Those of us whose mothers have already gone to heaven remember the day of her passing with bittersweet feelings. But surely our church family must celebrate the day when Mary, the Mother of Jesus, went home to God. Imagine the party in heaven that day: Gabriel, who first delivered God’s special message to Mary, received her at the gate and led her on a triumphant march through the choirs of angels, the holy ancestors, the martyrs, apostles, prophets and patriarchs. Jesus and the Holy Spirit embraced her with laughter and tears and presented her to God the Father who placed on her head the golden crown and declared her queen of heaven and earth. At least that’s how I picture it.

Mary, for her part, responded in humility, giving God the glory for the wonders he had accomplished in her. It is fitting that the gospel for today’s Mass contains the great prayer of thanksgiving Mary offered when her cousin Elizabeth praised her for her trust in God’s word. Mary turned the praise to God, saying: my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord…the Almighty has done great things for me…he has looked on me in my lowliness.

In her prayer Mary identifies with the poor of the earth who depend on the Lord for their needs. Like the prophets of old she declares that God will scatter the proud in their conceit and cast down the mighty from their thrones. The greedy will be sent away empty while the poor will be fed and the lowly will be lifted up. God’s strength and support are with the poor.

MASS FOR MOTHER THERESA
The Missionary Sisters of Charity invite everyone to a Mass in honor of the 100th birthday of Mother Theresa. Cardinal Keeler will celebrate the Mass at St. Wenceslaus on Saturday, August 28, at 10:30 am. It will be followed by a reception in the lyceum with refreshments and a film of Mother Theresa’s life. On Sunday, September 5, the US Postal Service will issue a Mother Theresa commemorative stamp at an event at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington at 3:15 pm.

PERFECT NIGHT AT ORIOLE PARK
The Orioles played host to 125 young people and their adult companions from St. Wenceslaus, St. Ann and St. Elizabeth of Hungary parishes on August 3. They provided the bus transportation and game tickets, tee shirts and hats, hot dogs and popcorn – and pictures on the jumbotron. It was the first game for the new manager, and the Orioles won the game – whether because of the manager or the cheering fans from East Baltimore is still being debated. We have sent a jumbo card of thanks to the Orioles – and hope to repeat the experience next year.

THE CATHOLIC REVIEW

Parishioners who wish to subscribe to The Catholic Review may do so at the parish rate of $26 for the year, approximately $.50 a week. Make checks payable to St. Wenceslaus.

COUNCIL NOMINATIONS

Nominations are being accepted for three two-year terms on the Pastoral Council. Nominees must be registered members of the parish at least sixteen years of age.

RAFFLE

The archdiocese is conducting a raffle to promote enrollment in the Catholic schools of the city. Tickets are $10 each and the prizes are tuition credits in the amounts of $5,000, $1,500 and $500. The schools that are participating in the raffle are

Archbishop Borders
Holy Angels
St. Ambrose
St. James and John
St. Casimir
St. Thomas Aquinas
Cardinal Shehan

Raffle tickets are available in the church office. The drawing will be held on September 2.

LABOR DAY PICNIC

Monday, September 6 is the date. Rocky Point Park is the place for our annual Labor Day church picnic. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children, payable in advance in the church office or at the park. Our picnic raffle offers cash prizes of $150, $199 and $50. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Subscription patrons will receive one adult admission ticket and 6 raffle tickets. Round trip transit on the church bus is available for $3. There is a volunteer sign-up sheet in the back of the church for anyone who can lend a hand before, during or after the picnic. Be sure and save the date and invite family and friends.

MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Job opportunities are available on the new medical school residence under construction at Ashland and North Wolfe Street. Contact Bernard Hutchins at 410-234-0660, ext 226, and mention St. Wenceslaus.

Dollar General Stores is hosting a job fair for positions within their company this Thursday, August 19, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Holiday Inn Express Baltimore at the Stadiums, 1701 Russell Street. More information is posted on the bulletin board.

MEETINGS THIS WEEK…
Tuesday, Aug 17. Survivors meet at 12:00 noon in the rectory parlor.
Wednesday, Aug 18. Monthly meeting of the St. Wenceslaus Prayer Group. 7:00 pm in the rectory parlor.

AND SAVE THESE DATES…
August 28 Mass for 100th birthday of Mother Theresa, 10:30 am
September 6 Labor Day Picnic, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Rocky Point Park
September 10 Outreach to neighborhood children and youth, 4:00 pm
September 12 Back to School Mass and reception, 11:15 AM
September 26 St. Wenceslaus Feast Day. 10:30 Mass, followed by luncheon
October 9 Gospel Choir 25th anniversary concert, 4:00 pm