[Father Skloo - zah - check]

"Be doers of the word and not hearers only," writes St. James in today's second Scripture reading. That can apply to so many things in our lives; we hear the Word, but we fail to do what we hear. It reminds me of an old Dennis the Menace cartoon, where Dennis says, "Sure I was listening. I just wasn't paying any attention."  It's not just hearing that is important, it's also paying attention, and then doing what we heard.
As we celebrate this Labor Day Weekend and get into gear for a new school year, it's a good time to take stock of just what we "do" with our time. We are all so busy, and our days can easily get filled up with many activities.  Before you know it, we don't have time for the things that we know are important. We don't have time to "do the Word."
Today's responsorial psalm, Psalm 15, gives us an insight into how we can be doers of the Word, and not just hearers of the Word. The refrain says, "One who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord." How does one "do" justice? The verses of the psalm teach us how we do justice, and how we do the Word.
We must "walk blamelessly, think the truth in our hearts, and not slander others with our tongue."  Doing justice begins with right thinking. 

We need to think with the Church, listening with open ears to what the Church teaches about justice. Right thinking will then open the way to right acting - walking blamelessly and eliminating all slander, not harming others, and treating them with justice.

As we begin this new school year, it's a great opportunity to take stock of what we do with our time.  How do we spend our time? What do we do in a typical day? Do we do the Word of God by setting proper priorities, with God first, and our family right behind? Or, do God and family get drowned out by work and other activities? Does every day include time for prayer? Do we do justice by treating our neighbors with dignity, giving them what is their due?  Do we listen to the Word of God, and do what it asks of us? 
As we begin this new school year, let us seek to live in the presence of the Lord, hearing and doing the Word of the Lord.

Our Labor Day Mass is on Monday, September 4, at 9:00 a.m. in Church; Rosary at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel.

Also, this coming Friday is our Fallfest Gala & Silent Auction. I look forward to seeing you at this event that promises to be an enjoyable evening with great food, fun, and fellowship. If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, there's still time! Call or stop by the Parish Office to reserve your seat at "An Evening in Tuscany."

RECTORY HOUSEKEEPER & COOK WANTED
Father Skluzacek and Father Magnuson have moved into the Rectory and are looking for a housekeeper and cook. This part time position includes cleaning, laundry, preparing some meals, and grocery shopping. Flexible hours. If you are interested, please see the parish web site for a complete job description, and stop by the Parish Office to fill out an application. Thank you.

Editor's Note: The Archdiocesan Center for Mission recently sent us a thank you note for the money collected during Mission Weekend, July 22/23: $12,366.92. Thank you for your generosity!