For many folks, Labor Day means two things: a day off work and the end of summer! But we cannot fail to remember that Labor Day is a day set aside to honor all working men and women. Our Catholic tradition honors the dignity of labor. Over 100 years ago, Pope Leo XIII became the first pope to address the dignity of human work and human workers in his famous encyclical Rerum Novarum (which is Latin for “Of New Things”). You see, at that time, in the 19th century, it was a new thinking to pay a just wage for a fair day’s work. It was a new thinking that all people deserve safe working environments. It was a new thinking that the economy must serve people, and not the other way around. And it was a new thinking that work was more than just a way to make a living; it is a form in our continuing participation in God’s creation that can lead us to salvation. That is why, to this day, our Catholic Church always stands up in support of workers, unions, the unemployed, and all who seek to enhance human dignity. On Labor Day, we Catholics join all Americans in remembering and celebrating the contributions that workers have made to our nation and to our Church. Fr. Patrick will preside at Mass at 8:00am on Labor Day, Monday September 2; all are welcome!
Next weekend is the unofficial kickoff to our 125th Anniversary celebrations as we gather for Mass in the Grass and the Parish and School Picnic. Next Sunday, September 8, our 10:00am Mass will be at the Stone Shelter in Tower Grove Park. Please come early! Bring lawn chairs or a blanket for seating for you and your family. Bring a cooler with drinks for you and your family. Bring a side dish to share, depending on the first letter of your last name: A-H bring chips (single serving), fruit, or veggies; I-R bring a side dish (salad, pasta, rice, potato, etc); S-Z bring a dessert. The parish will provide hot dogs, brats, and veggie dogs, grilled by our Athletic Association. Thanks to the PTA and Ladies Auxiliary for their donations and time, as well! And thanks in advance to the Scouts for taking on the cleanup efforts! Mass will be at 10:00am, and the picnic will commence afterwards, about 12:00 noon. The Stone Shelter is reserved all day, so you are welcome to stay as long as you like to eat, visit, and play. This will be a great opportunity to give praise to God, revel in nature, celebrate our heritage, and build our community! (For those who are not comfortable coming to Mass in the Grass, there will still be Mass in Church next Saturday at 4:30pm and next Sunday at 8:00am.) See you in the Park!
Our 125th Anniversary logo was designed by our parishioner Matty Kleinberg, and you will be seeing it a lot in the next year, as we celebrate the Quasquicentennial of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish! Thanks for your vision and creativity, Matty!
