Congratulations to our confirmandi of 2017, their families, sponsors and catechists. Our region is so proud of the young men and women who have been confirmed on Tuesday by Archbishop Schnurr at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral. We all thank the Lord for your journey of faith and pray for your spiritual growth. We cannot wait to see you putting to the good use in our parishes the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit you have received: gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. The celebration of Confirmation reminds all of us that it is only the Holy Spirit who gives us the increased ability to practice our Catholic faith in every aspect of our lives. Confirmation also reminds us to mirror Christ’s presence in our relations with others and to witness Him in every situation.

Winton Wyoming Pastoral Region will offer a Mass at St. Matthias at 7 pm on Thursday, November 2, in prayer for the souls of our departed parishioners and for all the faithful departed. We pray also for those who survive the loss of someone close to them, that they be comforted in the knowledge of God’s infinite mercy and love. At the weekend Masses of October 28 & 29, the Book of Remembrance will be displayed on the altar steps. Parishioners are encouraged to remember the deceased by writing their names in it. Prayers will be offered at the Mass of Remembrance for those whose names are written there. Please join us at this Mass to offer prayer for the deceased and for those that mourn them.

As we begin a new season let us bring others closer to God. The RCIA program helps us deepen our faith and accompany others on that process: to know, follow and serve Christ. If you haven't yet received all sacraments of initiation please consider coming to RCIA. If you know someone who wants to know more about the Catholic Church and the faith, please refer him or her to RCIA.

Sister Community Mission is a relationship between the Catholic communities of Jardines de Colon in El Salvador, Central America, Winton Wyoming Region, and San Carlos (previously St. Martin De Porres). Our purpose is to support each other spiritually, learn from each other’s different spiritual/cultural practices, and broaden our perspective of the world by developing a personal connection to those outside of our community. The mission was approved by an 85 percent vote of St. James parishioners in 1995. St. Martin de Porres joined in 1996. Please click title for more info.

Friday, September 15, we celebrate the Memorial of our Lady of Sorrows. A prayer service will be held at St. Matthias. Dinner will be served at 6 pm and prayer begins in the church at 6:50 pm. I would like to thank St. Matthias parishioners who are making this celebration special.

Click title for link to invitation and to read more! On Friday, October 20, the Sister Community committee will host a Fundraising & Appreciation Banquet supporting El Salvadoran Community Jardines de Colon Scholarship and Leadership Mission. Brother Octavio Duran will share his experiences and discuss his work with the El Salvadoran Martyr Blessed Archbishop Romero. Please RSVP no later than October 10. For Questions & RSVP: Suzie Bartz 183 Congress Run Road, Wyoming, OH 45215, 513-704-5535