In this Edition:
- Band & Dance Benefiting Working Boys Center, Oct. 23, 7:00 PM
- Collection for Personal Hygiene Items, Oct 16/17 & Oct. 23/24
- Help Needed: Hospitality for Alpha - Sign up here
- We're Hiring! Sunday Early Childhood Programs
- Sausage & Cheese Sale after morning Masses this Sunday, Oct. 17
- Funeral Notice: Larry Sedatole, Oct. 15, 11:00 AM [livestream here]
- Adoration will begin at 1:00 PM on Friday
FROM THE PASTOR
My dear parishioners,
My stay in the hospital last week had some positive results. The cardiologists were able to regulate the sinus rhythm of my heart by introducing a different medication and determining the dosage that works for me. It was standard procedure to have me stay a few days in the hospital so they could observe how well my body tolerated the medication.
I found my stay in the hospital to be a chance to be present to God as well. There are times I am tempted to worry about the future. The thoughts come, sometimes flooding in, “What if this doesn’t work? What if my heart fails? Is my health spiraling downward?” These thoughts, if I begin to dwell on them, can take me on dark journeys that lead to doubts about God’s goodness or his concern for my wellbeing. I can even doubt the presence of God at all.
Then there are other times when God comes in unexpectedly, like light breaking through the clouds. It is usually a surprise, with no attempts on my part to manufacture it. The light suddenly surrounds me and I am at peace. Then I know in my heart that all will be well. It always takes me to Psalm 37: “Surrender to God and he will do everything for you.” Then, at least for the moment, I turn it all over to him.
In these moments, I try to simply breathe. Every inhale becomes a message from God, saying, “I love you.” Every exhale then becomes my response, saying in return, “I love you, too.” The consolation he gives me helps me to trust that God loves me and apparently still wanted me around for his purposes. For that, all I can say is, “Thank you, Lord!”
God bless you all,
Fr. Don
GET OUT YOUR DANCING SHOES
Concert and Dance benefiting the Working Boys Center
St. Gabriel has built an international collaborative relationship with the Working Boys Center (WBC) in Quito, Ecuador. The Working Boys' Center - a Family of Families is a Catholic institution committed to working boys and their families, founded with the objective of creating, developing, and strengthening moral values by means of changes in attitudes and behavior, helped by programs of formation and social assistance. We're hosting a concert and dance to benefit the WBC.
COLLECTION OF PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS FOR LITTLE FREE PANTRY
Weekends of Oct. 16/17 - Oct. 23/24
Our Little Free Pantry is in need of personal hygiene items for those in need. Below is a list of items to donate. Please NO FOOD.
- toilet paper,
- paper towels,
- shampoo,
- conditioner,
- body wash,
- deodorant - men & women
- shaving cream,
- disposable razors,
- toothpaste,
- individual toothbrushes,
- sanitary napkins,
- tampons
Please leave the items in the donation bin in the church narthex. Thank you!
HELP NEEDED ON ALPHA HOSPITALITY TEAM
Can you help for a few hours on a Thursday evening?
Our pilot session for Alpha has been happening for a several weeks, and one of the main components of this course is the meal. We need volunteers to help prepare and serve the meal on Thursday evenings. If you have a gift of hospitality or just want to help out this new endeavor, you can sign up HERE to volunteer.
WE'RE HIRING
Substitute Childcare Workers in Early Childhood Sunday Programs
Do you love children and have a desire to share God's love with them? St. Gabriel's Early Childhood Programs are looking for caring, compassionate adult Child Care Workers who would be willing to serve as substitutes at morning Masses. Subs will assist the lead teachers of each classroom with duties and teaching of faith formation lessons.
Applicants should feel comfortable working with children 6 months-6 years of age, following directions from a lead teacher, and have an eagerness to share God's love with His children. $14/hr. Must be able to lift 20 pounds.
Please contact Laurie Nichols, Early Childhood Programs Coordinator at lnichols@stgabriel.org or 469-408-1938 for more information or to apply.
This weekend is the 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time. Jesus tells His disciples what being great in the Kingdom of God actually entails. He came to serve not to be served, and that is our call as well.
We look forward to seeing you and your family at Mass. If you attend on Sunday morning, be sure to stop by the tables outside in the courtyard and pick up some delicious SAUSAGE AND CHEESE FROM THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS.
Pax Christi
St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Community
972-542-7170
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