Summer has been filled with kids playing sports, going to the lake, weddings and family gatherings. All of these help bind the family together because we engage with family in ways that are sometimes limited in Minnesota during other months of the year. It is amazing to hear how far kids and their families are traveling to participate in sports activities. It was a big deal for me to travel a few blocks to compete against other kids from that neighborhood. But then I was not all that good at any specific sport. It has been my experience that those who continue to engage with church during the summer strengthen their ties with a faith community as well. And that sums up Commitment to Parish Life. The church is no longer the center of community activities. That is what makes it so important to participate in as many ways as we can to keep those bonds strong. What are you doing to keep your and your children’s ties to St. Joseph the Worker strong? We are open all year around. Not just during the school year. Praying with your children and your family, reading and talking about scripture, and even explaining to your children why you are missing Mass are important times of discussing your faith and helping them understand why the family is doing what they are doing. See you in church! Fr. Mike