In today’s Gospel we meet Jesus on the Mount of Olives. At the request of his disciples Jesus teaches them to pray the “Our Father” also known as “The Lord’s Prayer,” the prayer of Jesus himself. The first part of the prayer tells of the greatest obligation -- praising God and serving Him: “Hallowed be Thy name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.” The requests of the second part include our personal needs: daily bread, forgiveness and protection from evil. In remembrance of this event the Empress Helena had a basilica built on the Mount of Olives. At least twice it was destroyed and rebuilt. Now on its ruins a church named “Our Father” stands. Near the church in 1875 the French built a convent for the Carmelite nuns. On its walls are plaques with the texts of the “Our Father” in forty-five languages. There are texts in the English and Polish languages. The Polish text is attributed to the efforts of the soldiers of General Anders who were stationed there during World War II. Let us ask ourselves: How important in our daily lives is the prayer “Our Father”? Many times we are very busy. We have no time for ourselves, for our family, and unfortunately for God. Let us remember that in this unhealthy pursuit for success we know to begin and end each day with the sign of the cross and the “Our Father.” These few minutes in the morning and few minutes in the evening dedicated to God may some day turn out to be the most valuable times of our lives. This coming weekend -- July 31st and August 1st --we will have a second collection for the vacation time remodeling of our St. Constance Parish Grammar School. During vacation time when our children and teachers are resting, with the help of your offerings we are able to take care of the school needs. The parish school is an important and necessary institution which must be supported and maintained. The school prepares future generations. Many times it happens, good people nearing old age make offerings in their wills which help the school and parish to function. Father Robert, who is Pastor of St. William Parish, says their collections are not big, but the church functions thanks to the large sums in the wills of generous parishioners. The funds are deposited with the Archdiocese of Chicago and thanks to the interest received the parish receives a needed income. I invite all to join me at beautiful “Navy Pier” on Sunday, August 15th. We will leave from the “Bank of America” parking lot (Gunnison and Austin) at 10:15am. The days program includes riding on a ship on the lake, a ride on the huge Ferris Wheel to admire the panorama of Chicago and the “Air Show,” as well as the Acrobatic Group from Shanghai, China. We will return to the “Bank of America” parking lot about 4:15pm. The price of the tickets are : $60.00 for adults; $55.00 for children ages 8 to 12. It is necessary to take an additional $10.00 or so for a hamburger at McDonald’s. Children must be accompanied by parents or guardians. Children under 8 years of age cannot attend. Reservations may be made at the parish office. May Jesus bless us all and our guests who visited us today.