Questions of the Week First Sunday of Advent Year A

Putting on the light of Christ

Reading I: Isaiah 2:1–5 (Zion, the messianic capital)
Reading II: Romans 13:11–14 (Christian use of time)
Gospel: Matthew 24:37–44 (the need for watchfulness)

Key Passage: Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:12b)

Adult: What will you do during Advent so that others can see that you have put on the light of Jesus Christ?

Child: What will you do during Advent so that others can see the light of Jesus in you?

From pastoralplanning.com

Week of November 25-December 1

Tuseday, November 26: Women's Prayer Group, 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM; Wednesday, November 27: NO Religious Education; Thursday, November 28: Happy Thanksgiving! Mass at 9:00 AM

Saint of the Day

November 22 - St. Cecilia, patron saint of musicians

St. Cecilia is one of the most venerated martyrs from early Christianity and is invoked in one of the Eucharistic prayers used in the Mass. She is patron saint of musicians and her relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica.

We know almost nothing of Cecilia from historical fact, but the account of her life has endured through the ages. A church in her honor was built in Rome on the site of her home, and her body rests there.

Her parents arranged a marriage for her with a man named Valerian, who was not a Christian. It is said that when she heard the music for her wedding, she was singing a hymn of love in her heart for Jesus, to whom she had committed herself as a spouse. It is references such as this that led her to be honored as patron saint of musicians. On their wedding night, Cecilia convinced Valerian of her commitment to God and he converted, requesting to be baptized along with his brother.

Valerian and his brother were both wealthy, and used their fortune to support Christian families who had suffered the loss of a member to martyrdom. Eventually, they were captured and sent to execution. The soldier committed to kill them was converted by their great faith, however, and took them to his house, instead, and asked that his whole family be baptized. The next day, Valerian, his brother and the soldier were all beheaded. Cecilia made sure they were buried properly, and distributed the goods of the households among the poor.

Cecilia herself was captured for preaching the faith and she was condemned to die by suffocation in steam baths, but she remained unhurt in the baths for a day and a half.
It is said that a soldier was sent to behead her, but after the three blows allowed by law, her head was not severed. She appeared incapacitated but peaceful, joyfully awaiting her death and union with Christ. Faithful friends gathered around her and waited with her until she died three days later. She was buried by the pope himself. In 1599, when her body was exhumed, it was found incorrupt. St. Cecilia’s relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica and she is depicted there in these stained glass windows.

St. Cecilia, patron saint of musicians, pray for us!
(from: Faith ND http://faith.nd.edu/s/1210/faith/interior.aspx?sid=1210&gid=609&pgid=11130&cid=24568&ecid=24568&crid=0)

Christ the King, Year C

True authority

Reading I: 2 Samuel 5:1–3 (David king of Israel)
Reading II: Colossians 1:12–20 (Christ’s fullness and reconciliation)
Gospel: Luke 23:35–43 (the crucifixion; the king of the Jews)

Key Passage: For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things…

Adult: Following the example of Jesus, what is the best way to exercise your authority over others?
Child: What qualities would a good leader have? Which of these are you trying to develop?

from: PastoralPlanning.com │ Questions of the Week for Cycle C

Feast of the Presentation of Mary

On this Feast of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple by Joachim and Anne, we are invited to make the choice to surrender our lives to the Lord. Parents are reminded of their solemn responsibility to present their children for Baptism. We are all challenged to bring this Feast to life in our age and thereby continue to participate in God's unfolding plan for the whole human race. Check out the following link to learn more: http://www.catholic.org/search/?q=Presentation+of+Mary

Week of November 18-24

Tuesday, November 19: Women's Faith Sharing Group, 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM in the gathering space; Wednesday, November 20: Religious Education for grades 1-7, 6:15 PM to 7:30 PM and for grade 8, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM; High School Youth Ministry will meet in the loft 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM; Thursday, Nobember 21: Men's Faith Sharing Group, 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM in the parish center

When God Whispers Your Name

Thanksgiving Idea

Thanksgiving is coming up quickly. Here is a neat idea to make placemats that reflect the family and friends you are thankful for. Check out the link below from Vibrant Family Faith at Home.

http://www.vibrantfaithathome.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=723:thanksgiving-table-talk&catid=113:caring-conversation&Itemid=2260&acm=495_78

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Overcoming difficulties
Reading I: Malachi 3:19–20a (messenger of the covenant)
Reading II: 2 Thessalonians 3:7–12 (qualifications of various ministers)
Gospel: Luke 21:5–19 (the cataclysm to come)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.” (Luke 21:17–19)

Adult: When bad things happen, how do you deal with them?
Child: Have you ever worried about something that might happen? What can help you worry less?

Week of November 11-17

Monday, November 11: Happy Veteran's Day; Prayer Shawl Ministry, 6:30 PM in meeting room 2; Tuesday, November 12: Women's Spirituality Group, 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM in the gathering space; Grief Support Group, 10:30 AM in meeting room 3; Wednesday, November 13: Religious Education for grades 1-7, 6:15 PM to 7:30 PM and grade 9, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM; Thursday, November 14: Men's Spirituality Group, 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM in the parish center; Sunday, November 17: Sunday School, 10:15 AM to 11:30 AM

Pope's Intentions for November

General: That priests who experience difficulties may find comfort in their suffering, supporting their doubts, and confirmation in their fidelity.

Mission: That as fruit of the continental mission, Latin American Churches may send missionaries to other Churches.

Christian Marriage: Gift and Calling

Teams of Our Lady is an international Catholic lay movement, recognized by the Holy See, which began in France in 1939. Teams afford the opportunity for couples to gather in faith, friendship and understanding to support one another in their journey of marriage. It is not marriage enrichment, although it enriches marriages; it is not a support group, although it
provides support and it is not “marriage encounter” although it offers the richness of encountering and sharing with others the challenge of a common
journey.

What is a Team? A Team, commonly five or six couples, meets monthly (the St Olaf Team meets nine months out of the year) alternately at each other’s
home to share a simple meal, share experiences, challenges, joys and frustrations of the preceding month. After the meal, reflection on scripture, shared prayer and discussion on growth experienced in the
ENDEAVORS (Life in Christ).

ENDEAVORS are attitudes to awaken within us the desire for conversion and formation – to bring to fruition the devotion of Mary to God’s call in her life as the center of life and marriage. The Endeavors: regular reading of the Word of God; daily meditation; daily conjugal and family prayer; monthly sit-down; a rule of life and an annual retreat experience helps
keep the call of the Spirit from within being silenced by the external clamor of life.

St Olaf’s has an active Team, meeting since 2004 that
would welcome additional couples. Teams of Our Lady opens the door of opportunity for growth in spiritual life through a program of sharing, prayer and study. The study portion this year is reviewing Rediscovering Catholicism written by Matthew Kelly (gifted to all members of the parish).

Teams of Our Lady meets on the first Sunday of each month from 4:30 PM to 7:30PM. Minor changes occur throughout the year. Dates are adjusted when
necessary so that, as much as possible, all couples are able to attend all gatherings. Each gathering closes with The Magnificat, honoring Mary, Queen of Heaven and Mary, Our Lady, Queen of Teams.

I have the honor to be the clergy representative for Teams of Our Lady at St Olaf’s and have been enriched by their faith, devotion and commitment to
one another since 2005.

Please feel free to contact Tom or Mary Behling; John or Julie Hibbard; Darrell or Renee Liming or myself for additional information.
Deacon Bob

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

The dead will rise
Reading I: 2 Maccabees 7:1–2, 9–14 (martyrdom of a mother and her sons)
Reading II: 2 Thessalonians 2:16—3:5 (the gospel versus empty fables)
Gospel: Luke 20:27–38 (the resurrection of the dead)

Key Passage: Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.” (Luke 20:37–38)
...
Adult: How does your belief in the resurrection of the dead affect the way you live?

Child: Has someone in your family or among your friends died? Do you think about that person in heaven? What do you hope to talk about with this person?

from: PastoralPlanning.com │ Questions of the Week for Cycle C

Week of November 4-10

Monday, November 4: Baptism Prep in the Gathering Space, 6:00 PM; Tuesday, November 5: Women's Spirituality Group in the Gathering Space, 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM: Wednesday, November 6: Religious Education for - grades 1-7 from 6:15 PM to 7:30 PM and grade 8 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM; Training for Ministers of Hospitality in Meeting Room 3 at 6:30 PM; Thursday, November 7: Men's Spirituality Group in the Parish Center, 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM; Friday, November 8: All you can eat Fish Fry served by the St. Olaf Men's Club in the Parish Center, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM; Saturday November 9: Training for Ministers of Holy Communion, 9:30 AM in the church; Sunday, November 10: Sunday School, 10:15 AM to 11:30 AM