From the Desk of Father Mark - Our Pastor
August 23, 2026 - 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

NOT AVAILABLE IN THIS BULLETIN EDITION

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From the Desk of Father Mark - Our Pastor
August 30, 2026 - 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

“You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do”.

Last weekend, Peter responded to the question, ‘Who do you say that I am’? Peter is praised because he responds as a disciple. Jesus tells him he is blessed. In this weekend’s gospel, Peter does not respond as a disciple but as a human being, seeking his own way. Jesus does not affirm the attitude of Peter. A true disciple directs one’s life according to what Jesus would do. It can be difficult to always deny ourselves, seeking God’s way. Yet, following Jesus as a disciple is the way to eternal life.

In the Rule of St. Benedict, Benedict defines discipleship in part as a lifelong structure of listening, active listening. Disciples give attention by listening with their heart, their ear, and their response. The heart is our soul, our inner being. It is there that God speaks and directs us. This requires our attention. Our heart like St. Peter, can be God–centered one moment and self-centered the next. The ear are the words spoken, but they require our attention, because words can have many meanings and interpretations. Knowing what God is actually saying requires prayer and reflection. The response is important in listening because often God speaks with the intention of us taking action. While sometimes, ‘staying the course’ is what is needed, often God intends transformation, thus change. Are we willing to listen with our heart, our ears and respond to what God intends? Ultimately, the disciple must listen. St. Peter would have to mature in that area, as do we!

~ Thank you to all supported the recent blood drive, it was a great success.

~ I wanted to remind everyone that we did resume Parish Council last Fall. Going forward, the council will, among other things, focus on synodality and how this process will influence the future of our Church.

~ St. Linus school opened with over 400 students this school year. Thank you to all who are so generous in this important mission of our parish.

~ And finally, my current term as your Pastor ends June 30, 2027. I have asked for and have been granted a one-year extension, which ends June 30 2028! Just wanted you to know!

Have a great week!

Fr. Mark Walter
Pastor of Our Lady of the Ridge - St.Linus Parish