Parent Teacher Talk
October 28, 2018
The Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mark 10: 46 - 52
In the first reading and Psalms, people rejoice in knowing that God's saving action is at work when there is suffering. They wait expectantly in the midst of struggles, fully confident that He will rescue them. They recall during their difficulties the past experiences when
God did save them, restoring what was lost.
The second reading considers how in the Old Testament people saw God's saving action in materials and events, but now God's saving action is the Person of Jesus Christ. In perfect holiness Jesus, God and human, can perfectly fulfill the duties needed of a priestly intercessor while enduring the pain and temptations of His humanity. His Divinity elevates His action in such a way that heaven opens in full to humanity.
In the Gospel, the blind man ask Jesus to heal his eyes, but rather states what he wishes to be the end result, he wants to see. He doesn't tell Jesus how he wants it accomplished, only what he wants accomplished.
Like our Blessed Mother Mary at Cana, he lays out his concern and then trusts that God, who knows all and loves all,
will handle it for the best possible eternal outcome.
October
30 minutes Before Mass Every Saturday and Sunday - Join us to pray the Rosary
...............................................................
27th.............. Trunk or Treat in the Parish Parking Lot 5:30 pm
November
1st.................All Saint's Day - Thank all the patron saints of your family for their intercession
3rd................ Catechist Day of Reflection - Parish's free gift to Catechists (Watch for details!)
4th................ All Soul's Day Reception
4th................ Daylight Savings - Set your clocks back one hour - extra sleep!
10th - 11th... Christ Renews His Parish for Women
11th.............. Welcome Mass for Confirmandi, 9:45 am meet in undercroft
14th.............. First Reconciliation Celebration in Church, 7:00 pm
18th.............. RCIA Rite of Acceptance
21st............... Monthly Rosary - Ask Mary to help you see all for which we should be grateful
22nd............. Thanksgiving Day
25th.............. NO PSR - Thanksgiving Break
December
1st................ 8th Grade Confirmation Retreat - Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford 8:45 am
2nd.............. Advent Begins! How will you prepare your soul to rejoice in God taking on humanity?
..................... Baptism Preparation class for those wanting to baptize their expected or present child
18th............. STM Christmas Musical
19th............. Monthly Rosary - 6:30 pm in Church - Seek Mary's intercession to prepare the hearts of your family for the incredible event of God becoming man so that He could save our souls for heaven!
23rd & 30th No PSR - Christmas break!

NEWSY NOTES

Women's Christ Renews His Parish
offers a chance for women -
all ages and stages-
to get a break
from our routine,
share time with other women of the parish, and have quiet time
with God.
Come be renewed
and revived!
Free!

And for Youth!
Grades 6 - 8

Dynamic! Energetic! Fun! and Faith-Filled
VIA Catholic with Net Ministries presents

AWAKE!

Guardian Angels Parish - Saturday, November 10th
Rave reviews from youth!!

Meditation
"There is no place for selfishness and no place for fear!
Do not be afraid, then, when love makes demands.
Do not be afraid when love requires sacrifice. "
― Saint John Paul II
Greetings Parents,

My son saw me eating a "new" food, asked if it was good for you, and my assent prompted him to ask for a taste. Expecting a negative reaction, I was surprised when he said, "Hmm, not bad. Can I have more?" Because he hates fish (if he knows it is fish) and this was tuna (is there anything more fishy?), I was even more surprised - and quite pleased! Until, that is, the flavor sunk in and he spit it out (he enjoys being dramatic) and I assisted in cleansing his palate with pitchers of water.

It recalled many a time when my children wanted to do something because "everyone else" enjoyed it. One frequent battle was viewing movies whose content we felt was inappropriate for their age and maturity. Being boys, goo and blood never really bothered them, but Mom draws the line on violence and over-scary (and sexual content is immediately rejected). Being boys and knowing Dad enjoys movies with action, gore, and some fright, they figured it was basically OK anyway and managed to sneak-watch a show forbidden by Mom and Dad, but OK'd by their peers. Imagine their dismay when nighttime came and they couldn't sleep alone. In fact, they couldn't even just sleep together in a room. They ended up not just in our bedroom, but climbing into our bed and jumping at every noise. Following the crowd led them to a situation that they could not handle themselves. As parents, we couldn't undo what was undone, but we could help work them through "recovery" to overcome the consequences and continue with life.

Considering God and myself, I wondered how many things seemed like a good activity while God had surely made clear it wasn't wise at all. Thanksgiving Day meals come to mind at this time of year. Tables and counters overflowing with edible delights into which so many had poured such concerned effort, surely this deserved the reward of being savored by all attending - Right? The cooks and bakers were grateful and my taste buds rejoiced! And then... the discomfort. Really, it was gluttony that was my voice of "reason." Fortunately God has a simple natural remedy for this day's transgression, time!

Unfortunately, many regretted actions can't be "fixed," but can only become an experience with which we learn to live. It might be just a bad memory or it might be consequences with far reaching effect. Like children, we can turn to our Parent who will help us overcome, or come to terms with, the consequences and then move forward. More wise and loving than any earthly parent, our ever-present Father leads us to a not just live, but to thrive. Like children afraid in the night, we can confidantly turn to Our Father no matter the reason for our fears and concerns, including remorse!

Hug your saints in progress today and ask their Guardian Angel's help in raising them. May God bless you and your family abundantly!

- Linda Bader, CRE, St. Thomas More
Articles for Parents
Non-Catholic brethren might struggle with ideas of calling on the saints, but for those who grew up understanding their role as intercessors, offering guidance as do our parents, the saints are a treasure and a gift! As All Saints Day approaches, the author at the link below briefly considers one aspect of their influence.
As world holiday celebrations grow in their materialism, holy days can easily drift from their spiritual moors when we try to make them grander. In days past this meant special religious services and more time in their preparation. Today, this often means gathering family and friends for celebrations, but with most, or all, efforts focused on the human, outside-of-church gatherings. If there is time "left over," it might be used for attending services. Consider the trend by whole faith traditions to move holy day services to a day other than the holy day. The intentions begin well, but... How to recover balance in our perspective? The brief article at the link below might help.
God is Love and we all want to love and be loved. But what is love , really? What is it from God's whole and holy perspective? Can we truly know and live the love for God and for our fellow people as we should? God never asks from us what we cannot, with His help, accomplish. If you want to know more and have a few moments to ponder deeply, find a quiet space and enjoy the thoughts of the author at the link below.