From our Bishop Zarama.

“I received with sadness today’s announcement in Washington, DC, that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will be terminated. This program has been of such great assistance to so many in our Diocese who were brought to our country by their parents, often times as infants, having known no other nation. While we must certainly respect our borders and our laws, so we must also be guided in how we are to care for the least among us…”

Read  the full statement from Bishop Zarama, and the statement from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

http://www.dioceseofraleigh.org/news/bishop-zarama-responds-administrations-decision-end-daca

So who’s sitting in that pew with you? You might recognize them if you sit in the same area, might even be getting to know them a bit. But in a larger sense, if you take any pew and the ten to fifteen people that randomly sit there, one or two of them will have a mental health diagnosis. Two to four more will be loving them, living with them or working with someone with these concerns. Depression, anxiety, addictions, compulsions, are some of the often hidden burdens we carry. We each come to worship as fully human, imperfect, wounded people. We don’t talk about it, we guard ourselves and put up walls. We are self-reliant, independent and in control, we can handle anything. Yet, here’s a place and time when vulnerability and openness can lead to a meaningful dialog with God. When our relationship with God is personal, life changes. What’s that got to do with me? Be open, honest and humble; and the next time the priest prays ‘protect us from all anxiety….’ take it deep into your heart. Your smile, kind greeting, shared support toward others is an affirmation that God is here and working. Your generous welcome is truly part of God’s plan. Literally, we are shoulder to shoulder, bearing life’s burdens, and together with Him we are stronger.

Interested in some of the ways we might be more purposeful in our welcoming efforts as a parish? Connect with Janet Schirripa 919-865-5704 or jschirripa@saintraphael.org to learn more.

We’ve created an online survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WJKQ6K3) which we ask all parents to fill out. Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) will resume at the 9:30 Mass next Sunday, September 24. It will take place once a month during the fall, so additionally on October 22, November 12, and December 10.The survey will help us send out reminders, keep in touch, and also hopefully cultivate some more volunteers so we can make this wonderful program for our children as excellent as possible. Note, this is not a registration! Just a helpful way to get everyone more connected. CLOW is always open to all children at the 9:30 Mass, even (especially!) visitors!

This Jesuit trip includes visits to Loyola, San Sebastian, Montserrat, and Barcelona. Trip leaders: Fr. George Witt, S.J., Provincial Assistant for Spiritual Ministries, Maryland & USA Northeast Provinces of the Society of Jesus, and Mr. Joe Naylor, Provincial Assistant for Advancement and Communications, Maryland & USA Northeast Provinces of the Society of Jesus. Prices start at $3,899 (if paid by check)/$4,098 (if paid by credit card). Accommodations, sightseeing, and meals are included. To download a brochure, visit GoCatholicTravel.com/NaylorWitt.  For more information, contact Joe Naylor at jnaylor@jesuits.org or call 212-774-5529.  Spain and Lourdes Flier