The fireworks are spent; the hamburgers and hotdogs consumed, and the picnics are over. Now we get back to our summer every-day.
     Our liturgy reminds us of where our joy must come from too. Not only in the flesh with entertainment and food, but also from the spirit imbued with Faith. Knowing that the Lord gifts us with His many graces and encourages us to "look beyond" the worldly to see "what things God has prepared for those who love Him" is a source of tremendous joy.
     This Spirit, given to us by God, will give life to our mortal bodies---immortal life, that is. Our bodies that enjoyed all these Fourth of July parties are called to something greater still---and better by far.
     The Lord Himself has laid out this plan before us. If we are wise, we should call upon the Lord to help us understand this divine design. Once accepted and lived out, then we can truly call ourselves wise. And not only that, He also invites us to go to Him when we find life burdened with the efforts to remain faithful to His word. He promised to help us carry our yoke.

. . .and water was changed into wine. The Midwest Catholic Family Conference, August 1-3 provides opportunities for life-enriching experiences for the entire family. Held at Century II Convention Center, it provides programs for all family members: children, youth, single adults, couples. Included this year: the Boehmer Family Jugglers; the Vatican exhibit "Eucharistic Miracles of the World;" talks by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, Alice von Hildebrand, Tim Staples, Fr. John Hotze and others.  As always the weekend is seasoned with daily Mass, Adoration, recitation of the Rosary and the Divine Mercy chaplet, and opportunities for confession.

                   For program information and registration, call 316-618-9787 or go to
                                        www.catholicfamilyconference.org . 
                                     Discounted rates are available until July 21.

Audio recordings of the daily Mass readings from the New American Bible are being provided by the U.S. Bishops' Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) in association with the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. Information on downloading the audio versions of the readings can be found on the popular "Daily Readings" section at www.usccb.org/nab.

General: Volunteers. That there may be an increase in the number of volunteers who offer their services to the Christian Community.
Mission: World Youth Day. That World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, July 15-20, may awaken the fire of divine love in young people and make them sowers of hope for a new humanity.

              For reflections on these intentions go to Pope's Prayer Intentions at
                                       www.apostleshipofprayer.org.