A blessed and joyful Labor Day weekend to all! I hope the summer has been fulfilling for you and
your family. Yes, it did go by somewhat quickly, but there is still more sunny, warm days ahead of us. Labor
Day marks an end to summer vacation for the children and now the beginning of a new school year.
For our young children, with school beginning there is the excitement of seeing friends, the
nervousness of a new teacher, the mystery of a new locker combination, and the hope that this will be the year
for … well, you fill in the blank. For parents, there s a different mix of emotions: perhaps relief at the return
of a routine but also worry. Will they make good friends? Will they be kind? Will they struggle? Will they be
safe?
Into this beautiful, anxious, hopeful moment of our lives, the Word of God speaks a gentle and
powerful truth in this passage from the Book of Sirach: If you are willing to listen, you will learn; if you give
heed, you will be wise. Stand in the company of the elders. Who is wise? Attach yourself to such a one. Be
ready to listen to every godly discourse, and let no wise proverbs escape you. If you see an intelligent person,
rise early to visit him; let your foot wear out his doorstep. Reflect on the statutes of the Lord, and meditate at
all times on his commandments. It is he who will give insight to your mind, and your desire for wisdom will
be granted ” (Sirach 6:32 32-37).
Wisdom isn t just about getting good grades. It s not about memorizing multiplication tables or the
periodic elements. Wisdom, in the biblical sense, is about seeing the world as God sees it. It s about
understanding how to live a good, holy, virtuous, and joyful life. It s about knowing what is truly important.
This year, as you, our students, sit in your classrooms, you will be filled with knowledge. And that is a
wonderful gift! But I want to invite you to seek something even greater: seek wisdom . Seek it in the kindness
you show to the new student who is sitting alone at lunch. Seek it in the courage to ask for help when you
don t understand something, in class or in life. Seek it in the patience to keep trying when a problem is hard.
Every act of honesty, every moment of perseverance, every effort to include others – that is the gift of
wisdom, the beautiful bonds that tie you to a life of meaning and purpose.
Wisdom is not passive. It requires a willingness to listen, to learn, and to actively seek out instruction.
Wisdom is found in the community of the wise, particularly the elders, your parents and teachers. One must
deliberately place themselves in the company of those who are wise and learned. Ultimately, true wisdom and
understanding are gifts from God. Human effort of listening, studying, and reflecting is essential, but it is God
who grants the final insight into His Wisdom.
And for the parents, grandparents, and guardians of the children: In your patience, your
encouragement, and your love, you are the first and most important heralds of the Gospel they will ever know.
Teach them to pray. Perhaps say grace before dinner. A simple morning prayer asking God for a good day,
trusting in His love. Give words of encouragement: I believe in you ”, I am proud of you ”, I love you ”, God
is with you ”. May this school year be one of growth not just in knowledge, but in grace. May our homes be
filled with patience, our hearts with trust, and our minds with the wisdom that comes from God. Let us pray
for our young students as they embark on their new adventure.
I want to thank Maureen Stump and the Family Ministry members who provided our Annual St. Jude
Summer BBQ. It was a wonderful, joyful day thanks to all of you. The work you put into making the
preparations: the tents, the bouncy house and water slide, the pony rides, the games, the music made the day
seem effortless, but we know it took a lot of planning. I want to thank our Knights of Columbus Councils: St.
Jude Shrine & JV Kavanaugh for providing the soda, water, grills, and the grilling of the burgers and franks.
Also, thank you to the Kids of the Kingdom for doing an amazing job with the children! Thank you! And to
all of you who came to share an enjoyable afternoon: thank you! St. Jude Church is truly blessed ~
St. Jude, pray for us ~
With prayer for a blessed week,
Fr. Ryan