Knowledge is the gift of the Holy Spirit that enables a person “to judge rightly concerning the truths of faith in accordance with their proper causes and the principles of revealed truth.” Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the human intellect makes correct judgments regarding earthly things and how they are related to God, eternal life and Christian perfection. As such, this gift is a special illumination, which enables the person to realize the emptiness of created things in themselves so that they do not become roadblocks to union with God.

Pennies for Birthright will be collected on July 11 and 12. The collection baskets are located at each exit. Please be as generous as possible!

"Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin."
Mother Theresa

Please prayerfully consider volunteering to teach the faith our Religious Education students. No experience is necessary. (Team teaching with a friend is also a great option!) Our Religious Education Staff will give you all the guidance, support, manuals, and resources you will need. Our Catechist Workshop will be held in September before classes begin.

CCD
Anyone wishing to enroll a child in our program must first become a parishioner of St. Lawrence O’Toole. Stop by the Parish House at 31 Prospect Street (located diagonally across from the church).

* Religious Education begins in 1^st Grade *
REGISTER BY JUNE 30^th (Forms received after June 30^th will have an added late fee of $25)

The CDA would like to thank everyone who helped to make our Penny Social at the Carnival such a success. We were able to raise $1,235.00 thanks to your hard work and generosity. There were 24 basket winners. Special thanks goes to Aversano’s, Kelly’s, Dan Ledley’s “Norms”, Fiesta Mexicana, and Southeast Grill for the gift cards they so generously donated!

Think About It!

The St. Lawrence Scripture Study will resume in September with the next foundational study of the Great Adventure Series. The study of The Gospel of Matthew, will lead us to an understanding of the Kingdom of God, as it existed in the Old Covenant, and was reestablished in the New. This is key to understanding the formation of our Church and the reasons for our beliefs. It will enhance our worship at weekly or daily Mass, as we hear the Word of God proclaimed, and celebrate the Eucharist.

NEW CHURCH SURVEY 323 responses (includes 53 online)

Which style of church do you prefer? Traditional (246) or Contemporary (61)

Do you prefer a church that is: rectangular (141), round (59) or cross (94) shaped?

Prefer a church of: stone (131), brick (13), stucco (4), wood (0), or a combination (157)?
(Of those who chose ‘combination’ and marked which: stone 40,brick 16, stucco 8, and wood 27)

Should a Baptismal Font be placed in the front or rear of church? Front (220) or Rear (74)

The next gift of the Holy Spirit we look at is strength or fortitude which is commonly called courage, but it is different from what much of what we think of as courage today. The person exercising the gift of fortitude is willing to put himself in danger if necessary, but he does not seek danger for danger’s sake. Putting our bodies or lives in danger when it is not necessary is not fortitude but foolishness. Sometimes, however, the ultimate sacrifice is necessary, in order to stand up for what is right and to save our souls.

This will be the last weekend we have the 11:00 AM Sunday Mass in the Hall. Next Sunday, July 5^th, only the 9:30 AM Mass will be celebrated in the Hall throughout the summer months.

The 11:00 AM Mass in the Hall will resume September 13^th, the Sunday after Labor Day.

There will be no First Friday Holy Hour and Benediction during the months of July and August.