Parent Teacher Talk
October 21, 2018
The Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mark 10: 35 - 45
The first reading is a reminder of the suffering Christ endured on our behalf. It was redemptive suffering, offered up for our salvation.
The Psalmist rejoices in trust in the Lord, waiting on His Will to be played out as God knows is best, with an endless amount of mercy.
Our Second Reading echoes the celebration of the gift of mercy.
Jesus endured human life with its sufferings and temptations.
He understands our struggles and loves us through them,
providing through grace all that we need to prevail.
In the Gospel, the Apostles' focus on the happenings in this world is evident, as they seek a notable place at His side. Last week He shared that to "inherit eternal life" one must give up everything to others. He was understood to mean relinquishing physical items, but Jesus often preached service to others. We know we need to give ourselves in service to others, both in deed and in property as needed. The Apostles struggle with the idea of being servants, seeking instead earthly glory by nearness to God's glory. It takes Christ's final suffering, Resurrection, and Ascension to make clear the magnitude of God's expectations for us.
October
30 minutes Before Mass Every Saturday and Sunday - Join us to pray the Rosary
...............................................................
17th.............. Monthly Rosary in Church 6:30pm - Ask for Mary's guidance and intercession
18th.............. First Reconciliation Gathering with Fr. Bill, 6:30 pm in Parish Dining Hall
19th.............. Young Adult Group Social! See details below
21st............... Donut Sunday! Feed the body, feed the soul and enjoy fellowship! Information will also
...................... be available on opportunities for faith learning.
27th.............. Trunk or Treat in the Parish Parking Lot 5:30 pm
November
1st.................All Saint's Day - Thank all the patron saints of your family for their intercession
3rd................ Catechist Day of Reflection - Parish's free gift to Catechists (Watch for details!)
4th................ All Soul's Day Reception
4th................ Daylight Savings - Set your clocks back one hour - extra sleep!
10th - 11th... Christ Renews His Parish for Women
11th.............. Welcome Mass for Confirmandi, 9:45 am meet in undercroft
14th.............. First Reconciliation Celebration in Church, 7:00 pm
18th.............. RCIA Rite of Acceptance
21st............... Monthly Rosary - Ask Mary to help you see all for which we should be grateful
22nd............. Thanksgiving Day
25th.............. NO PSR - Thanksgiving Break
December
1st................ 8th Grade Confirmation Retreat - Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford 8:45 am
2nd.............. Advent Begins! How will you prepare your soul to rejoice in God taking on humanity?
..................... Baptism Preparation class for those wanting to baptize their expected or present child
18th............. STM Christmas Musical
19th............. Monthly Rosary - 6:30 pm in Church - Seek Mary's intercession to prepare the hearts of your family for the incredible event of God becoming man so that He could save our souls for heaven!
23rd & 30th No PSR - Christmas break!


NEWSY NOTES

Join your fellow parishioners for
Coffee and Donuts
after Mass
This Sunday!
Meditation
“Save others, snatching them out of the fire . "
― Saint Jude Thaddeus
Greetings Parents,

When I consider the rosary mystery and reading at Mass regarding Mary's visitation to Elizabeth after the Annunciation by the angel Gabriel, my mind tends to focus on the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth. The prospect of having a miraculous child must have been overwhelming. Mary completely trusted in God, but knowing that Elizabeth had a miraculous child as well, albeit through different means, would likely draw Mary to seek Elizabeth out as well, to share stories and ponder the Plan at work.

My children constantly surprise me when commenting on events in life, one in particular often voicing a unique perspective. Oftentimes my thoughts focus on one person's perceptions, but he often views events from the perspective of "minor characters" that are not usually a consideration. In relation to the Visitation of Mary by Elizabeth, there was an epiphany moment recently. Zechariah was a high priest, one of a select few permitted to enter the holy-of-holies area of the Temple wherein was found the Ark of the Covenant. The angel announcing the birth of John the Baptist appeared to Zechariah during his time tending this area. He was considered a very holy man, but he initially disbelieved the possibility of what the angel announced to him and was struck dumb as a consequence.

When Mary arrived at his home, rejoicing in their happy news, what would have gone through his mind regarding her own news? Did she seek him out to ask about his visit by an angel? Was he astonished by the news? What emotions might he have had in realizing that Mary assented without disbelief to the angel's even more miraculous revelation of her conception? While he could only observe silently, did her perfect acceptance help him realize the lack of faith he had for the One whom he served so intimately?

It seems to me that Zechariah's reaction is very normal from a worldly perspective. Next to Mary's complete faith, however, the reality of what it means to be a faithful child of God becomes uncompromisingly clear. When I think that an amazing thing for which I'm praying can't happen, where is my faith? To live a holy life like Zechariah is a good thing, but our true goal is to live a holy life with the faith of Mary. She had no assurances that life would be simple and painless, rather it was difficult and included great sorrows. How does my faith compare especially when facing long-term difficulties for myself or for others about whom I care deeply?

Hug your own little miracles tight and ask their Guardian Angel's help in raising them. May God bless you and your family abundantly!

- Linda Bader, CRE, St. Thomas More
Articles for Parents
We all hear prayer is important and makes a difference. Regular prayer really and truly changes our lives. But the changes can take so long that it is easy to forget or dismiss their power because of the subtlety of their action. The rosary is no exception, leading us into greater meditation on the life of Christ as we ask for Mary's prayers to help us "get it" more deeply.

Our Church calls on us, at times, to pray for specific intentions as a Catholic family. Consider the happy results of one such event at the link below.
When asked about a sports team, my youthful enthusiasm has dimmed, currently overshadowed by more pressing issues in life. It is not that I oppose sports, but I just don't have the time and energy to devote to them as I once did.

Sadly, I find the same often happens with my faith. There are true needs to be met and I forget the reason for which I am doing them - God! Eternal Destiny! More sadly, when I forget that, I fail more often to accomplish what I am trying to do in the most successful manner. I need Him to complete what needs doing. He needs me to cooperate to get things done as He knows is best for me! When this happens, I become a hurdle not only to myself, but typically to someone else, making harder that for which God wanted my cooperation. Ponder this more with the more eloquent words of the author at the link below.
C.S. Lewis is well known for the Chronicles of Narnia, books that have multiple times made into movies. Filled with Christian theology, they are just a portion of his writings. He had a knack for cutting right to the truth, but making it understood simply and clearly - even difficult topics that many avoid. Consider his words at the link below - if all could understand the truth of his words, our society and world might become far more enjoyable and peaceful for everyone!