Fr. Craig’s Contemplations

A Peace that surpasses all understanding
Many of us are aware that we are living in a time for many in our nation and even in our world who are lacking peace. Yet, we know in faith, we can receive a peace that surpasses all understanding. St. Augustine teaches us that, within each of us with the assistance of the Holy Spirit there is a desire for a great yet unknown reality that we can look forward to in patience. He continues, our soul united with the power and workings of the Holy Spirit pleads to God on our behalf with “sighs too deep to express.”

And so, in prayer, when we ask for the grace to surrender to Jesus (who is present) we begin to discover the peace that surpasses all understanding. We are then moved further by grace to live with greater humility, gentleness, and patience.

Practically, how do we place ourselves in a disposition to receive a peace that surpasses all understanding? The answer is from St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, in which he teaches us, “Never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things men and woman need to hear, things that will help them. Do nothing that will sadden the Holy Spirit with whom you were sealed against the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven each of us in Christ.” {Ephesians 4:29-32} It is when we take this teaching to heart, we begin to access the peace that surpasses all understanding.

On a practical note, some of them asked, “what happened to Deacon Matthew?” -- He will be with us until the end of April 2023. At times Deacon will be asked to return to Marquette and so that is where he has been on the weekends, he has not been with us. Deacon will be away the weekend of Thanksgiving and for some time near Christmas when he receives an extended break from his Seminary studies. Thank you to all who have been so kind and welcoming to him!

May God be with you!
Fr. Craig



READINGS FOR NOVEMBER 13, 2022

33^rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
 

1^st Reading—Malachi 3: 19-20a—The sun of justice shines with healing warmth on those who walk in the Lord, but evildoers face a blazing oven, for the day of the Lord is coming.

Responsorial Psalm:  — “The Lord comes to the earth to rule the earth with justice. The Lord comes to the earth to rule the earth with justice.”

2^nd Reading—2 Thessalonians 3: 7-12— Paul urged members of the church in Thessalonica to conduct themselves in a way that befits Christ’s followers. He asked them to work in the community and earn their keep.

Gospel Acclamation—Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! “Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”

Gospel—Luke 21: 5-19—Jesus urged patient endurance for his followers when they face trial or contradiction. He consoled them and calmed their worries in the midst of war, earthquake, disease and hunger.



33^RD SUNDAY OF THE YEAR – C – NOVEMBER 13, 2022
PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL
 

1. Let us pray for the Church:

God, you rule the world with justice. May we save our lives by patient endurance. Strengthen all who minister in your church.
We pray to the Lord…

2. Let us pray for our world and its people:

God, you create every human person, help us find ways to build bridges of peace. Bring an end to all wars. Be with those who have been displaced by war.
We pray to the Lord…

3. Let us pray for those in need:

In this holiday season, may we be of help to those who are without work or shelter. As we give you thanks for many gifts, enable us to share with and serve those in need.
We pray to the Lord…

4. Let us pray for our Veterans:

Bless our Veteran’s Lord, may we always honor, respect and thank them for all they have done for us.
We pray to the Lord…

5. Let us pray for the sick and the suffering:

In your loving kindness, heal those who call out to you, especially---
Kylie Nelson         Gay Ribits      Sister Anne             Ann Angone
Ashley Ruiz          Larry Belt
We pray to the Lord…

6. Let us remember the Dead :

Remember our beloved dead, God of Life, and keep them always in your loving embrace, especially…
(4:00 Mass)  Tom Rogan, Scott Flanigan, Mel Wojtalewicz, Sister Judy Jones.
(8:30 Mass)  Angelo Rimi, Dick Mersino
(10:30 Mass) Ernest & Martha Campbell
We pray to the Lord…


ANNOUNCEMENTS—NOVEMBER 13, 2022

 

1. Right to Life Christmas Cards are available in the gathering area for purchase.

 

2. The quilting and craft group will meet next Saturday in Solanus Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

3. This is your last weekend to help with Shoeboxes for Appalachia. Informational sheets are available on the table in the gathering area. All are due by November 17^th.

 

4. Next weekend we will have advent wreaths for purchase in the gathering area.

 

5. As Christmas approaches, our Mass times have changed. They are now, Christmas Eve—4 p.m. Children’s Mass, 10 p.m. Mass. Christmas Day—8:30 & 10:30 a.m. There will no longer be a 7 p.m. Christmas eve Mass.

 

6. The OCEF Thanksgiving sort and distribution will take place Sunday and Monday. Because of this, we will not have coffee and donuts after Mass on Sunday.