Contact Information

St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Kittanning

101 W High Street Kittanning, PA 16201

724-548-7649

www.stmarykittanning.org

Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. - 12 Noon

St. Mary, Mother of God Yatesboro

PO Box 327, 109 2nd Street Yatesboro, PA 16263

724-783-7191

www.saintmaryyatesboro.org

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Pastoral Staff

The Reverend Douglas E. Dorula Pastor & Administrator

ddorula@dioceseofgreensburg.org

The Reverend Victor S. Baguna Parochial Vicar

vbaguna@dioceseofgreensburg.org

The Reverend Alan W. Grote Regional Chaplain for Northern Armstrong County

724-763-1207

Kittanning Staff Yatesboro Staff

Erika Dragunova, Office Manager edragunova@dioceseofgreensburg.org

Sandy Ashley Director of Liturgy & Music sashley@dioceseofgreensburg.org

Joseph Kacprowski, Facilities Manager jkacprowski@dioceseofgreensburg.org

James Gaggini Coordinator of Faith Formation jgaggini@dioceseofgreensburg.org

Marilyn Brochetti, Business Manager

Cathy Smith, Cemetery Manager

Larry Bandura, Maintenance

Betty Rose Walker, Office Manager ewalker@dioceseofgreensburg.org

Barbara Boltz, Financial Secretary bboltz@dioceseofgreensburg.org

Bonnie Frailey Coordinator of Faith Formation bfrailey@dioceseofgreensburg.org

Peggy Skamai, Organist mskamai@dioceseofgreensburg.org

Bob Skamai, Choir Director

Sandy Caresani, Sacristan

Tom Caresani, Maintenance

Helpful Phone Numbers

Divine Redeemer Regional Catholic School 724-763-3761 St. Mary Parish Hall Rental, Kittanning 724-548-7649 St. Mary/St. Gabriel Hall Rental, Yatesboro 724-783-7191 St. Vincent de Paul Helpline, Kittanning 724-543-2134 Prayer Chain, Yatesboro 724-783-7530 Good Samaritan Ministry, Yatesboro 814-257-8463

Saint Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe &

Saint Mary, Mother of God

Partner Parishes of the Diocese of Greensburg Pennsylvania Charitable Trusts

Weekend Mass Times

4:00 p.m. Saturday / Kittanning 6:00 p.m. Saturday / Yatesboro 9:00 a.m. Sunday / Kittanning 11:00 a.m. Sunday / Yatesboro

Sacrament of Reconciliation

12:00 p.m. 2nd, 3rd, 4th Saturday / Kittanning After 6:00 p.m. Saturday Mass / Yatesboro

Sacrament of Baptism

Contact the parish office.

Sacrament of Marriage

Arrangements must be made with Father Doug at least one year in advance.

Ministry to Sick and Homebound

Contact the Parish Office if you or a family member would like to receive

Eucharist or the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

Parish Cemeteries

St. Joseph & St. Mary Cemeteries Contact the parish office in Kittanning.

Sacred Heart & St. Mary Cemeteries Contact the parish office in Yatesboro.

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ November 18, 2018

"As baptized Catholics, we are called to continue the mission of Jesus Christ by sharing the Love of God."

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time November 18, 2018

The Sanctuary Candle in Kittanning is burning

this week in memory of Bob Higginson by

Evelyn & Family.

The Tabernacle Candle in Yatesboro is burning

this week in memory of the Skerkavich & Zak

Families by Dee Dee, David, Denny, Aaron, James

& Tyler Skerkavich.

Partner Parishes Liturgical Schedule

Saturday, November 17 Vigil

4:00 p.m. Kittanning For All Living & Deceased Parishioners

6:00 p.m. Yatesboro Greg Kunkle by Pam, Autumn & Brian

Sunday, November 18 Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Dn 12:1-3; Heb 10:11-14, 18; Mk 13:24-32

9:00 a.m.

Kittanning Ted Bearer by the Bearer Family

11:00 a.m.

Yatesboro Cecelia Milicia (Birthday Remembrance) by Daughters

Monday, November 19 Weekday Rv 1:1-4; 2:1-5; Lk 18:35-43

8:00 a.m.

Kittanning Guy (Tom) Desiderio (Birthday Remembrance) by Sam, Jeanette, Ashley & Lynzee Panchik Family

3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration in Kittanning

Tuesday, November 20 Weekday Rv 3:1-6, 14-22; Lk 19:1-10

Wednesday, November 21 The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Rv 4:1-11; Lk 19:11-28

7:00 p.m. Kittanning Domenic Turco by Dr. & Mrs. Frank Turco & Sons

Thursday, November 22 Thanksgiving Day

9:00 a.m. Yatesboro Leo Matillio by Penny Hampshire

Friday, November 23 Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro, Priest & Martyr Rv 10:8-11; Lk 19:45-48

8:00 a.m. Kittanning Stanley & Catherine Sobiski by Jim & Hope

Saturday, November 24

12:00 Noon Kittanning Sacrament of Reconciliation

4:00 p.m. Kittanning Living & Deceased Members of James & Mildred Ellermeyer Family by Mitzi Ellermeyer

6:00 p.m. Yatesboro For All Living & Deceased Parishioners

Sunday, November 25 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Dn 7:13-14; Rv 1:5-8; Jn 18:33b-37

9:00 a.m.

Kittanning Mona Jean Jones by Mark Jones & Family

11:00 a.m.

Yatesboro Harold Merriman, Jr. by Donald Merriman & Family

"But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." None of us knows when the world will end. All we know is that it will end. All things do. Many people choose to live a somewhat carefree life by living as if life will never end. They go from one day to the next, never giving a thought to the fact that today may be their last. If you knew exactly when your life will end, what would you do differently? As Christians, we are called to be people of beginnings and endings. God is in all of life even when we think that life cannot get any worse than it is. Creating life out of death is what God does best. We are asked to live vigilantly, seeing God in all things and being ever prepared to meet him, whenever that time comes.

Join Us for

Thanksgiving

Masses

St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Wednesday, November 21, at 7:00 p.m.

St. Mary, Mother of God Thursday, November 22, at 9:00 a.m.

In observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday, the Parish Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23. Happy Thanksgiving!

Our Sincere Congratulations to

Jacob & Bethany (Fleming) Ondich

who were married in Kittanning on Saturday, November 10

and

Joseph & Laura (Lightner) Skamai

who were married in Yatesboro on Saturday, November 10.

May God abundantly bless their life together.

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time November 18, 2018

Our heartfelt congratulations to the following 8th

Graders from our Partner Parishes

who were confirmed at our Regional Confirmation Service on November 17!

Parishioners of St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Kittanning

Ava Formaini

Anthony Furgiuele

Abigale Jablonski

Connor Jacobs

Kathryn Kovalchick

Eliza Ashbaugh

Ariana Bowser

Emma Boylan

Savannah Colberg

Dante Magagnotti

Malyea Tatsak

Benjamin Webb

Zowie Wills

Parishioners of St. Mary, Mother of God, Yatesboro

Jesse Bernot Maxwell Long

May the Holy Spirit continue to bring you many graces and blessings!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This week in our country, we take a break and give

thanks to God for all the blessings that he has

bestowed on us. I hope and pray that your

Thanksgiving Day celebrations will be a joy with

your family and friends. Each time we gather for

Mass, we give thanks to God, this is what the word,

Eucharist, means. Jesus feeds us with Himself, so

that we will feed our brothers and sisters. This is what this day is all about. At The Last Supper, Jesus

said, "Do this in remembrance of Me." May each parishioner imitate this in word and deed always.

In this bulletin, you will find many ways that you can participate in bringing Jesus into our communities

that we serve. I hope that together, despite the darkness and chaos in our world, we can contribute

in our own unique ways.

I also want to take this opportunity to invite those who do not belong to one of our parishes, to consider

registering as a member. If you would like more information on how to register, please contact Erika

Dragunova, office manager in Kittanning or Betty Rose Walker, office manager in Yatesboro at the

particular parish office.

Also, this bulletin is free to our partner parishes because of the advertisements that you will see on

the back pages. I want to thank Jaisa French Storybook World Travel for advertising. If would like to

advertise in the bulletin, please contact Sue Novosel at SNovosel@4LPi.com or (800)477-4574,

extension 6318.

Father Doug

St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish News

Catholic Daughters’ November Meeting

The CD of A, Court Patricia #998 will be meeting on Tuesday, November 20, at 7:00 p.m. in St. Mary Parish Hall. We will have a memorial service for our deceased members. Social chairman is Patty Hulse. New members are always welcome.

CD of A, Court Patricia

Christmas Party

Our Christmas Party will be held on Tuesday, December 4, at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary Parish Hall, Kittanning. There will be a delicious buffet dinner. Cost is $15. Reservations should be mailed to Carol Toy at 744 North Grant Ave., Kittanning, PA 16201 by November 26.

Join Us for an Advent

Video Series: The Mass

Why is the Mass so important? Why is it the “source and summit” of the Christian life? It is the most beautiful encounter between friends and it is an anticipation of the play that will be our permanent preoccupation in heaven. Join us as we walk through the Liturgy with Bishop Barron and be transformed through this most privileged encounter with our Lord. See how the Mass brings us out of the fallen world and into the heavenly realm and most importantly how we intimately joined with the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity through the Holy Eucharist.

We will meet on Mondays November 19, 26; December 3, 10 & 17

7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. Mary Parish Hall, Kittanning

Facilitated by Catholic Men’s Fellowship

We hope you will join us. No need to register.

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time November 18, 2018

Wish Tree Project

The Wish Tree, trimmed with ornaments containing wishes from children in need (up to age 12), is now located in the narthex of the St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. If you would like to purchase a gift, please take an ornament with tag indicating desired gift. Return the wrapped gift with the tag attached to the parish office or place it under the Wish Tree no later than December 3.

Thank you for your participation!

Faith Formation Classes There will be no Faith Formation classes on Sunday, November 25. Classes will resume for all grades on Sunday, December 2. Happy Thanksgiving!

Don’t miss out & join us!

St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe

HOLLY BERRY FAIR Saturday, December 1

10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

St. Mary Parish Hall, Kittanning

Before Holly Berry Fair

Register for Breakfast with Santa Registration forms are available in the church and on our

parish website. Please register by November 27.

Pre-Order your Dinners Don’t delay! Pre-order by November 27

to guarantee your dinner. Dinner pre-order forms are available in the bulletin,

church and our parish website www.stmarykittanning.org

Donate Items Following donations are still needed and may be dropped off at St. Mary Parish Center during the week or placed in the back

of the church by next Sunday, November 25. Used Christmas Items

New unwrapped items for Children’s ‘Surprise Packages’ ($1 - $5 items)

Plan on Baking for the Bake Sale & Dinner Cookies, pies, nut rolls, pizzelles, and other delicious baked goods are needed to make the Bake Sale a great success!

Return Your Holly Berry Raffle Tickets $1,000 Total in Cash Prizes

Extra books of tickets are available in the church.

Let Us Know You Can Help We still need more help at the Holly Berry Fair

on Saturday, December 1. Please return your service form via the mail or bring it to the Parish Office by this Tuesday, November 20.

Thank you for your generous heart!

Begins This Monday!

St. Mary, Mother of God Parish News

Youth Ministry ~ Grades 6-12 This Sunday, November 18

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

St. Ann Hall

Friends are welcome!

(Morning Faith Formation classes for grades 6-12 will not meet.)

Angel Giving Tree

Once again this year, the Good Samaritan Ministry is

sponsoring an Angel Giving Tree in cooperation with

Armstrong County Children & Youth. A tree with special

tags will be located in the narthex of the church on the

weekends of November 11 & 18. Gifts purchased to fulfill

the wishes of needy families in our community must be

delivered to the church by December 2. While gifts are

not to be wrapped, wrapping paper, ribbon, tape, and gift

bags may also be donated. The Giving Tree is one of our

most successful campaigns of the year, and the heartfelt

generosity of our parish family is always an amazing thing

to witness.

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time November 18, 2018

Angel Memorial Tree

Angel ornaments, to be hung on the Angel

Memorial Tree, will once again be sold during

Advent. The handmade angels can be purchased

for $5 each "in memory of" or "in honor of" a loved

one. They will be sold in the church narthex before Masses on

the weekends of November 24 & 25, December 1 & 2, and

December 8 & 9. The Angels will decorate the narthex

Christmas tree over the holidays and can be taken home when

the season is over. The Angel Memorial Tree is sponsored by

the Good Samaritan Ministry, and all proceeds will be used to

help those in need within our parish.

Contributions made in your Thanksgiving envelope are earmarked for the Good Samaritan Ministry. We make use of these gifts to help the poor and needy in our community. Your generosity in helping the Good Samaritan Ministry fulfill our mission is greatly appreciated. If you do not plan to attend Mass on Thanksgiving morning, you can place your Thanksgiving envelope in the Sunday collection basket.

Faith Formation Reminder

Faith Formation Classes Grades K-12

will not be held on Sunday, November 25.

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

The next Choir Rehearsal will be held on Monday,

November 19, at 7:00 p.m.

A Thanksgiving Community Service will be held on Wednesday, November 21, at 7:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church

in Rural Valley. All are welcome!

Collection for the Diocesan Poverty Relief Fund & Catholic Relief Services

Takes Place This Weekend

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. In our diocese, CRS Collection is paired with the Diocesan Poverty Relief Fund (DPRF) Collection. Because of the increased local need, 3/4 of the contributions to this combined collection will remain in the diocese to support DPRF, which will add to its assistance efforts for people in need in the communities of the diocese’s four counties. It also assures parishioners who make generous contributions to this combined collection that they are helping their neighbors right here in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Thank you for your generosity!

The Food Pantry asks for canned vegetables

to be donated through November 24. These

vegetables will be included in the Christmas

Boxes that will be prepared on November 28,

at 10:00 a.m. at the Food Pantry for

December distribution.

St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe

Holly Berry Fair Saturday, December 1

10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

St. Mary Parish Hall, 361 N Jefferson St., Kittanning

Home Made Vegetable Beef Soup & Loaf of Bread

Available throughout the day beginning at 10:00 a.m. Take-out $6.00/quart

Lunch Menu Noon to 3:00 p.m.

HOLLY BERRY FAVORITES ALL DAY!

Big Basket Raffle!

Over 80 Beautiful Theme Baskets to be raffled off!

Used Christmas Items Sale

Greens & Things Bake Sale

Knit & Crochet Gifts Surprise Packages

Stuffed Chicken Breast Dinner 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Registration forms are available in the church and on our website www.stmarykittanning.org

Please register your children by November 27.

WOW!

Enjoy a Sit-down Dinner or get a Take-out! $10/Adult $5/Child Return your preorder form!

We Hope to See You at the Holly Berry Fair!

Ham & Turkey Bingo 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Father Victor Suansing Baguna is one of five international priests recently welcomed by the Diocese of Greensburg to assist with pastoral duties here.

Father Victor is a native of Anini-y, Antique, which is in the Diocese of Antique on the western edge of the island of Panay in the central part of the Philippines. He was born on November 3, 1963. He attended St. Peter’s Seminary / St. Anthony’s College from 1980 to 1984. He studied Theology at St. Augustine’s Major Seminary, Divine Word School of Theology, Tagaytay City from 1984 to 1989 and was ordained a priest on December 5, 1989, in St. John Nepomucene Parish Church in Anini-y, Antique.

Father Victor has been a priest for nearly 29 years before his assignment to the Diocese of Greensburg. In the Philippines, he has served as a parochial vicar, parish priest, chaplain of two schools, director of two schools and rector of St. Peter’s Seminary. He also served on the diocesan Presbyteral Council and was Episcopal Vicar for Clergy. More specifically, Father Victor held the following assignments on the parish and diocesan levels:

Parish Assignments Parochial vicar 1990-1992 San Jose Cathedral, San Jose, Antique Parish priest 1992-1996 St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Valderrama, Antique Parish priest 1996-2002 St. Augustine Parish, Patnongon, Antique Parish priest 2002-2003 St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Caluya, Antique Parish priest 2003-2004 St. Isidore The Worker Parish, Laua-an, Antique Parish priest 2007-2012 St. Nino Parish, Bugasong, Antique Parish priest 20012-2017 St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Barbaza, Antique Sabbatical leave 2017-2018

Diocesan Appointments 1990-1992 Diocesan Youth Director 1996-2002 Vicar Forane, San Jose Deanery 1998-2001 Station Director DYKA - Diocesan Radio Station 2004-2007 Rector of St. Peter’s Seminary College, San Pedro San Jose, Antique 2004-2015 Vicar for Clergy 1992-2001 Member of Presbyterial Council/Senate of Priests 2004-2018 Member of Board of Trustees, St. Anthony’s College and Seminary Board Member

Father Victor looks forward to the opportunity to serve in our partner parishes and as he also said “I want to use my priesthood to meet the needs of the Diocese of Greensburg and am open to share my experiences here.”

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time November 18, 2018

Come & Welcome Father Victor to our Partner Parishes!

Welcome Receptions for Father Victor Baguna

St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Sunday, November 25

Following the 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Mary Parish Hall, Kittanning

St. Mary, Mother of God Parish Sunday, December 2

Following the 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Mary/St. Gabriel Hall, Yatesboro

Refreshments will be served as you have the opportunity to welcome Father Victor

as he begins his priestly ministry among us.

Parochial Vicar Assigned to Our Partner Parishes

Welcome Father Victor S. Baguna!

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time November 18, 2018

Liturgical Minister Schedule - November 21 - 25, 2018

St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Kittanning

Date Altar Servers Extraordinary Ministers

Of Holy Communion Lector Cantor Greeters

Wed., Nov. 21 7:00 p.m.

Emily Kuntz Frank Battaglia Cheryl Brochetti

Amber Ritrosky Rick Kulbacki ________

Sat., Nov. 24 4:00 p.m.

Christian Shuster Michael Grantz

Pete Benvenuti Bill Chemelli Helen Gispanski Geri Prunty

Roseann Rybicki Jane Chemelli Helen Gispanski Georgia Visnesky George Visnesky

Sun., Nov. 25 9:00 a.m.

Dylan Gaggini Emily Kuntz Addy Bowser Antonio Magagnotti

Cheryl Brochetti Marsha Caruso Dolores Croyle Cheri Kulbacki

Dan Lorigan Ensemble Lois Ferraino Connie Kane Carole Olszewski

St. Mary, Mother of God Parish, Yatesboro

Date Altar Servers Extraordinary Ministers

Of Holy Communion Lector Cantor Greeters

Thurs., Nov. 22 6:00 p.m.

Elliott Schaeffer Kash Julius

Bob Skamai Anna Skamai Jeanne Levri

Penny Hampshire ________ Ray Kaplon Sandy Kaplon

Sat., Nov. 24 6:00 p.m.

Molly Kaplon Troy Kaplon

JoAnn Clopp (T) Kathy Renosky Helen Gardner

Cheryl Rocco Amy Skamai Jennie Fusaro Lillian Moore

Sun., Nov. 25 11:00 a.m.

Katie Perry Lucy Rearick

Mary Ellen Wilkinson (T) Kevin Foster Bob Skamai Jeanne Levri Mike Aimino

Amy Foster Amy Skamai Anna Goldstrohm Calista Goldstrohm

Because of the early bulletin submission deadlines around Thanksgiving, any bulletin information you would like to have included in the DECEMBER 2 bulletin must be submitted to your parish office by 3:00 p.m. Monday, November 19.

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time November 18, 2018

Offertory Collection Report

Because of the early publication deadline of this bulletin, the Offertory Collection report for the weekend of November 10 & 11 will be included in the next week’s bulletin.

Deadline for Scheduling Masses for Calendar Year 2019 Is December 2.

Please remember that all Mass intentions for next year must be scheduled in writing using the 2019 Mass Intention Request Form. Additional forms are available in the churches and the Parish Offices in Kittanning and Yatesboro during regular business hours. The form along with the stipend may be returned via collection basket or mail by December 2. If you have any questions, please call your parish office.

Kittanning Lions Club Senior Citizen’s Dinner

The Kittanning Lions Club will be holding its 43rd Annual Senior Citizens Dinner on Sunday, December 9, from noon to 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary Parish Hall, Kittanning. The turkey dinner, with all the trimmings, is free to all area senior citizens. Reservations must be made by mailing your reservations to: Kittanning Lions Club, P.O. Box 1014, Kittanning, PA 16201. Please include your name, address, phone number, number of people dining in and number of takeout dinners. Take-outs are for shut-ins only. Reservation deadline: December 1.

Kittanning Ministerium Association

Thanksgiving Service

The Community Thanksgiving Service, sponsored by the

Kittanning Ministerium Association, will be held this

Sunday, November 18, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s United

Church of Christ, 333 N McKean Street, Kittanning.

Everyone is invited to come and thank God for all of our

blessings. Refreshments will be served after the service.

Sunday, Nov 18, 2018THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMEChrist the light shineIt used to be that sensible people shrugged off most apocalyptictalk as a religious scare tactic. After all, only Chicken Littleseriously believes the sky is falling and life as we know it isending! Yet the present global situation makes apocalypse soundpertinent, even descriptive of the texture of our times. The light ofhope can seem dimmer than ever; nonetheless, when fear beginsto sound like the wisest course and paralysis the only option, holdfast to the Good News and its promise of light and life!

TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 12:1-3; Hebrews 10:11-14, 18; Mark13:24-32 (158). “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my wordswill not pass away.”

Monday, Nov 19, 2018Live your faith day by dayYou may know “Day by Day,” the popular song from the 1970smusical Godspell. The refrain, which was adapted from a 13th-century English prayer, includes the lines: “Three things I pray:To see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow theemore nearly.” Those words pretty well summarize the yearning inthe heart of all Christians. It begins with “seeing clearly” becauseit’s hard to love or follow Jesus unless you do your best to focuson him and his message. The blind man who begged Jesus “Lord,please let me see” spoke for all of us. Spend a moment todayreflecting on blind spots in your own faith—areas where doubt,fear, ego, or simple neglect have carried the day thus far.

TODAY'S READINGS: Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5; Luke 18:35-43 (497).“Have sight; your faith has saved you.”

Tuesday, Nov 20, 2018Mercy is the great equalizer“Mercy that is truly Christian is also the most perfect incarnationof ‘equality’ between people,” wrote Pope John Paul II in hisencyclical Rich in Mercy. Our compassion compels us to see thedignity of persons in need. They become lovable simply becausethey are. Despite any faults, poor choices, weaknesses, orcircumstances beyond their control, those in need are worthy ofalms (from the Greek words for compassion and mercy)—forChrist’s sake. Strive to see in others what Jesus saw in taxcollectors, sinners, and the least among us: the face of God.

TODAY'S READINGS: Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22; Luke 19:1-10 (498)."Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is adescendant of Abraham.”

Wednesday, Nov 21, 2018MEMORIAL OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARYMoment by moment, grace upon graceMake a list of what you’ve been taught about Mary of Nazareth:virgin, mother of Jesus, Mother of God, conceived immaculately,assumed into heaven bodily—it’s an astonishing list. Her life was“full of grace,” yet the Bible says little of her beyond the firstmoments of Jesus’ life and the last. Church tradition supplies therest, not to invent history but to illustrate how this Jewish girl’slife was made holy by her choices and those of the family that

nurtured her. Our families become holy in the same way, onedecision at a time.

TODAY'S READINGS: Revelation 4:1-11; Luke 19:11-28 (499). “Toeveryone who has, more will be given, but from the one who hasnot, even what he has will be taken away.”

Thursday, Nov 22, 2018THANKSGIVING DAYGratitude is good for the body and soulThe gratitude you feel on Thanksgiving is good for your mentalhealth. Practicing daily gratitude, psychologists say, results inhigher levels of energy, alertness, enthusiasm, and determination.Better yet, people who feel grateful are more likely to feel lovedand repay kindnesses. Benedictine Brother David Stendl-Rast,one of the founders of gratefulness.org, says that, by freelychoosing gratitude, we can “create a better life for ourselves andfor others.” Now there’s something to be thankful for.

TODAY'S READINGS: Sirach 50:22-24; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke17:11-19 (943-947). "Has none but this foreigner returned to givethanks to God?"

Friday, Nov 23, 2018MEMORIAL OF CLEMENT I, POPE, MARTYRTake a letterWe tend to think that important letter-writing in the early churchwas limited to the New Testament, Saint Paul being the starcorrespondent. But others wrote letters to Christian communities,like the third bishop of Rome, Clement, who wrote to the samechurch in Corinth that Paul had tried to straighten out earlier.Though we don’t know much else about Clement, we know helived in Rome at the end of first century, only a generation or twoafter Peter and Paul had died there. Clement mentions theirdeaths, writing of Peter, “Let us set before our eyes the illustriousapostles. Peter . . . endured not one or two, but numerous labors,and when he had finally suffered martyrdom, departed to theplace of glory due to him.” Let us recall those early martyrs whogave everything for Christ and his church.

TODAY'S READINGS: Revelation 10:8-11; Luke 19:45-48 (501). “Jesusentered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who wereselling things.”

Saturday, Nov 24, 2018MEMORIAL OF ANDREW DŨNG-LẠC, PRIEST, AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRSCulture gets holy; holiness gets cultureIn 1988, when Pope John Paul II canonized the Vietnam martyrswhose feast we celebrate today, he used the opportunity to speakof the value of enculturation. The pope praised the martyrs andwitnesses for initiating dialogue among various religious groupsand proposing ways to put Christian faith in action that weresuited to Asian culture, such as teaching that “one should respectand venerate one’s ancestors according to the customs of the landin light of the mystery of the Resurrection.” Out of respect forthese humble and courageous martyrs, do your best to respect thecustoms and religious practices of all faiths as you freely practiceyour own cultural expressions of faith.

TODAY'S READINGS: Revelation 11:4-12; Luke 20:27-40 (502). “Someof the scribes said in reply, ‘Teacher, you have answered well.’”

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow—a day at a time©2018 TrueQuest Communications. TakeFiveForFaith.com; mail@takefiveforfaith.com. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reprints permittedwith the following credit: Reprinted with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com. Scripture citations from the New American Bible RevisedEdition. For more information about TAKE FIVE and our regular contributors, go to PrepareTheWord.com. Free daily email and appavailable online at TakeFiveForFaith.com/subscribe.