We got off to a great start with the Annual Bishop's Appeal. Our goal is set by the diocese at $9,327.84 and we received pledges of $2,500.00 on the first Sunday of the Appeal. Last week we received an additional $950.00 in pledges. This week we fell off quite a bit, taking in only $200.00. That leaves us with $5,677.84 to go. Thank you to those who made a pledge. If you are still considering your pledge, remember you can do it online right to the diocese. The email address is on the pledge card. Or you can bring the pledge card back to church and I'll send it in. Thank you for your generosity. I was hoping we could end this Appeal early. We still can if you make your pledge soon.
St. Adalbert Parish will sponsor a drive-thru, carry-out only Fish Fry on Friday, Oct. 22, 4 - 7 PM. Includes fish, fries, and your choice of Polish sides (noodles and cabbage) or American sides (kidney bean salad & coleslaw). $13.00 per carry out. Enter on Grace Street and follow the signs. Remain in your car. We will come to you. Cash only. No advance sales.
I spent most of this past week at the Potawatomi Inn at the Diocesan 2021 Continuing Education Days. The topic this year was The Church's Social Teaching. We had five speakers; one on the Environment, one on the Dignity of Labor, one on Racism, one on Preferential Option for the Poor, one on Immigration and Refugees. All the talks were very well done and received. Our own Deacon Mel gave the talk on racism and our parishioner Professor Margie Pfeil spoke on the option for the poor. Get ready for some homilies on these topics.
Our readings today tell us about Jesus, our high priest and suffering servant. Isaiah tells us "Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days; through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear." Hebrews tells us that Jesus is our High Priest, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin." In the Gospel, Jesus tells us he came "to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." He tells his apostles and us that the one who wants to be great must serve others.
We continue to have our Sunday Masses at 8:15 and 10:30 AM. If you are not vaccinated, please get your shots. Also please wear a mask at church. If you are vaccinated and prefer to wear a mask that is fine. We have our Good Shepherd Program at 9:30 AM in the basement. Our Sacraments Class is at 9:30 AM as well. Both on Sunday. Confirmation Class is on Tuesdays at 6:45 PM. The Soup Kitchen is still open MWF from 11 AM - 12:30 PM. Zoom Discussion is on Friday at 4 PM. See Cheryl for details. Please pray for the Canonization of Father Tolton.
At the Continuing Education Days, Bishop Rhoades announced that Catholic Charities will soon be bringing Afghan Refugees to the South Bend area. These refugees come with almost nothing and so will need lots of help. You can contact Catholic Charities if you can help them with this project.