From The Council Faith Director

J.M.J.

God is Faithful!
As I write this we come upon the Feasts of (8/27) Saint Monica, Born 322 died in 387 and (8/28) Saint Augustine Born November 13, 354 died August 28,430. I will always be enamored by the tenacity and persistence of St. Monica’s prayer life and devotion. In the end she not only brought her husband to the faith on his death bed, but also brought her son Augustine up to being a Doctor of the church ( Doctor of Grace).

Some of His famous sayings are “ Conquer yourself and the world lies at your feet.” and “Our Hearts are made for You, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in You”. These words resonate even in today’s environment. As Catholic Gentlemen we have the opportunity to reflect in these and other Saints for spiritual direction on how we continue to raise our children, grand-children and maybe great grand-children.

This past week with the extremely hot weather I experienced at Saint Monica Church in Moraga, as I am the maintenance manager, two, over 40 year old trees split and fell to the ground. The Arborist explained that when 101 degree temperatures hit the top of the trees, the trunk will release all of its moisture to the branches for their survival. In reality the spent trunk could not hold the weight of the enormous branches. This experience had me ponder the balance of nature and the balance of my faith. I too need to take care of myself, then help in any way, those whom we love and support. I learned to pray more like St. Monica and let God support my family, like He did for Saint Augustine, somewhat like the trunk will support the branches. Let’s also offer a prayer for Our New Pastor Father Mark on His Mission and Vision for this community of Faith.

​Respectfully, Dennis Maurice, Faithful Navigator