In 1917, the U.S. entered the First World War. Posters were made with a picture of Uncle Sam (representing the U.S. government) saying “Uncle Sam wants you!” to volunteer in the Armed Forces that would be going to Europe. Now I am asking you to become a more committed disciple by volunteering for one of the many needs that we have. In both Purcell and Pauls Valley, our parishes need new people to step forward and serve as i) teacher’s aides in R.E., ii) members of the Pastoral Council, iii) sponsors and/or team members for RCIA, iv) chaperones to go with high school youth to the Youth Conference in November, and, if you have the gifts, v) musicians and lectors and ministers of hospitality. Let’s try to add some fresh faces this year to the group of hard-working volunteers who are already giving so much of their time and energy.  I can only promise you that your faith will be deepened and your life will be enriched. And, unlike in 1917, you won’t be in any danger, except the danger of greater conversion to the Gospel. Please pray about it, and then call or send me an email. - - - Fr. Jim 

I have 13 nieces and nephews (my sisters are all part-rabbit). My niece, Katie, is making slow but positive recovery from her stroke, and still lacks usage of her left hand. Another niece, Kristi, is married to a builder, Matt, and they have two lovely daughters. I am spending the week with Kristi and her family up at Tree Top Cabin in Maggie Valley, NC, a cabin that was literally built on a friendship. Todd Smith and I met while building houses with Habitat for Humanity. We spent many weekends cycling together on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, and decided we needed a "base camp" for our many canoeing, hiking and biking excursions. I was working as an environmental engineer in Knoxville and Todd had a tree business north of Atlanta. We built the cabin on weekends for most of 5 years, a project with much sweat, mistakes, successes and laughter. But most of all, what we built were memories. Todd's wife, Barbara, did some amazing interior decorating, and the cabin - a real log cabin - continues to make memories for the many families that visit it each year. We even had one couple get married at our cabin! "A man who has friends must himself be friendly. But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Prov. 18:24) Can there be any greater gift than the gift of a good friend? To see cabin photos, go to treetopcabinonline.com. You may see me waving at you! - - - Fr. Jim 

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a return to a centuries-old tradition in the Church. It is the process by which adults (18 years of age and older) are fully initiated into the Catholic Church. After a period of “Inquiry”, candidates come forward and officially declare their desire to join the Catholic faith. The candidates then begin a journey of the deepening of their faith and knowledge of Church teachings and tradition. But they are not alone. They journey together with a sponsor, someone who also desires to deepen her/his faith and knowledge. This period of growth is called the “Catechumenate”. Through weekly meetings of prayer, reflection on faith, Bible readings, and presentation of Catholic faith, both candidates and sponsors (and RCIA team members) grow in their relationship to Our Lord and His Church. Finally, on the Saturday night of the Easter Vigil in the spring, surrounded by Easter lilies, the light of candles, and the rush of the baptismal waters, the candidate is received into the Church.  She receives all of her sacraments of initiation – Baptism (if not yet baptized), Confirmation, and Holy Communion. She becomes fully initiated into the Catholic Church! The Inquiry phase will begin in August and is open to anyone in the parish.  Please check the bulletin for more details. We will have RCIA in English in Purcell (Our Lady of Victory) and RICA en español in Pauls Valley (St. Catherine of Siena). - - - Fr. Jim