As Election Day approaches, I offer a prayer from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Lord God, as the election approaches, we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned, men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.
We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
A few announcements: Election Day … Please get out and vote!
Annual Bishops Appeal …
Parish Assessment: $ 9,892.21
Donated (as of 10/30): $ 9,979.19 THANK YOU to all who have donated and for helping us reach our goal for the Annual Bishop’s Appeal.All monies collected over the goal will be returned to the parish for our needs.
Parish Pastoral Council … The next meeting will be on Saturday, November 9.
Rosary … The Spirituality Commission will resume praying the rosary at 8:30 this Sunday. All are welcome to join them in the parish hall.
Black Catholic History Month … Following Mass this Sunday, November 3, our Parish Youth Ministry will kick off Black Catholic History Month with a short presentation in the parish hall about Black Catholic candidates for sainthood. All are welcome. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd … The November Atrium sessions will be held at 8:30 a.m. on the 10th and 17th.
All Souls Envelopes … Can be found on the table in the gathering space. Please add the names of your deceased loved ones on the envelopes and they will be placed on the altar for the month of November.
Parish Picture Directory … The Parish Pastoral Council has approved an updated directory. A photographer will be with us on Sunday, November 3 to take pictures after Mass. Please wear your “Sunday best!” For those who had their pictures taken last week, there is a sheet on the table in the gathering space for your contact information.
Lectors Workbooks … For 2025 have arrived. Please see me to pick yours up.
Monthly Donations … The collection for the month of October totaled $6082.45. Your support of St. A’s is appreciated.
Mission Appeal … The collection totaled $733.00 and will be sent to the Pallotines to assist them in their ministry. Thank you. Monthly Reflection Series … A reflection on the “Call to Holiness” published by the Office of Mission Advancement for the Congregation of Holy Cross can be found on the table in the gathering space. I was the author this month. Please help yourself. Black Catholic History Month Discussion … The Diocesan Black Catholic Advisory Board will sponsor a presentation on the "Challenges and Opportunities: Evangelization and Pastoral Care of Blacks Today” from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, November 16, 2024 in the parish hall. All welcome. Thanksgiving … We will celebrate Mass at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 28 to thank God for the many blessings that we’ve received this past year.
After School Tutoring … Is free and will be offered every Thursday from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. in our parish hall. For more information, please contact Michael Busk at (574) 216-6577. St. A’s Women’s Group … Will meet on November 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the parish hall. Saturdays with the Saints … Has established itself as a popular Notre Dame football program ritual that combines the university’s rich traditions of Catholic faith and spirited game days. Notre Dame Theology faculty and McGrath Institute staff will deliver dynamic lectures on saints chosen for their uncommon virtue and their willingness to let their faith stand in contradiction to the wisdom of the world. November 9: St. Carlos Acutis and the many miracles of the Eucharist. Timothy O’Malley, Ph.D., Professor of the Practice, Theology. November 16: Explaining miracles with St. Thomas Aquinas. Therese Cory, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Thomistic Studies. Sale of Holy Land Items … On Sunday, December 1, our brothers and sisters representing the Land of Peace mission, a nonprofit organization, will be with us speaking about the Christian situation in the Holy Land and selling crucifixes, religious artwork, and rosaries – all made of olive wood which is native to Israel and Bethlehem. Since tourism has greatly decreased, Christian families in the Holy Land, who depend on tourists, have been greatly affected. The goal of this mission is to help the poor and needy families in Bethlehem and Jerusalem. The sale of these items will help them and give you the opportunity to have something authentic from the Holy Land. You might also find some good Christmas gifts! For more information, visit www.landofpeace.org. Pope’s Intention for the Month of November … For anyone who has lost a child. We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit. Saint of the Week … St. Charles Borromeo (November 4) was a cardinal and served as secretary of state under his uncle, Pope Pius IV. He implemented the reforms of the Council of Trent in his diocese of Milan. He founded seminaries and was considered a model pastor. He died on 03 November 1584 and is the patron saint of catechists and catechumens.