Papal Intentions for October

GENERAL: That those feeling so crushed by life that they wish to end it may sense the nearness of God’s love. MISSION: That the celebration of World Mission Day may help all Christians realize that we are not only receivers but proclaimers of God’s Word.

Week of September 30 - October 6

Tuesday, October 1: Women's Spirituality Group, 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM in the Gathering Space; Wednesday, October 2: Religious Education; Grades1-7, 6:15 to 7:30; Grade 9, 6:00 to 7:30; Grade 8 small faith groups are scheduled to meet this week; Eucharistic Minister Training in the church, 6:30 PM; Thursday, October 3: Men's Spirituality Group, 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM in the Parish Center; The Bible and the Virgin Mary, 6:00 PM in the Conference Room; Friday, October 4: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, 9:00 AM until Noon, Benediction at noon; St. Olaf Men's Club All You Can Eat Fish Fry, serving 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Parish Center

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

The rich and the poor Reading I: Amos 6:1a, 4–7 (third woe) Reading II: 1 Timothy 6:11–16 (the good fight of faith) Gospel: Luke 16:19–31 (the rich man and Lazarus) Key Passage: There was a rich man and at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table. (Luke 16:19–21) Adult: What are the “rewards” of caring for the needs of the poor? Child: What is one thing you and your family could do this week to help those who are poor or sick?

Week of September 23-29

Tuesday, September 24: Women's Spirituality Group, 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM in the Gathering Space; Wednesday, September 25: Religious Education begins with a family Mass at 6:15 followed by classroom visitation; Thursday, September 26: Men's Spirituality Group begins a program called "That Man is You", 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM in the Gathering Space; The Bible and the Virgin Mary, 6:00 PM in the Conference Room

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

The value of honesty: Reading I: Amos 8:4–7 (against greed); Reading II: 1 Timothy 2:1–8 (conduct of men and women); Gospel: Luke 16:1–13 (the dishonest steward); Key Passage: Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. (Luke 16:10); Adult: Can cheating and deception ever be justified?; Child: If someone treats you unfairly, do you have the right to do the same to them?

Denver Archbishop Asks Faithful to Pray for Flood Victims

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila is asking the faithful to pray for those affected by the extensive flash flooding and heavy rains that hit northern Colorado. Upon learning of the death of several persons, the Archbishop stated “I am praying for the souls of those victims, for their families and all people who are being affected by the flooding. I ask all people of good will to join me in prayer. Through the local parishes in the affected areas, Catholic Charities stands ready to assist those in need." The pictures are of Canyon Mouth before and after.

Week of September 16-22

Tuesday, September 17: Women's Spirituality Group, 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM in the gathering space; Healing Mass, 10:30 AM; Small Faith Group Leader Meeting, 6:30 PM in meeting room 2; Wednesday, September 18: Catechest Potluck/Meeting, 6:00 PM in the Gathering Space; Prayer Shawl Ministry Informational Meeting 6:30 PM in the conference room; Thursday, September 19: Men's Spirituality Group, 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM in the gathering space; Small Faith Group Faith Leader Training, 6:30 PM in meeting room 2

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, The Courage to Forgive

Reading I: Exodus 32:7–11, 13–14 (the golden calf) Reading II:1 Timothy 1:12–17 (Paul’s gratitude) Gospel: Luke 15:1–32 (the prodigal son) Adult: When have you persistently sought after a member of your family who has lost his or her way? Child: Have you ever felt you were not getting credit for your good works? What did you do? (from: PastoralPlanning.com │ Questions of the Week for Cycle C)

Week of September 9-15

Tuesday, September 10: Women's Spirituality Group 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM in the Gathering Space: Grief Support Group 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, Meeting Room 3, Wednesday, September 11: 8th grade Orientation, Meeting Room 3; Thursday, September 12: Men's Spirituality Group 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM in the Gathering Space

Kindness Challenge

Neuroscientists and psychologists are showing that it takes at least about 3 weeks to form a new habit. What if, every day, for 21 days, we each flexed our kindness muscles in simple ways? Join thousands of others in a transformative 21-Day Kindness Challenge starting September 11th. Grow and learn through your own experience by inviting kindness into your life. Watch as the ripples spread around you, to friends, family, and even strangers ultimately creating a better world one kind act at a time. Check out this one minute video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMITg_W2ldQ Join in a transformative three-week Kindness Challenge starting September 11th! Grow and learn through your own experience by inviting kindness into your life. Watch as the ripples spread around you, to friends, family, and even strangers ultimately creating a better world one kind act at a time. Together we can unleash a revolution of good. Sign up here: www.kindspring.org/21day Through this challenge, you'll receive a daily email with inspiration and ideas. You'll join a vibrant online community of like-minded people from all over the world, and you'll have a chance to share your experiences, read stories of what others are doing, and support each other's journeys along the way. Here is a powerful thought from John O’Donohue. The word kindness has a gentle sound that seems to echo the presence of compassionate goodness. When someone is kind to you, you feel understood and seen. There is no judgment or harsh perception directed toward you. Kindness has gracious eyes; it is not small-minded or competitive; it wants nothing back for itself. Kindness strikes a resonance with the depths of your own heart; it also suggests that your vulnerability, though somehow exposed, is not taken advantage of; rather, it has become an occasion for dignity and empathy. Kindness casts a different light, an evening light that has the depth of color and patience to illuminate what is complex and rich in difference. Despite all the darkness, human hope is based on the instinct that at the deepest level of reality some intimate kindness holds sway. This is the heart of blessing. To believe in blessing is to believe that our being here, our very presence in the world, is itself the first gift, the primal blessing.

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st Reading: Wisdom 9:13-18b; 2nd Reading: Philemon 9-10, 12-17; Gospel: Luke 14:25-33 Adult: How do you try to discover what God is asking of you? Child: When is it hard for you to know the right thing to do? Who helps you know? (from:http://rclblectionary.com/?p=223)

Papal Intentions for the Month of September

General: Value of Silence - That people today, often overwhelmed by noise, may rediscover the value of silence and listen to the voice of God and their brothers and sisters. Mission: Persecuted Christians - That Christians suffering persecution in many parts of the world may by their witness be prophets of Christ’s love.