We can be enamored by beautiful things and fun “toys,” in which we can invest a great deal of money, time and attention. Created things are wonderful to enjoy. However, if our focus is too great on them, we can be tempted to lose sight of the Origin of all created things. I offer you this prayer from 4 century Bishop and Doctor of the Church, St. Augustine of Hippo from his work, Confessions, as he reflects on how his inordinate focus on created things drew him away from God. It was a turning point in his spiritual conversion. May this be a helpful prayer for you as you seek to deepen your relationship with Jesus and His Church.

Ever wonder why we have a fishing net hanging in our church?

It reminds us of the time Jesus told Simon Peter to “lower your net for a catch” (Luke 5:1-11). Jesus invites each of us to go deeper in our trusting relationship with Him. Simon Peter reluctantly responded to Jesus’ directive to lower his net for a catch of fish even though he had caught nothing all night long. Peter listened to what Jesus told him to do.

This Sunday, September 7, in St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Pope Leo will canonize 2 young men: Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.

Carlo Acutis (1991–2006) was born in London and raised in Milan, Italy. He has become known as the "Apostle of the Eucharist" for his deep devotion and for creating a website documenting Eucharistic miracles.