PREPARE FOR SUNDAY MASS

GOSPEL MEDITATION - Luke 13:22-30

I’ve been hiking Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona most of my life. It is a vigorous forty-five minutes to the top. Near the peak, the end suddenly appears much further away, and steeper. At that moment, a descending hiker often offers encouragement: “Keep going! The peak is right there. It’s not as far as it looks. You can do it!” It usually works. After another five minute push, you summit and enjoy a glorious panorama of the Sonoran Desert in the Valley of the Sun.

When Jesus is asked about how many people are saved, he says: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate” (Luke 13:24). How many? Strive! Focus on your journey. What does heavenly census taking have to do with you or me? How would it help a hiker on a mountain to ask the others coming down, “How many people are going to make it to the top?” A normal response would be something like: “How is that a relevant question? Carry on!”

Jesus links one virtue directly to salvation: perseverance (cf. Matt 24:13; hypomone in Greek). Strive! Endure! Keep going! The one absolutely necessary virtue is perseverance, to not give up on our journey. The mountain we struggle to climb is often our own weakness, failures, and sins. Persevere in prayer. Keep celebrating the sacraments. Embrace daily duties. With God’s grace, you are strong enough to keep going. Perhaps the peak is not as far away as you might fear. Keep going!

— Father John Muir

©LPi

Read the August 24, 2025 readings here!

OFFERTORY GENEROSITY

Sunday Collection

Sunday Collection + WeShare:

August 17 — $4,313.00

Upcoming 2nd collection:

August 31st -- St. Vincent de Paul

In terms of convenience and safety, we strongly urge all parishioners to consider giving online with WeShare, our electronic giving program. It’s secure, easy to use, and helps the parish manage how much funding is given regularly.

Just scan the QR Code with your phone’s camera to be directed to the WeShare website for St. Bart’s.

If you have further questions or for more information, please contact our Parish Manager, Heather Bernat.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SOCIAL JUSTICE MEETING

CANCELLED

Monday, August 25th

7:00 – 8:30pm

Conference Room

All are welcome!

Sandwiches on Sunday

Sunday, September 7

8:00 – 11:00am

Parish Center

WEEKLY EVENTS

MEN’S PRAYER GROUP
Wednesdays @ 7:45 – 9:00 am — Media Center
Join us for fellowship, prayer and meaningful discussions in person or via Zoom.

For more information, contact Jack Baumgarten, jackbaumgarten@sbcglobal.net

Zoom login: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7275379340Meeting ID:727 537 9340

BRIDGE FOR FUN

Wednesday's @ 9:30 AM

Media Center

WOMEN’S PRAYER GROUP
Fridays @ 8:30 am — Zoom
Contact Karen Lautsch at kblautsch@aol.com for login details. We meet weekly to read and discuss topics of faith from the Word of God in the Gospels and the Psalms as well as passages from contemporary writers.

FAITH FORMATION

For questions, please email or call Jacob Tolentino, Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry
at Jacob@barts.org or 650.347.0701 x1003

We are looking for Catechists and High School TA’s to help with our Faith Formation classes on Tuesday Afternoons and Evenings.

If you or someone you know is interested please contact Jacob at jacob@barts.org or 650-347-0701 x 1003

Interested in learning about new events?
Check out our bulletin and website here!

BULLETIN

WEBSITE