our diocese this year. However, we remain committed to support these missionaries and their missions. We have a unique opportunity to stand in global solidarity with brothers and sisters throughout the world as they share the healing love of Christ during the pandemic. To Give Online: www.rcbo.org/missioncoop
Adult Faith Formation - BIBLE STUDY MOVING TO MONDAY NIGHTS!
Join us for our weekly Parish Bible study this Friday, August 7th from 6-7pm on Zoom. Starting this Monday, August 10, Bible Study will move to Monday nights from 7:30-8:30pm. 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 on Facebook and our website.

Young Adult Ministry
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.

Confirmation
We have scheduled three liturgies for our Year 2 candidates to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation! Please check your email for details or contact Matt (mzemanek@st-timsrc.org) for more 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!

Youth Ministry - LIFE NIGHTS MOVING to 7:30PM!
Our High School Youth Ministry is continuing to meet every Sunday at a new time: 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.
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