St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church

www.xavierbrunswick.org, 912-265-3249

August 30, 2020

Take up your Cross and follow me!

Jesus issues a call to us, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." To follow Jesus means laying down our narrow view and embracing His eternal will. This is a familiar phrase for us, isn't it? We love to wear crosses. We buy silver and golden crosses and wear them as necklaces and earrings. We forget that the cross was an instrument of execution. Jesus died a terrible death on the cross. When he says, "Take up your cross," it is no small challenge. We are called to lay down our will to do the will of our heavenly Father.

Jesus did not want to have to walk up Calvary with that cross. He did not want large nails driven through his hands and feet not a spear in his side. But He said to the Father, "Not my will, but Thy will be done." This is the call of the Gospel today. Can we lay down our ambitions and desires to do the work of the Father? When our human ambitions get in the way can we lay them down and seek God's vision?

What does taking up our cross mean? It means being faithful to carrying out the task God has given us. For Jesus it meant carrying the cross up to Calvary. We are called to be faithful to our daily duties.

How does the world think today? The world says, "Don't get tied down. Don't make commitments." For married couples that means faithfully living out their marriage vows. God shows us that relationships flourish with long term commitments. There is part of being a spouse that requires one to take up one's cross.

-Being faithful to our daily jobs in order to provide for our families.

-Driving to school and sports practices until you think that you are taxi cab driver.

-Playing a game with the kids when you just want to sit back and watch TV.

-Going over that math homework on a nightly basis.

-Cooking that meal or doing the dishes when you know your spouse is too tired to.

-Making a late night run for milk so the kids can have breakfast.

-Choosing not to watch a particular movie or TV show because it might lead us astray.

Are not all these ways to take up one's cross? We might never be called to die for our faith but we are called to die in countless smaller ways on a daily basis. The world says don't get into that burden. Marriage is too much of a commitment. Kids get in the way of your freedom. Yet don't we find peace and fulfillment in taking up our cross instead of choosing what appears to be an easier life? This is true whether we are single, widowed or a priest . One father told me, "My greatest sorrows come from my children and my greatest joys come from my children, but the joys far outweigh the sorrow."

Each of us bears a different cross. For some it is a health crisis, for another it is financial, for one it is in family relationships. For Peter it was hard to see that Jesus would have to take up the cross. In the end though, this plan led to the salvation of the entire world.

As we take up our crosses my we see that they contribute to the salvation of the world. Let us remember that the end of the story was not the cross but the glorious resurrection of our Lord! May we view our lives through the eyes of Christ that we too may come to that glorious day!

-Fr. Tim McKeown

Thank you to our volunteer ushers who after each weekend mass wipe down each

pew with a vinegar, water and soap solution to keep us clean and safe! True servants!

Jeremiah 20: 7-9

You duped me, O LORD, and I let myself be duped; you were too strong for me, and you tri-umphed. All the day I am an object of laughter; everyone mocks me. Whenever I speak, I must cry out, violence and outrage is my message; the word of the LORD has brought me derision and reproach all the day.

I say to myself, I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it.

Romans 12: 1-2

I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and

pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the

renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.

Matthew 16: 21-27

Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do." Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct.”

Psalm: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Refrain: Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim, Till all the world adore His sacred Name. Led on their way by this triumphant sign, the hosts of God in conquering ranks combine. Refrain Each newborn servant of the Crucified bears on the brow the seal of Him Who died. Refrain

O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree, as Thou hast promised, draw the world to Thee. Refrain Reprinted under ONE LICENSE #736013-A

Christ before us, Christ beside us, Christ to guide us all our days. He to carry all our sorrows, he to bear us perfect grace. Jesus, Savior, Friend and Brother, Intercessor, Son of God, save your people in your dying, and in rising, conquer death. May we be for one another all that you would have us be. May we live your law of kindness, love, compassion, charity. May we climb your holy mountain; may we see your holy face! Visit now this humble dwelling; dwell within this holy place. Reprinted under ONE LICENSE #736013-A

St Vincent de Paul

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10-4

The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry has the following specific needs if you are able to assist: Canned fruit (Peach slices/chunks, Pear slices/chunks, Fruit Cocktail, Mixed Fruit, Pineapple slices/rings/ tidbits, Manda-rin Oranges (All the above in water or light syrup, if possible.) Cut Green Beans, cans, Whole Kernel Corn, cans, Vienna sausage, 4.6 oz. pop-top cans, Luncheon meats (Spam, Treat, etc.), pull-top cans, Solid White or Chunk Light Tuna, cans or pouches, Pasta & Meat bowls, microwaveable, Pasta & Meat items, cans

Please think in terms of regular-size items rather than large or super-size. Pop-top cans and microwaveable items meet the needs of those we serve who do not have kitchen facilities. BOGO’s are a great way to buy one for your family and one for our pantry. Basic personal hygiene items for men and women are always needed.

We will celebrate First Friday with prayer before the Blessed

Sacrament. Please come to the church between 1:00 pm

and 7:00 pm to spend some quiet time with Our Lord. At

7:00 pm we will celebrate a Mass in English and Spanish.

CONFESSIONS Confessions are offered on Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. Sundays at 7:45 a.m. and Wednesdays at

6:15 p.m. Also, by appointment.

Annual Catholic Appeal

Our 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) began in January with a great start, a new theme

(Sowing the Seeds) and a new name. When churches began to close in late March, we made

the decision to put the ACA on a temporary hold. Now that churches have reopened and a new

normal begins, we must resume support of the annual appeal so that our diocesan programs

(Such as Catholic schools, seminarians/vocations, social services) can continue to serve. We

are close to making our goal, but we need your help to get there. SFX is at 93% of our target

of $53,796. Our ministries and programs have been Sowing the Seeds throughout the Diocese

of Savannah and we need your assistance to continue their important work! If you are able to make your one-time gift or a pledge we ask that you take an envelope and

mail it today. Alternatively, if you would like to make your gift online, you can go

to www.diosav.org/aca and make a gift using a credit or debit card. Thank you!

Fr. Tim will be on vacation with his family Monday

through Saturday. Fr. Chris and Deacon Larry will be

available for pastoral needs during that time.

Daily Mass Schedule

Monday: noon Tuesday: noon Wed: 7:00 pm (no morning mass) Thursday: 8:00 a.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. school mass (Masks required)

FLOCKNOTES

We send out four or five updates each week through a text/email system

called Flocknotes. These can be essential during emergency times (Coronavirus,

Hurricanes, storms, etc.) to relay information. To sign up for general messages or

from groups you are part of: Text SFX150 to 84576 to begin and follow the in-

structions that are sent to you. We have 183 households that use this!

PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION (PSR): Classes will begin September

13th

. Registrations are being accepted after the Masses. Registration

forms are available in Xavier Hall.

PLEASE NOTE THAT: we will observe the strict safety guidelines. Stu-

dents and teachers will be required to wear masks. We will observe social-

distancing as much as possible. We will encourage all to use hand-sanitizer

and to wash hands often. Lastly, we will ensure that desks, chairs, class-

rooms, etc will be cleaned before and after use. We join in your prayers for

an end to this pandemic, and that we may return to "normal" very soon.

Rite of Christian Initiation (R.C.I.A.): Want to become Catholic, never bap-tized, Baptized another denomination, never received Sacraments? If you have questions or want to begin the RCIA journey, please contact Deacon Larry Guyer, Director of Religious Education at 912-265-3249 ext. 14. We will start on September 14th from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

ATTENTION TEEN RCIA: Will begin Sunday, October 18th. Teens needing

sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist will meet in the school

Sunday Mornings, 09:20 – 11:00.

Mass Intentions - August 29 - September

August 29th - t Elizabeth Browning, t Johnny Paulk

August 30th- t Elaine Knight/Beau Vendetti, Kiewlen Family, Our Parish Family

August 31st- t Hubert Sasser

September 1st - t Stan & Anne Jennings

September 2nd - t Mary Stock

September 3rd- Dorcas-Ehlman Families

September 4th- t Charles Campbell

September 5th- t Yolanda del Mundo, t Maria Zagami & t Sandee Coddington

September 6th- t Rose & John Silva, t Caridad Tuya Anton, t Rafael Quecan

Council of Catholic Women will resume meetings on

September 14th in the Narthex. More information to come.

Davis Love Foundation Car Raffle

Help St Francis Xavier School raise money by purchasing Raffle tickets

($20 per ticket) or making a tax-deductible donation.

Flyers are available on the tables if you are

interested on how to purchase a ticket

Please join the K of C for the next scheduled Red Cross blood drive on

Sunday, September 13th. Note: Masks are required and we will prac-

tice social distancing. Also, no one will be permitted indoors unless they

are 18 years of age for their protection as well as for other donors and

we will be taking your temperature before entering the facility as added

protection for all. Remember to schedule yourself an appointment and

ensure a speedy process by calling 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767) or

RedCrossBlood.org Thank You for giving your precious gift to safe a life.

St. Francis Xavier Staff email addresses

Fr. Tim: tmckeown@diosav.org

Fr. Chris: chassel@diosav.org

Ann: annbuebel@yahoo.com

Deacon Larry: guyerla@comcast.net

Marisol: sfxcym05@gmail.com

Juan: ganuza@msn.com

Maggie: maggie.shafer@sfxcs.org

Dr. Mermann: tmermann@sfxcs.org