Fr. Bob's Peek at Sunday

June 26, 2016 -13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
"All We Have Is Now"
  
Abraham Maslow was a famous teacher of psychology at Harvard University who died in 1970. He had many theories which help us understand life as we know it. One of his more famous was "self-actualization" which speaks to developing your potential. Another one was "time competency," which speaks to not letting the present be obstructed by the past, or distracted by worries about the future. The past no doubt has shaped us, but it does not need to define us. Acknowledging that the only arena in which we can be effective is the present, we need to focus on the here and now, not on the past or the future.
 
This issue comes up in Sunday's Old Testament story about the prophets Elijah and Elisha. Elijah's prepared to go into retirement and God has designated that his successor will be Elisha. Elisha, however, is not quite ready, he's plowing the fields and wants to say good-bye to his parents. Elijah realizes Elisha is not up to it and tells him forget it, but Elisha immediately reconsiders and burns the plow and barbecues the ox and fulfills God's plan for him as Elijah's successor.
 
Today is all we have. The past won't change and we can make choices today that greatly alters the course we're on. The only grace available to us is the grace of the present moment.

Church of the Presentation is a welcoming Catholic community leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ through Word, Worship, and Outreach.

Parish Website: www.churchofpresentation.org

 
Read on for parish happenings at a glance....See the bulletin for complete info - it's online in COLOR!
 
If you have children entering grades 1-10 in the Fall, it's time to register for:
2017 First Eucharist Preparation (grade 2, if eligible)
  
Winter Mission Opportunity for College Students: Jan. 3-9, 2017. Applications due July 1.  
 
COMING UP...
Bible Camp begins Monday, July 27 at 9:15am. Sorry, no walk-ins.
  
Help the Homeless this Summer! Overnight hosts at Our Lady Mother of Church in Woodcliff Lake needed for the following dates: July 26, 27, August 1, 2. Email mmurphy@churchofpresentation.org for more info.
 
ONGOING...
Blood Pressure Screening: Resumes in September.
Pray the Rosary: M-F at 1:00pm / also after 9am daily Mass.
Career Management Group: Last (non-holiday) Monday of the month, 8pm
Gay & Lesbian Fellowship Group: Last (non-holiday) Monday of the month, 7:30pm.
Women's Insightful Hour: Tuesdays, noon-1pm, BYO Lunch
Caring Stitches: 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month, 6:30pm-8:30pm
NAMI Support Group for Caregiver-Graduates: 3rd Wed. of the month, 7:30pm (7pm to meet 'n greet)
Women's Morning Group: Thursdays, 7:30am-8:30am
Centering Prayer: 1st Saturday of the month, 9:45am in the rectory (off in July)
Divorced & Separated Support: Call 201-327-1313 x. 887.
Bereavement Support: Call 201-327-1313 ext. 872. Fall Session begins week of September 19
 
Presentation has gone digital! Download our free app! Simply search for "Church of the Presentation" in your App Store. Like us on Facebook. Our Website is also mobile device-friendly! Let's stay connected! 
 
Supporting our Presentation Soldiers. We would like those serving our country to know that their Church is here to support and pray for them. Please email mrightmyer@churchofpresentation.org and give Margie the name of a soldier that you would like remembered.

Church of the Presentation | 271 W. Saddle River Rd. | Upper Saddle River | NJ | 07458