Through the years I have subscribed to various periodicals, some for a year or two and others much longer (as such with Mother Earth News). When my father unexpectedly subscribed to Sports Illustrated back in the sixties, my brother and I were elated. I still remember the cover of the first issue we received: Roberto Clemente hitting a home run. Here and there I have subscribed to National Geographic, various religious periodicals including the Jesuit “America,” Runner’s World, Outside, etc. Reading the editor’s (Secretary of the Institution) page of my recent issue of The Smithsonian, his insight of the past and future of this fine American institution is so very reflective of who we are as Church, and the blessing of our Catholic faith. In his words, paraphrased: “I walked into the office of [the Secretary of the Institution] sporting my jeans, an Afro and my favorite army officer jacket with a ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ patch on the sleeve. . . .and walked out with a job offer. . . .Decades later I find myself thinking back to my predecessors and how their efforts—essential, transformative and even flawed—shape my understanding. . . .The Smithsonian’s first Secretary. . .believed in the its responsibility to the nation and its citizens. . .by what it sends forth into the world. . . .He was also a scientific racist. As the [present] Secretary I know that the past is too complex to lionize or excoriate my predecessors. . . .Acknowledging the Institution’s successes and failures and celebrating its capacity to change. . . .we become the Smithsonian. . .of highest aspirations: a place of accessibility, of innovation, of relevance, of richness and meaning. . . .our great strength is our willingness to engage fully with our past, build on our achievements and evolve. . . His message reflects that of our Church, so rich in its traditions and yet marred with flaws, blessed with the Sacraments, struggling to overcome the challenges of the Coronavirus and temptations of secular distractions, we too aspire—by the grace of God and the Spirit of Christ Jesus—“to be a place of accessibility, of innovation, of relevance, of richness and meaning.” Forty two years ago, standing on this fertile, forgiving land we share as Iowans and Catholic-Christians, Pope John Paul II echoed the same hope for our faith as he concluded his homily at Living History Farms: “We are reminded in the letter of Saint Paul to the Galatians : "All that matters is that one is created anew". Only Christ can create one anew. . . .Above all, bring your families and dedicate them anew to Christ, so that they may continue to be the working, living and loving community where nature is revered, where burdens are shared and where the Lord is praised in gratitude.” During these Forty Days Of Life (Sept. 22 - Oct. 31), may we reflect upon two of the daily devotionals: “Pray that those who have forgotten their purpose may discover it in God and therefore have the courage to choose life. May we absorb the truth that God is paying attention to us, and to each human life, personally and individually.” Thank again to those who have pledged/donated to the Diocesan Annual Appeal (Together As One). Your donations support the ongoing ministries of Vocation & Seminarian Formation, Minority Outreach, Catholic Education, Youth Ministry & Religious Education on the diocesan level and within our own parishes. If you have yet to make a donation I only ask for your prayerful consideration in what you may offer. And keep in your prayers the outreach efforts within our diocese to be inclusive of those who have been forgotten, those who are seeking affirmation of God’s presence in their lives. Thank you. Next month, just two weeks away, we traditionally remember in a special way those who have died, whether family members, relatives, friends or neighbors. On the Feast of All Saints Day (November 1st) we will remember the dignity of those individuals who have served some purpose—as God designed—within our own lives. If you have individual(s) whom you want remembered in a special way please contact the parish office. Each location will have a Mass on that feast day, a particularly meaningful day, recalling the ‘community of saints’ in heaven, canonized and uncanonized. As St. Teresa of Avila said, “May God protect me from gloomy saints.” May God bless, Fr. Tim FYI: I have kept only one issue of Sports Illustrated, whom a friend gave me a couple years ago. A September issue from 2002 with the picture of my hero on the cover and the caption: “The Best There Ever Was - Johnny Unitas - 1933-2002”. And now you know, “the rest of the story.”