Here’s news: coming to church is good for your health. Most of us already knew that but now it has been proven in a scientific study. Twenty-five percent of men over 55 years of age with no social support and no comfort from religious beliefs died in the six months following heart surgery. Compare that number with just 4 percent of deaths for those who reported both social participation and strength from religious beliefs. Another study showed a similar 25% reduction in mortality associated with attending church services. These statistics are reported in an article called “Psycho-Spiritual Stress Management” in Human Development magazine this Spring.

It is no surprise that stress is on the rise, and is responsible for much of the physical, emotional and social sickness of our times. Thirty percent of Americans described their stress levels as extreme; sixty percent reported feelings of irritability, anger and fatigue. What helps? Healthy responses include music, exercise and reading. Unhealthy responses include drinking alcohol and smoking. Some cope with the help of medication or counseling. But the two most helpful stress management strategies were prayer (37%) and church attendance (21%).

Our faith enables us to find meaning in adversity. Facing difficulties with courage becomes a spiritual endeavor, one of our ways of coping with troubles. Life has its share of painful messes for all of us, but believing in God, speaking and listening to him in prayer, and joining with other believers in worship gives us the strength to carry on. As Christian believers we are mindful that the centerpiece of our faith is the cross, a symbol of Christ’s own suffering which became redemptive, a symbol of our own passage through pain and sorrow to healing and victory.

The rich man in today’s gospel sought salvation by hoarding wealth, thinking that bigger barns full of treasure would bring him happiness for years to come, whereas in fact he was to die that night. Too many still make that mistake. Become rich in the things of God, Jesus says, and increase your chances for a longer, less stressful life. -Fr. Peter

JULY INCOME
Offertory income for the four Sundays of July came to $8,153, against a budgeted figure of $8,769, leaving a shortfall of $616 for the month. We are grateful for those who continue their church support even when on vacation.

NEW AND RETURNING MEMBERS
Each Fall we begin a new season in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a process of instruction and formation for those from age 12 and above who:

• Were never baptized
• Were baptized in a different Christian church
• Were baptized Catholic but not raised in the church
• Were once active in the church but have become inactive

The process begins with an inquiry stage where we meet the inquirers and help them chart a course to where the Lord may be leading.  Take this time to reach out to family members and friends who may benefit from this experience. For more information contact a member of our adult initiation team: Marjorie McDonald, Mary Clayton or Fr. Peter.

COUNCIL NOMINATIONS
A new season of Pastoral Council activity begins in September. Currently there are three vacancies on the Council and nominations are being accepted for two year terms of service. Members of the Council must be registered parishioners in good standing who are at least sixteen years of age. Continuing members of the Council are

Andrea Anderson        Naomi Bennett
Patricia Brown            Marcella Obot
Marie Paniagua          Edith Pumphrey
Gregory Spriggs, Jr.   Sherri Washington

TUESDAY NIGHT BALL GAME
The Orioles have renewed their invitation to attend a game as their guests. This Tuesday evening, August 3, children and adults from St. Wenceslaus, St. Ann and St. Elizabeth of Hungary churches will gather at St. Wenceslaus at 5:45 to board busses for the game between the Orioles and the Los Angeles Angels. The children will receive hats and tee shirts, and there will be hot dogs, popcorn and sodas for children and adults alike. Call or stop by the office to reserve your place.

NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME
America’s Night Out Against Crime will be observed locally tomorrow evening, August 2, beginning at 6:00 pm, at 2900 E. Fayette St. The evening will feature a rally with guest speakers, a community walk, resource tables and refreshment. The event is sponsored by the McElderry Park Community Association, Safe Streets and Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation. All are encouraged to come out and help take back our streets.

LABOR DAY PICNIC
Start now to invite family, friends and neighbors to the church Labor Day Picnic on Monday, September 6, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Rocky Point Park on Chesapeake Bay in Baltimore County. We will have the usual assortment of wheels and games, and our Labor Day raffle at the park. Watch the mail for details about admission, bus transportation and raffle tickets.

FIRST FRIDAY
August 6 is the First Friday of the month and the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Our Holy Hour for Vocations and world peace begins at 7:30 am and continues with Mass at 8:00.

PRAYER REQUESTS
Please pray for all our sick, especially Sheila Lambert (who has been moved to Genesis Healthcare in Parkville), Mary Anderson and Marie Livingston.

GIFT OF FLOWERS
Flowers at the shrines of the Sacred Heart and St. Joseph today have been donated by Vicki Goldbeck.

AFFORDABLE LEGAL ASSISTANCE
The final date for the University of Maryland Law School $10 legal consultation is Tuesday, August 3, from 12:00 to 3:00 pm at the Law School, 500 W Baltimore St. To make an appointment, call 410-929-4809 or visit justadvice@law.umaryland.edu.

SAVE THESE DATES…
Saturday, August 28. Cardinal Keeler will celebrate a 10:30 am Mass at St. Wenceslaus in honor of Mother Theresa’s 100th birthday.

Saturday, October 9. Our Gospel Choir will present a 25th anniversary concert at 4:00 pm in the church, under the leadership of Craig Randall, who has directed the choir from its inception. A reception will follow in the lyceum.