Holy Trinity Catholic Church

From the Pastor’s Desk:

Called to the Lord’s Vineyard

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us about the workers in the vineyard. Some are hired early in the morning, while others are called later—even at the last hour. Yet the landowner gives them all the same generous wage. Those who worked all day complain, and he asks them, “Are you envious because I am generous?”

Jesus challenges us to examine our own hearts. In parish life, we can sometimes think, “I have served longer,” “I have done more,” or “Why are they receiving the recognition?” Like the workers in the Gospel, we can become focused on what others receive rather than being grateful that we have been invited to work in the Lord’s vineyard.

The Lord calls each of us at different times and in different ways. Some have been serving the Church for many years; others may just be discovering their place in the parish. Some serve publicly and receive appreciation, while others offer quiet service that few people notice. But in the Lord’s vineyard, no faithful service is insignificant, and no one should be made to feel that they have come too late or have too little to offer. Our calling is not to compare our work with someone else’s, but to faithfully answer the call we have received. When another person is invited to serve, welcomed into a ministry, or recognized for their contribution, we should not see it as taking something away from us. The generosity shown to another is not a loss to us.

This week, let us welcome those who are newly coming to serve, encourage those who are already serving, and rejoice in the gifts of others. Let us remember: the greatest blessing is not what we receive for our work, but that the Lord has invited us to work in His vineyard.

God bless you and remain Blessed!!

─ Fr. Shoby Mathew

Faith Formation classes are in full swing here at Holy Trinity. With over 90 children registered in our Faith Formation and Confirmation prep programs, our students and catechists are hard at work learning about the faith and growing in community. This past Sunday, parents of those preparing for Confirmation attended class with their children so that they can learn alongside them and support them during this important time in their spiritual life.

Thank you to Kenzie, one of our Youth Group kids, for getting all these awesome photos!

This weekend is a national collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. There will be inserts in the bulletin this weekend with more information.

Happy Open Word Wednesday!

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
As high as the heavens are above the earth,
so high are my ways above your ways
and my thoughts above your thoughts."

─ Isaiah 55:8-9

"Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
For to me life is Christ, and death is gain."

─ Philippians 1:20

"Take what is yours and go.
What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? ..
Are you envious because I am generous?'
Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last."

─ Matthew 20:14-16

Readings for Sunday, September 20th, 2026:

First Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9
Second Reading: Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a
Gospel Reading: Matthew 20:1-16a
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092026.cfm

On November 3, Missourians will vote on Amendment 3, which would roll back the most harmful provisions of the pro-abortion consititutional amendment that was narrowly approved in 2024. Missouri Bishops encourage a "YES" vote on 3 this November, which will:

1) Significantly limit late term abortions
2) Ensure parental notification and consent
3) Ban transgender procedures for minors
4) Reinstate health and safety standards and allow for inspections at abortion clinics
5) Protect Missourians' ability to sue for malpractice

For more information, visit mocatholic.org

From the Pastor’s Desk:

Forgiveness That Builds a Parish Family

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches Peter that we must forgive “not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Through the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus reminds us that those who have received God’s mercy must also become people of mercy.

This Gospel has a very practical message for our parish community. Forgiveness must move from our hearts into our actions. When there is a misunderstanding, let us not immediately assume the worst or speak about it to others. Let us go directly to the person with humility and charity. When someone disappoints us, let us resist the temptation to hold a grudge. When we have hurt someone, let us have the courage to say, “I am sorry.” And when someone reaches out to us seeking reconciliation, let us be willing to open the door to healing.

Parish life gives us many opportunities to practice this Gospel. We work together, serve together, worship together, and sometimes disagree with one another. Our goal is not to have a parish where nobody ever disagrees; our goal is to have a parish where disagreements are handled with Christian charity. We should never allow resentment, gossip, or old wounds to divide the Body of Christ.

Forgiveness does not mean ignoring serious problems or avoiding necessary conversations. Rather, it calls us to address those problems with truth, patience, and respect for the dignity of every person. Sometimes the most Christian action we can take is to make the first phone call, offer an apology, invite someone to speak, or simply choose not to repeat a hurtful story.

Let us therefore ask ourselves: Is there someone in our parish whom I need to forgive? Is there someone from whom I need to ask forgiveness? Is there a relationship where I can take the first step toward reconciliation?

A healthy parish is built not only by programs and activities, but by people who practice the mercy they have received from Christ. Let us forgive, reconcile, and take concrete steps to build a parish where everyone can experience the healing and mercy of Jesus.

God bless you and remain Blessed!!

─ Fr. Shoby Mathew

Twenty five years later we remember the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. We remember the families who mourned, the first responders who served, and the countless lives forever changed. Today, we pray for those who died, those who continue to grieve, and for peace in our nation and our world.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. May they rest in peace. Amen. 🙏

"Twenty-five years after the 9/11 terrorism attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, Catholic family members who lost loved ones that day have credited their faith with getting through the losses." To read the article, visit our Website at: https://dioscg.org/

We hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend, and are excited to see you all back for Faith Formation this Sunday! Please make sure your kids are in their classrooms by 9:45am.

If you have a child in Confirmation Prep, this is a reminder that we will meet in Reidy Hall this week and we are asking a parent to attend the session alongside their children. Remind your child to bring their "Chosen" textbook!

If you have not yet paid your Faith Formation registration please come into the office to do so or call the office to learn about how to do it online. Please do not give payments to catechists Sunday morning.

Thank you for your commitment to your child's religious education and spiritual growth. See you all Sunday!

Happy Open Word Wednesday!

"Could anyone nourish anger against another
and expect healing from the LORD?..
Remember your last days, set enmity aside;
remember death and decay, and cease from sin!
Think of the commandments, hate not your neighbor;
remember the Most High’s covenant, and overlook faults."

─ Sirach 28:3, 6-7

"Brothers and sisters:
None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.
For if we live, we live for the Lord,
and if we die, we die for the Lord;
so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s."

─ Romans 14:7-8

"Peter approached Jesus and asked him,
'Lord, if my brother sins against me,
how often must I forgive?
As many as seven times?'
Jesus answered, 'I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times."

─ Matthew 18:21-22

Readings for Sunday, September 13th, 2026:

First Reading: Sirach 27:30—28:7
Second Reading: Romans 14:7-9
Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:21-35
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091326.cfm

Our next Adult Faith small group study starts tomorrow, September 9th! In this study, we will meet weekly, now through October 14th, going through the story of King David and his role in God's plan of salvation.

Meetings will be each Wednesday at 6:30pm in the Trinity Room. Contact Lisa Bender to sign up, or if you have any questions.