Brothers and Sisters,

A few nights ago, I was watching the news and there was a segment at the White House. I noticed that when the President walked in, out of respect for the office, everyone stood. Those gathered wore suits and dresses and everyone was well-groomed--ready to meet a world leader. By the anticipation in the eyes of those gathered, you could tell that no one would have missed the chance to meet the President of the United States of America.

Of course, because I am a priest who relates everything back to Jesus, I started to wonder if we have the same attitude and awe toward the second person of the Trinity present at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?

I just want to remind you that Eucharist means, "to give thanks" and the MANY gifts that we enjoy in our community, "thanks" should be happening EVERY Sunday. I've heard that people "take the summers off" and by our Mass attendance records, there is significant proof that this is the case. But, as a Catholic, we are to go to Mass EVERY Sunday. If you are traveling, masstimes.org will direct you to another community where you can give thanks to Our Lord who has given us everything.

Also, when you come to Mass (hopefully on time!), it's important to consider what you are wearing. It's painful to hear men and women tell me that because of what others wear that coming to Mass is a near occasion of sin for them!

Some of this seems like such common sense, but in our culture that is becoming more and more casual, we can't take things like this for granted. At the risk of sounding like an old prudish grouch, you are coming to meet Jesus Christ! No short shorts, no cleavage, no sagging pants/shorts, no tank tops and, guys—gym clothes do not qualify as your Sunday best! I have seen some who looked like they just rolled out of bed!

At the very minimum, I'd opt for sport shirts and dress pants and dresses and women's clothing that keep private parts private! Enough said. I know we can do better!

Summer Dress Guidelines

Other happenings:

Deacon Kevin Grimditch, (the new priest assigned to St. Joan of Arc) will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday June 28th at 10am at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral. COME! Two other deacons will be ordained to the priesthood on that day as well. It is an awe-inspiring moment!

Finally, congratulations to all of our parish graduates! We are so proud of you! For those who are going off to college, you go with our prayers. A bit of advice, take it easy on your parents this summer. This transition is hard for them too! To those of you who are taking to the world, post high school or college, know that you are in my prayers!

God Bless,

Modestia (Parte I de II)

Queridos Hermanos y hermanos,

Con el clima caliente, es un buen momento para recordar la importancia de vestirse apropiadamente para la Iglesia.A veces durante el verano a las personas se les olvida que van para la casa del Señor para adorar, y se confunden y se visten como si fueran a un díaa la playa. Entonces,les quiero recordar a hombres y mujeres, niños, y niñas, acerca de la virtud de la modestia (pudor).

La modestia es parte de la virtud de pureza.La modestia puede variar de una cultura a otra, pero, sin duda, existe un "código" universal, que debemos de respetar la dignidad de cada persona. El Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica nos dice esto: "la modestia protege el centro de intimidad de una persona. Significa el negarse a revelar lo que debe de estar oculto….inspira la elección delvestuario deuna persona."

Todos estamos hechos a imagen y semejanza de Dios, y el cuerpo humano refleja este misterio. Aunque no haya mucho apoyo para este punto de vista, los padres necesitan ayudar a sus hijos a que entienden que sus cuerpos no son algo que debe de ser expuesto al mundo y a sus exploraciones voyeristas. Tal como nos dice el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica "al enseñarle a los niños y adolecentes acerca de la modestia se está como despertando dentro ellos el respeto por la vida humana." Y si los padres fallan en explicar y enseñarles a sus hijos como vestirse con dignidad, dudo mucho que alguien más les vaya a enseñar.

Que Dios los Bendiga,
Padre Don Kline

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