The Month of November
During this season of Autumn, we notice how the flowers of summer have disappeared and the
bounty of root vegetables and squash fills the produce aisles. This is the time of
fruitfulness, of harvest, of completion. With All Saints Day and All Souls Day last
weekend, we celebrated the lives and deaths of those holy people who listened and
faithfully followed the Spirit's leading. Their lives have borne the good fruit Jesus
speaks of in the gospels; they are God's harvest! In Autumn, death looks us in the face.
Sometime this month, you might want to gather your family, take out
precious photos of relatives who have died and share their stories. Talk about particular
qualities of theirs which you see in your own children. In our urban, technological
society, death seems that the only forbidden topic of conversation. Yet for us who
believe, it is not to be feared.
The Lateran Basilica is the cathedral, the mother church of Rome and,
therefore, of all the world. The second reading reminds us that we are the
temple of God. We form the Church with those sitting next to us in the pew, with those in
heaven, (remember "the Church triumphant"?) and with those who are being
purified on their way to the joy of God's kingdom. So as we see the harvest décor in the
sanctuary, perhaps we might ask ourselves: What is my attitude towards death? If I'm in
frail health or have recently lost a loved one, will I let myself lean on other
parishioners? If I'm well, am I open to supporting others?
Blankets Needed
As I snuggled beneath my electric blanket this week, I remembered a conversation which I
had with Peter of the San Bruno Catholic Worker house. He had mentioned to me some time
ago that they could use blankets to give to the homeless folks who sleep there. So if you
are cleaning out your closet and have blankets you don't need, could you please bring them
to the reconciliation room next weekend? We'll get them to those who need them.
Thank you.
Last Chance to Sign Up!
If you'd like to be part of a small Advent scripture group, you need to sign up this
weekend. Forms are at the entrances to the church or you may call Kathy at 589-2800
and tell her which days and times you're available to meet.
Anointing of the Sick
Sunday, November 23 is the Feast of Christ the King when we honor Jesus as Lord of heaven
and earth, the One who saves us by his dying and his rising to new life. During the 11:30
am Mass that day, we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This
sacrament is for anyone who is seriously or chronically ill or suffering the frailty of
age. As a parish family, we pray for those who are anointed; for healing if that be God's
will and for acceptance, strength and hope if the person is to bear this illness. If you
know someone who would like to receive this sacrament, please tell him or her. If the
person is unable to come to church, one of the priests will gladly anoint the sick person
in his or her home.
Thank You
The Bethlehem Christian Families are most grateful for your purchases the weekend of Oct.
25 and 26. They were able to send back to the Holy Land twice the amount they usually
receive for a weekend's sales.
