St. John Vianney (Feast Day August 4)

May 8, 1786 – August 4, 1859

John Vianney wanted to become a priest. But he had to overcome his meager formal schooling, which inadequately prepared him for seminary studies. His failure to comprehend Latin lectures forced him to discontinue. However, his desire to be a priest urged him to seek private tutoring. After a lengthy battle with the books, John was ordained to the priesthood. John Vianney's most remarkable accomplishment was his work as a confessor. In the winter months, he would spend 11 to 12 hours daily reconciling people with God. In the summer months, this time increased to 16 hours. As his fame spread, he spent more and more time serving God's people. Even the few hours he would allow himself for sleep were disturbed frequently by the devil. In 1929, Pope Pius XI named him the patron of parish priests worldwide.

·      Why were the workers who started early in the day angry?

·      What effect does envy or jealousy have on a friendship?

·      In the story, the landowner wanted to make sure that no one was standing idle. What lesson is Jesus trying to teach us about this?

·      St. John Vianney wanted to become a priest. What would it be like to be a priest or a religious sister?

Attend a Fall Festival

Many communities host fall festivals dedicated to food, crafts, music, or art. Find a local festival and attend as a family.

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Let the slow cooker do the cooking while you focus on time with your family today.

8 ounces cooked elbow macaroni

One 12-ounce can evaporated milk

1 ½ cups whole milk

½ stick butter melted

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

2 eggs beaten

6 ounces smoked Gouda cheese grated

6 ounces processed cheese such as Velveeta, grated

1 small can green chilies drained

½ cup cheddar cheese grated

Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray. Mix macaroni, evaporated milk, whole milk, butter, salt, pepper, Gouda, Velveeta, and green chilies. Cook on low for 3 hours. Sprinkle cheddar over the top and allow to melt for another 15 minutes. Serve hot.

Prayer of St. John Vianney

I love you, O my God, and my only desire is to love you until the last breath of my life.

I love you, O my infinitely lovable God, and I would rather die loving you, than live without loving you.

I love you, Lord, and the only grace I ask is to love you eternally ...

My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love you, I want my heart to repeat it to you as often as I draw breath.

During the consecration of the bread and wine, the priest uses the same words as Jesus did at the Last Supper. Listen for it.

Each day this week, pray for all current and future priests.

Today is Priesthood Sunday. The US Council of Serra International sponsors Priesthood Sunday. This nationwide event is a special day to honor the priesthood by reflecting on the life of the Church and affirming the role of the priesthood.