FROM FR. BOB'S DESK

Dear Parishioners,

Sad news to start, Karen Smeath, our office manager, passed away last week after a long illness. Karen had served at Corpus Christi in Carson City for many, many years as Business Admin, Youth Ministry, DRE, then became my assistant at the Chancery office, then finally here at OLS. Please keep Jeff and family in prayer.

Additional sad news; Fr. Eduardo Gutierrez, who spent time here as deacon, has faced immigration issues. He had to return to Mexico last week and await further word. This is really sad and a huge loss to our diocese and the parish of St. Teresa of Avila — also an example of the chaos of our immigration system. Please hold him in prayer, too. I will miss my friend.

And...Fr. Chris Kanowitz, our former parochial vicar, did not choose to discern a religious community life. Rather, he requested a leave of absence from priestly ministry and will discern on a more fundamental level.

"Church" first and foremost means community, the people. Jesus commends Peter for his understanding and faith; that will be anchor for the community. It is our anchor, too, as Church. Our buildings, the churches, act as a visible sign of the reality of faith for the community. We gather in the building to be reminded of community, strengthened as community. Visitors and new parishioners talk about the warmth they encounter in our building — that comes from us in the pews. I hope we remember this.

This week I begin my Sabbatical. I will visit many nice church buildings, but I will miss my community during this time. Please hold me in prayer so as to be able to relax a bit, learn more things and grow humble. I turned 58 this August; have been a priest for 21 years. I have no plans of giving up on that. I will come back to OLS Nov 17/18, finish my first term as pastor, request a 2nd term and forge ahead with all of you.

Sept 16/17 Fr. John Heinz, OFM Conv, who formerly served at our Cathedral will be here to celebrate mass and speak about his community's mission work.

Confirmation Remember - ALL High School students, INCLUDING BMCHS, must register for Confirmation Preparation.

ALL HS students, including Manogue students, will need to attend Youth Ministry nights at the parish as well as Mass on the weekends.