Pastor's Notes
Thanks so much to Alanna Sininger and our entire YOUTH GROUP for their excellent idea of the "Family Movie Night!" I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the kiddies and their parents gather together for a fun night of watching TOY STORY 3! The popcorn, sno cones, drinks, etc. were great! We are looking at building upon this idea and as soon as some decisions are made, I will gladly inform you of our next FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT!
Please do not forget to RSVP for our Evening Liturgy of Thanksgiving which will be held this upcoming TUESDAY at 7 p.m., November 22nd! This is our 8th time to gather right before Thanksgiving and to celebrate in giving thanks to our God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon us. I hope that we will have a great evening of Worship, Food and Fellowship.
All of our Parish, School and Catholic Campus Ministry offices will be closed the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (11/23) and will reopen the Monday after Thanksgiving (11/28). I will fly to Texas the day before Thanksgiving and return the day after Thanksgiving. I will once again, as I have always done, remember each of you, your families and special intentions as I gather with my Mom and sister, giving thanks to God.
I hope we are all ready for our TOYS FOR TICKETS exchange on Saturday, November 26th beginning at 10:00 a.m. Thank you in advance for all those who are coming to assist us in what I hope will be a truly MEMORABLE event! There is nothing like people reaching out and giving/receiving with a genuine heart. I wish to also thank many of you for "stepping up" without even being asked and delivering/dropping off toys for no other reason than "it's the right thing to do!" I still have a far way to go in securing some of our sponsorships for this event. The first thing one of our "older parishioners" said to me after I had just celebrated the 8:30 a.m. Mass was: "You are always asking us for money, don't you ever get sick of that...." My response was simple: "Not when it is for Jesus and his Corporal Works of Mercy!"
Advent is just around the corner! In fact, this Advent will be a memorable one for all of us as we begin implementation of the Third Edition of the New Roman Missal. I offer you this prayer:
"Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We, who have so much to do, seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We, who are anxious over many things, look forward to your coming among us. We, who are blessed in so many ways, long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We, whose hearts are heavy, seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come, Lord Jesus." AMEN!!!!
As usual, let me remind you that I am available to you in my office via email at FatherJim.Sichko@SaintMarkCatholicChurch.net or, in cases of an emergency (i.e., death or imminent need of the Sacraments), by phone at 859-623-2989, prompt #3.
See you in Church,
Fr. Jim