First Reading I John 3:7-10 Gospel John 1:35-42

Elizabeth Bayley was born to a wealthy Episcopalian family in New York. She married a wealthy merchant, William Seton. Unfortunately, William Seton had business reversals and lost his fortune – and his health The family moved to Italy for his health, but he died there. Elizabeth was left a penniless widow. She was greatly impressed by the charity of Catholics, and was attracted to the Catholic Church. When she returned to the United states, she took instructions and was received into the Catholic Church. Immediately she was ostracized by her former friends.
In order to support herself and her five children, she became a teacher. She then formed a religious community of Sisters who would teach in parish schools. She experienced many hardships in almost everything she undertook. Through it all, she maintained serenity, humility, and courage.

The weekday readings: The story of the call and conversion of Peter in today’s gospel is different from that in the synoptic gospels. There, Jesus walks by the Sea of Galilee and calls several to be his apostles; he says that he will make them “fishers of men.” In today’s gospel selection, disciples of John the Baptist hear their master refer to Jesus as “Lamb of God.” One of them, Andrew, goes and calls his brother Peter. He proclaims that Jesus is Messiah. Jesus changes Simon’s name to “Peter” or “Rock” Whichever story is factual, the early Church had a firm recollection that Peter was called to be the chief apostle, the leader of the primitive Church.