President's Message - Judy Weston

Mary, Martha, and Robert's Rules of Order

We are in the time of Advent. We have put away our Thanksgiving trimmings and now patiently begin to wait for the celebration of our Lord’s birth. I have spoken many times about our Martha tendency and the need to put on a perfect celebration. I definitely found myself working and preparing above and beyond what I normally do. I did not choose Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus’ feet but instead fretted and worried about what dish I was taking or the second meal I made. Family time is beautiful, but if you are worried about many things, you bypass the relationships and beauty of the day.

HOMEMADE BLESSINGS by President-Elect, Val Able

Dear Sisters in Christ,

Think back to a time when you were in college or away from home for an extended period of time. Thanksgiving is approaching and you can’t wait to get home to the sweet smells of a Thanksgiving dinner. I can remember when I was in college, coming home on an icy cold November day and walking into my mom’s steamy kitchen to the smell of a turkey in the oven, mashed potatoes boiling on the stove, the fragrant smell of dressing, sweet potatoes, oh and don’t forget the green bean casserole. An assortment of pies would be decked out on the counter looking so delicious. This is the homemade blessing that St. Clara’s Altar Society offered up to the students at Peru State College the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

READ THE REST OF THE STORY BY VAL HERE

Service Commission -Joyce Reich

First of all, a BIG thank you to everyone who donated to the LDCCW diaper drive during the month of October. There was a nice article in the Southern Nebraska Register November 1 issue.

Secondly, a BIG thank you to everyone who contributed to the Box of Joy project. Also, many thanks to Fr. LaRue for consenting to us using the John XXIII Center as a drop of point. Many thanks to Michele and staff for their assistance. We had 238 boxes sent from there to brighten children’s lives who will benefit your generosity. If you or your parish delivered boxes to another drop off point, please let me know the number so we have a better assessment of the participation in the program.



Eyeglass collections can still be made. Bring them to our Diocesan meeting in January.

The holidays are a time to reach out to those in need or lonely by donations or personal visits.

“Advent is the season of vigil. At the quiet heart of the busiest time of the year, we keep watch in

prayer for the signs of Christ’s coming to bring us peace, not in the past or in the future, but in

our everyday world.” (From The Magnificat Advent Companion)

Remember to keep Advent as preparation for Christ’s coming and Christmas as celebrating His

birth and what it brings to us. May your Advent be blessed and fruitful and your Christmas be

filled with Christ, love, family, and joy.

Spirituality -Dotti Easter

PROOF OF THE REAL PRESENCE? 

On the evening of the last day of his October 1995 visit to the United States, John Paul II was scheduled to greet the seminarians at Saint Mary's Seminary in Baltimore. It had been a very full day that began with a Mass at Oriole Park in Camden Yards, a parade through downtown streets, a visit to the Basilica of the Assumption, lunch at a local soup kitchen run by the Catholic charities; a prayer service at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in North Baltimore; and finally, a quick stop at Saint Mary's Seminary. 

The schedule was tight so the plan was simply to greet the seminarians while they stood outside on the steps. But the Pope made his way through their ranks and into the building. His plan was to first make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. When his wishes were made known, security flew into action. They swept the building paying close attention to the chapel where the Pope would be praying. For this purpose, highly trained dogs were used to detect any person who might be present. 



The dogs are trained to locate survivors in collapsed buildings after earthquakes and other disasters. These highly intelligent and eager dogs quickly went through the halls, offices and classrooms, and were then sent to the chapel. They went up and down the aisle, past the pews and finally into the side chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. Upon reaching the tabernacle, the dogs sniffed, whined, pointed, and refused to leave, their attention riveted on the tabernacle, until called by their handlers. They were convinced that they discovered someone there. We Catholics know they were right---they found a real, living Person in the tabernacle! 

(With permission from Garabandal Journal Article by Father Albert C. Byrne) 

LEADERSHIP-Jane Potts

We are all called to share the joy of the Gospel. The National Council of Catholic Women is offering a new Evangelization program on their website called “We Are Called to Witness”. The components of the program are: 

1. Finding the Joy of Jesus in Yourself 

2. Sharing the Joy of the Gospel with other Catholics 

3. Hospitality and Welcome 

4. Hearts to Love and Hands to Serve 

5. Holy Holidays 

6. Reaching Out to Young Women in College and Beyond 

7. Faith Sharing in Everyday Life 

8. Social Justice Spreads God’s Love 

9. Learning Never Ends 

You will find topics that are easy to incorporate into your CCW meetings, events and projects. The program is available on the NCCW website: www.nccw.org 

The Advent season is a time of preparation. Advent devotions including the Advent wreath, remind us of the meaning of the season. December 1st is the First Sunday of Advent. What can you do this Advent to prepare your heart and life for the coming of Christ? In the hustle and bustle of this holiday season, spend some time in silence and prayer to prepare your heart to receive the Lord at Christmas! 

***Charitable Works Survey due January 1*** Click below for a copy of the Survey

UPCOMING EVENTS

St Monica Prayer- Lawrence Deanery

December 1 - First Sunday of Advent

December 8 - Second Sunday of Advent

December 9 - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

December 12 - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

December 15 - Third Sunday of Advent

December 22 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 25 - Christmas Day

December 29 - Holy Family Sunday

Holy Father's Intentions for December: FOR PILGRIMS OF HOPE

We pray that this Jubilee Year will strengthen faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ in our daily lives, and that it may transform us into pilgrims of Christian hope.

God Bless You with a fruitful Advent!

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