How Not To Get Votes

"Imagine a politician standing on a soapbox addressing a crowd: ‘If you're going to vote for me,' he says, 'you're voting to lose your homes and families; you're asking for higher taxes and lower wages; you're deciding in favor of losing all you love best! So come on—who's on my side?' The crowd wouldn't even bother heckling him, or throwing rotten tomatoes at him. They would just be puzzled. Why on earth would anyone try to advertise himself in that way?" (Luke for Everyone, p. 180, Tom Wright)

A Language of Extremes

Isn't this what Jesus was doing? No one could accuse Jesus of not being a very dramatic person. Today we hear him urging us to put aside everything and everyone, even our own families, in order to give ourselves up completely to the task of following him. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is to stand in the way of following Jesus. He even tells us that we must hate father, mother, spouse, brother and sister to be his disciple.

But to be fair to Jesus, we have to realize that in the language of his day, the way that they expressed their preference of one thing over another was not by saying, "I prefer this to that." No, the Aramaic language used extremes. They would say "I love this and hate that" in order to express their preference for one thing over another. And so Jesus was making a clear statement that if we wanted to follow him, we must not put anyone or anything between him and ourselves.

Listening And Following

All of this is telling us that it's possible to be a listener of Jesus without being a follower. The distinction is important. Knowing what Jesus said, understanding the words we read in the gospel, knowing how the church interprets them—these are all important. But of greater importance is actually living our lives the way Jesus wants us to live them. The key to all of this is a deep and unswerving commitment. It's not good enough to be a follower of Jesus when it's easy or even when it might be an advantage for us.

Any real commitment means that we stick with it no matter what. Every married couple knows that it is their commitment to the marriage relationship that enables them to go through the difficult times. Their marriage vows really mean something to the way they deal with hard times in their marriage. Those vows have the power to see people through some troublesome and trying times.

A Blank Sheet of Paper

A woman once asked a minister this question: "Will you please tell me in a word what your idea of consecration is?" Holding out a blank sheet of paper the pastor replied, "It is to sign your name at the bottom of this blank sheet, and to let God fill it in as He will." That surely implies a total willingness to follow the Lord no matter where we are led.

The important word in that phrase "total willingness" is "total." Anyone can say they are willing to follow the Lord when life is fine, and following God's will takes no real effort. But it is an altogether different matter to follow the Lord when the following is full of trouble, and, at times, makes no human sense to us. Our first impulse is to leave by the closest door.

Fair Weather Disciples?

It's easy to be a fair weather disciple just as it's easy to be a fair weather friend. Everyone likes a sunny day. But when the clouds start rolling into our lives, we're not so happy anymore, and all we think about is the sun. But as followers of Jesus we're in for the long haul. And sometimes it is a long haul. The crosses that come into our lives are rarely welcomed by us with open arms. We often fight against them and sometimes we out and out reject them. But Jesus says, "Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."

"Christian spirituality isn't about sitting at the feet of some guru for a seminar at a retreat. It isn't about having a nice comfortable, safe dose of spirituality in your life to make you feel good whenever your thoughts run deep about ultimate questions and eternal destinies. Jesus called people to follow Him - and there was only one place He was going: a cross. The true nature of spiritual living involves sacrifice, duty, and commitment."

(James Emery White, You Can Experience the Spiritual Life).

But along with sacrifice come a satisfaction and a deep joy which nothing can take away from us. Our psalm today prays: "Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." The cross is not the end of the road. The Risen Christ calls us through our many crosses to the joy and peace that will never end.

Words of Life

Tell me, what can be more important--short, medium, and long-term--than how a culture treats its next generation? They are our flesh and blood, whose existence we brought into being, whether intentionally or carelessly. Unborn lives are not like chalk on a blackboard that you can casually erase when no longer “wanted."

We affirm with every corpuscle in our bodies that we are obliged to do everything that is legally, morally, and ethically possible to protect the little ones. We cannot accept that abortion is essentially inconsequential--a matter of mere opinion, like whether we choose Coke or Pepsi. To do so would be to diminish our own humanity just as abortion diminishes the humanity of our unborn brothers and sisters.

– Dave Andrusko n the National Right to Life Committee’s “Today’s News & Views” column, Aug. 16, 2010

For parents whose pregnant daughters are considering abortion: that they will help their daughter understand the priceless gift she is carrying and help her choose life through parenting or adoption; we pray to the Lord. Amen.

Heavenly Healing…The sacrament of anointing of this sick will be offered at a Mass of Healing on Monday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Come pray for the sick of our parish family: Tito Calderon, Ayden James Canales, Mrs. Cantu, Isela Gonzalez, Trish Ly & Family, Kenzie Mechlar, Juanita Rivas, Barbara & Will Torres, Cecil & Teresa Toudouze, Noah Joseph Vasquez, Edith Aldaya, Sandra Cave, Mary Cerha, Aurora Dyer, Julian Galindo, Dee Hancock, Anne Marie Macias, Robyn Marcum, Louis Perez, Rodolfo Reyes, Albert Rihtarchik, Juanita Rosas, Randy Schriedel, Billie Sievers, Dick Sledden, Nancy Souhrada, Mark Spiekerman, Thomas Joseph Stanton, Rosaura Trevino, and Carlos Vazquez. The prayer petition box will be available in the church narthex for your intentions.

(Names run for four consecutive weeks unless the church office is otherwise notified.)

THIS WEEK’S PARISH SPOTLIGHT

BAPTISMS

Matthew Michael Redlin, child of Jason & Myra Redlin

Vincent Anthony Melendez-Smith, child of Craig & Lillian Smith

Izabel Briana Passement, child of Roman & Christina Passement

QUINCEAÑERAS

Maranda Samaniego

Silver Seniors Potluck & Game Night

Friends, food & fun!

Anyone 50 & older is welcome

Questions? Call Jody Holcomb at 210-677-0776

Are you 50 or over?

The St. Anthony Claret Silver Seniors Want YOU!

There are no dues to be paid. We meet once a month, alternating dining out with a potluck at the parish hall. We play various games, converse with one another and get acquainted with other seniors. Join our fun, friendly group. Try us, you’ll like us!

Questions? Call Jody Holcomb at 210-677-0776.

This fall our parish will be joining the hundreds of thousands of people participating in 40 Days for Life across North America and internationally. For 40 days in a row, from Sept 22 - Oct 31, 12 hours each day – faithful people will be peacefully praying on sidewalks in front of abortion clinics.

Our parish has made a commitment to participate in the San Antonio 40 Days for Life by praying on the sidewalk in front of the

Planned Parenthood at 104 Babcock Road on

Sunday, Oct. 10, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Parishioners can choose any hour of the day to come and pray. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Elderly and handicapped are welcome to bring a chair. Parents with small children are encouraged to bring a stroller for safety. The public sidewalk belongs to the citizens, so we are legally able to stand and pray as long as we don’t block the through-traffic. Free parking is available at the Restaurant Depot (blue sign) across the street from the Planned Parenthood.

This is a wonderful opportunity for us to stand up and pray for Life. Call to sign up for one hour of prayer in front of Planned Parenthood: Michelle Phinizy 210-275-1484.

To find out more about saving lives here in our city, contact the San Antonio Coalition for Life at 210-73-SACFL, by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at the website www.sacfl.org.

OVASE (Office of Victim Assistance & Safe Environment) Training

• OVASE training is required every three years for all persons working with children within our parish.

• It will be held Tuesday, Sept. 14, 6:30 p.m., Msgr. Hubertus Hall.

• RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your name and the ministry for which you are taking the training.

• It’s also offered every other Wednesday at the Archdiocese Annex Building.

• Contact the Archdiocese Office of Victim Assistance and Safe Environment at 210-734-7786 for additional classes scheduled at other parishes.

“The Archdiocese of San Antonio joins all the bishops of the United States in taking a strong and positive stand for the protection of children and youth. We are completely committed to the prevention of abuse through education. This is important to every Catholic to ensure that we are following the mandate of Jesus to "Let the little children come to me." All children must be safe from harm and respected in every Catholic parish, school, and institution.” – Archbishop Jose Gomez

New Altar Server Training

Young men and ladies: ever thought about becoming an altar server at the Lord’s Table?

If so, please join us at a meeting and training session for new altar servers:

Saturday, Sept. 25, 10 – 11:30 a.m. in the church.

To be eligible you must have received your First Communion, have a deep love for God,

and a desire to serve the Lord and your church.

Questions? Call Deacon Jerry at 210-679-8434.

Attention: Rosary Makers!

Beginning this month the Tuesday morning rosary makers will meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 10 a.m. – 12 noon in Building E.  Join us as we string rosaries for our parishioners, the homeless, the hospitalized, and for Father Pat's mission work.  The Sunday meetings will continue to take place on the first Sunday of every month, 1:15 – 3 p.m. Questions? For Wednesday group, contact  Lindsey Kindt at 210-474-6811; for Sunday group, contact Maria Herrera at 210-679-7091.

Pray for an unborn child!

St. Anthony Claret Respect Life Ministry

4th Annual Spiritual Adoption: Sept. 2010 to June 2011

The Respect Life Ministry invites all parishioners to join us in our annual Spiritual Adoption. From the weekend of September 4/5 to June 4/5, we ask you all to pray daily for a baby forming in the womb of an unknown mother.

The following prayer was recommended by Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen: “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I love you very much; I beg you to spare the life of the unborn child that I have spiritually adopted, who is in danger of abortion.” During your earthly life, this child which you have adopted will be known only to God, but in the hereafter, you will enjoy each other’s company for all eternity.

Developmental Update—Your spiritually adopted baby at conception

The mother and father’s chromosomes join to form a unique individual

within the mother’s womb in the process called conception.

Keep this as a daily reminder to pray for your spiritually adopted baby:

Share your gifts of time and talent with your parish family:

Join the 5 P.M. Choir!

Are you a vocalist or instrumentalist with intermediate to advanced skills? Responsibilities include solo preparation and group practice/arranging before Mass. Vocalists, cello or bass, and solo C instrumentalists are particularly desired, though all are welcome. For more info, contact Mark Kokotajlo at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

St. Anthony Mary Claret Conference of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul (SVDP) is recruiting church members who are interested in serving the poor in our parish. Brighten your Thursday mornings by joining and working with us. Call 210-688-0070 and leave a message.

St. Anthony Mary Claret M.O.M. (Ministry of Motherhood) Meeting

THIS Wednesday, Sept. 8, 8:45 A.M.

Msgr. Hubertus Hall

We will have a discussion that will enhance our spiritual growth.

Nursing infants may remain with their moms at the meeting.

Please take all others to the free babysitting provided in building B.

Feel free to bring a breakfast item, snack or beverage to share.

Questions? Call Susie Fetter at 210-679-6334.

Do you often forget your donation envelopes at home?

We can help. Your regular parish monetary donations can be made with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover)—either in the parish office or here on our parish website. Simply click on the large “Donate” box on the left.

Ladies of St. Anthony Mary Claret Religious Items Sale

after all Masses THIS weekend

New merchandise has been added, so stop by and do some shopping.

It's never too early to shop for Christmas!

All proceeds benefit our parish.

Covenant of Love

Friday, Sept. 13, 7 – 9 p.m., Msgr. Hubertus Hall

Educate yourself and enrich your marriages at our monthly group.

For more info, contact Chris and Nicole Glowe at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 210-257-6616.

Free childcare available. Contact Amanda & Geoff Vines no later than Sept. 11 at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 210-679-8460. Space is limited.

Words of Life

The true measure of humanity is essentially determined in relationship to suffering and to the sufferer... A society unable to accept its suffering members and incapable of helping to share their suffering and to bear it inwardly through “compassion” is a cruel and inhuman society.

– Pope Benedict XVI, In Hope We Are Saved, no. 38

For all young parents and families, especially those struggling financially: that they will have hope and faith in God’s goodness and be given the strength to persevere; we pray to the Lord. Amen.

Let us pray:

God, like a watchful shepherd, You care for us. You make the earth yield healing herbs and medicines and give us the knowledge to learn their power. Your creative love continues through the healing hands of doctor, pharmacist and nurse, and the healing counsel of priest, minister and friend.

Bless us, and all who suffer, especially the following members of our parish family: Gloria & Delmar Bolick, Minerva Bridges, Mrs. Cantu, Tony Gonzales, Bradly Hall, Michael Hotard, Andrea Obledo, C.J. Renfro, Dick Sledden, Noah Joseph Vasquez, Edith Aldaya, Sandra Cave, Mary Cerha, Aurora Dyer, Julian Galindo, Dee Hancock, Anne Marie Macias, Robyn Marcum, Louis Perez, Rodolfo Reyes, Albert Rihtarchik, Juanita Rosas, Randy Schriedel, Billie Sievers, Nancy Souhrada, Mark Spiekerman, Thomas Joseph Stanton, Rosaura Trevino, and Carlos Vazquez. Our afflictions become a cross that burdens us with fear and uncertainty. Cast out our fear and revive our faith. Give us strength that we may be filled with hope. Let the Holy Spirit come to our aid that we might live each day in the joy for which Your fashioned us.

We pray for healing in body, soul and spirit that we may be Your servants in this world and enjoy the fullness of Your presence in the life to come. We make this prayer humbly, knowing we cannot restrict or direct Your saving grace. We give joyful thanks for Your compassion wherever we may find it.

We ask all this in the name of the Lord Jesus who intercedes before You on our behalf. Amen.

(Names run for four consecutive weeks unless the church office is otherwise notified.)

In Sympathy…The parish community extends its condolences to parishioner Cathy Moreno, whose father, Domingo Ramos, recently passed away.

Absolve, we beseech You, O Lord, the soul of Your servant Domingo from every bond of sin, that being raised in the glory of the resurrection, he may be refreshed among the Saints and Elect. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THIS WEEK’S PARISH SPOTLIGHT

WEDDINGS

Dwight Goldstrom & Thelma Segovia

QUINCEAÑERAS

Ashley Benavides