Next Sunday: Our Lord Christ the King Celebrant: Fr. Tharp
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is NOT a Holyday of Obligation under Catholic Precept Law, but it is a national holiday based on the premise that all (each in their-own unique way) should give thanks to God for all the blessings we have in this country. Masses for Thanksgiving begin on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart. Masses on Thanksgiving Day are at 7:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart and 9:00 a.m. at St. Ann.
There is no offertory collection for the parishes, but if you wish to bring can goods for the poor, we will make provision to see that they get to our usual distribution agencies. Note to ushers, sacristans, and volunteers: Please note that there is a Wedding Rehearsal at St. Ann on Thanksgiving evening and a Wedding on Friday evening.
Beacons of Light Phase Two
We are now moving into Phase Two which is “Visioning.” We will use this time to discern goals and create teams. We will explore opportunities for the parish to reach out in faith into a broader scope of community. We can pinpoint the purposes for our stewardship efforts and consider new ways to structure into cost centers which could pinpoint purpose and enhance revenue sources. We will marginalize the maintenance of the impractical and highlight the opportunities for purposeful expansion. We will seek to redefine the pathway and reaffirm priorities. All this must be done is the context of practicality and feasibility. We will look for opportunities to expand, not just maintain. Please watch for discussion sessions that peak your interest as we move forward through this discernment process.
DO NOT FALL FOR SCAMS!!!!
I keep running this article because there are new scams everyday
Remember I NEVER solicit funds, donations, favors, or any request of any kind over the telephone, text, email, carrier pigeon, drone, etc. NEVER! Do not allow yourself to be taken in by scammers. Even if they have my recorded voice, be assured it is computer generated fake! It is not me!!!
Reminder for volunteers who work with or around children
Please be aware that failure to register with and complete the requirements of Safe Parish will result in your inability to continue to work with or around children in any parish and/or school setting. We have been informed by the Archdiocese that there can be NO EXCEPTIONS.
Live Streaming for Precept Masses
Barring the unforeseen, the Wednesday evening Mass will be live streamed at 7:00 p.m. Saturday evening Mass at Sacred Heart and Sunday morning at St. Ann will also be live streamed.
Please remember to access the Sacred Heart / St. Ann Pastoral Region You Tube site by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVLLqbEY5hKWinwz069MVcg
Reflection on Scripture:
The parable of the talents unequivocally confirms that God does not associate dismissive lethargy with success. Procrastination is not a plan! We often feel sorry for the third steward who out of fear buries the talent in a hiding place. In essence, the parable teaches that we must invest ourselves in the service of the Lord or we are guilty of insulting the Lord. In the realm of contemporary financial investing, the decision to hold all assets in cash can be considered a defensive posture. In this realm, success will be judged by the comparative return on investment. But God does not judge investment by “return.” God can make the return anything he wants it to be. God created everything and thus owns everything. God judges sincerity of heart. Sincerity of heart never stands idle. The return God is looking for is the genuine effort we make for him. St. Thomas Aquinas once stated that all morality could be summed up with four words: “Do Good. Avoid Evil.” St. Thomas did not suggest “do nothing.”
After the dust cleared from the November 7th vote against traditional Judeo Christian morality, some said that the Ohio Catholic Bishops and the majority of their priests had not done enough or had “messed up.” I respond that whenever you stand up for the teachings of Jesus, you never lose! Some say that we were (like Don Quixote), that is “jousting with windmills.” We may laugh at the character of Don Quixote. But what if God sees the effort of Don Quixote as admirable? Who is the winner then?
NEXT WEEK Our Lord Christ the King
Ez 34:11-12, 15-17
1 Cor 15:20-26,28
Mt 25:31-46
Theme: Separating Goats and Sheep