Monday, July 20, 2009

DAYTON DEANERY — Catholics throughout the Dayton area will gather to find “Sacred Hope in the Midst of a Challenging Economy” at a Labor Day Mass Monday, Sept. 7, at 9 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 2300 S. Smithville Road.

Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk will be joined by area priests in celebrating the Mass.

A number of parishes will forego a Labor Day Mass so that parishioners can attend the community Mass at Immaculate Conception.

“For a while now our nation has been faced with a troubling economy and in Dayton we will be facing new challenges in the years ahead,” said Father David Brinkmoeller, who is the dean of the 32 parishes in the Dayton Deanery.

“This Mass will enable the people of the Dayton Deanery to gather together to pray about the challenges of living in our difficult economy.  It may include the concerns of job seekers and those who have had significant reduction in income, as well as their families.  It will celebrate the solidarity of a church whose people are committed to be together in such challenging times.  It will also celebrate the great social teachings of the Church, including the dignity of work and the importance of the common good,” Father Brinkmoeller said.

The liturgy will include three blessings: for those in need of work, and their families; for employers and policy-makers; and for the support community, which includes parishioners, members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Catholic Social Services and other community volunteers.

Father Brinkmoeller is the chair of the planning committee for the Labor Day Liturgy. Other members of the committee are Father Ron Combs of St. Henry Parish; Father Ron Haft of St. Charles Borromeo; Father Ed Pratt of St. Rita; Father Ryan Ruiz of Incarnation; Sunnie Lain, a parishioner at Immaculate Conception; Elise Wahle, youth minister at St. Christopher Parish; Noreen Wendelin, Dayton coordinator of the archdiocesan Family Life Office, and Pam Long, regional director of the archdiocesan Catholic Social Action Office.

The Archdiocesan Catholic Social Action Office in Dayton will offer “wrap-around” events before and after the Labor Day Mass.

On Aug. 29, parish leaders and staff are invited to participate in a “Meet the Speakers” program at Ascension Parish from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The program will connect parish leaders and staff with human resource professionals, experts who can help families cope with the stress of a family member seeking employment and pastoral leaders who can offer spiritual guidance. Each speaker is willing to participate in parish programs.

After the Labor Day Mass, the Catholic Social Action Office will offer a three-week study of the U.S. bishops’ statements on economic justice. Sessions will be held Monday evenings, Sept. 14, 21 and 28, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Trinity Center, 266 Bainbridge St., Dayton. A repeat session will be offered Tuesdays, Sept. 15, 22 or 29 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Light meals will be available for purchase.