WEEKLY NOTES

Saint Olaf Council of Women

Shall Support, Empower, And Educate Women in

Spirituality, Leadership, And Service.
https://www.stolafccw.org/home

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Hello Ladies

St. Paul led by example. He alludes to that in our first reading today from 1 Thessalonians 2. While he could have insisted that the believers take care of his needs while he preached and taught, he worked “night and day in order not to burden any of you.” He then thanks God that the Thessalonians received the word of God, “which is now at work in you who believe.”

In the Gospel reading from Matthew 23, Jesus finishes pronouncing His “woes” to the scribes and Pharisees. The first part of today’s reading is one that cuts right to the heart for me. Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.”

Do you ever feel like a pretender, a poser? Dare I say it – a Pharisee? I sure do. Much like Jesus described the scribes and Pharisees, I often put up a nice front. But inside I can be a seething volcano, filled with wicked, evil thoughts. I’m always thankful that people can’t read minds. But then I realize that God knows my every thought. Funny, isn’t it? While we can be whitewashed tombs and fool other people, God can see right through the facade. Perhaps the only silver lining is that I recognize the fact that I can often be a pretender. I pray that God will whitewash the inside as well as the outside.

Father, forgive us for being whitewashed tombs. Cleanse us, so that our shiny exterior will be only a reflection of your goodness inside of us. Amen.

*********

POPE LEO

Today I renew a forceful appeal both to the parties involved and to the international community, that an end be put to the conflict in the Holy Land, which has caused so much terror, destruction, and death.

*******

Let us implore Mary, Queen of Peace, source of consolation and of hope. May her intercession obtain reconciliation and peace in that land so dear to us all!

*******
Council of Catholic Women General Meeting

St Olaf’s Council of Catholic Women cordially invite all women over 18 to their Tuesday, September 9th General Meeting at 6:30p in the Mac Center. We will have a brief business meeting, a recommitment ceremony for our officers, and light refreshments.

********

9/11 Bountiful Community Day of Service Saturday, September 13

Projects include Fuel Mitigation, Clean-up, Painting, Raking, Edging, Pantry Pack, Pantry Pack Notes, and Trail Clearing Projects. To volunteer: Contact Wayne Welninski at 801-726-4023. Food Pantry Drive: Grocery Bags distributed Aug 30/31 & Sep 6/7. Collection Aug 30 - Sept 12. There are two baskets in the church foyer: one for plastic bags and one for food

********

Ladies of Charity Annual Harvest of Hope fundraiser Luncheon in support of the Center of Hope Food Pantry

Saturday, September 27 from 11 AM to 2 PM in the Father McNamara Center. The fundraiser will feature a luncheon catered by Roosters Brewing Company & Restaurant, chance baskets, opportunity drawings, and live entertainment. All proceeds go toward essential services such as food distribution. Tickets are $30 and $35 at the door, or $300 for a table of eight. For more information and to purchase tickets, please scan the QR code.

********

COFFEE & DONUTS

Returning September 7

The St Olaf Council of Catholic Women hosts coffee & donuts in the Father McNamara Center after the 9:00 and 11:30 Masses. The success of this fun community event is due to great volunteers.

Please consider scheduling to serve at either Mass. We also need volunteers to set up tables on Saturday night or Sunday morning and put away tables Sunday afternoon. Please call or text Michelle Hale 385-260-8907 to volunteer. 

********

Weekly Bulletin: https://nebula.wsimg.com/ce969ff0ec8b3ea3f10596848024324a?AccessKeyId=9C06F5C323E29F24326A&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

Upcoming Events

September 5 - Adoration & Rosary at 4:00 pm

September 27 - Ladies of Charity Annual Harvest of Hope fundraiser

COMMON CATHOLIC MISTAKES

Five common mistakes Catholics make during Mass that detract from the experience for both the congregation and the celebrant. 

1 - Arriving late or leaving early

2 - Failing to actively participate in singing and responses

3 - Not contributing to the collection

4 - Neglecting to confess mortal sins before communion

5 - Judging the priest based on homily skills.

We all need to emphasize the importance of active participation, proper reverence, and a spirit of generosity and prayer.