Well, it’s Labor Day weekend. School has already begun so the end of the summer arrived – at least unofficially. This holiday becomes the first holiday of the new school year. May we all be able to rest from our labors.

This weekend we do honor all laborers, workers of every field and job. From research scientists to doctors, nurses, lab technicians to factory workers and farm workers, we honor all they do. From teachers and school administrators to government officials, from clerical workers to computer wizards, to say thank you for all they do.

Some work is menial. Some work tedious. Some work is creative. Some work artistic. Whatever the work, may we find that it deepens our spirit and empowers us to serve the common good for the inclusion and advancement of all people.

May our work add to the dignity of all people. As people who believe in God, may our work be understood as enhancing our human goodness and developing our fullest human potential. May our work be reflective of the great work of God in creation and be united to the work of Jesus Christ in the Redemption of the human race.

Greetings!

When you read this, I will be half way through my vacation to Peru. No, this trip is not a biking trip. From the pictures you might have seen of Peru, it is rather mountainous. Peru is not a place that I had expected to visit, but the priest that I have so often vacationed with suggested this a few years ago, and after some thought said, “yes, let’s go.”

Travel is a great experience. It is a process of truly expanding one’s world. It enables a person to see beyond the normal boundaries of one’s own town, city, country. Travel truly can broaden one’s horizons.

I have enjoyed traveling since I was very young, I think I get the desire to travel from my mother. She was the one who made our family’s vacation plans. Although we never ventured very far, she was always ready to pack up and leave for somewhere. After I caught this bug from her, she once told me that I had wonder-lust…I think it is true.

Though travel can be difficult with waiting in airports because of delays, or adjusting to new foods, times and places, travel offers an enriching experience for those who can enter into it fully.

See you soon, hopefully with some great stories and pictures.

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Father Joe will be away on vacation through Thursday, September 11^th and will not be doing any e-mail until after September 12^th.