November 11, 2018
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
In the first reading from the Book of Kings, we are told of a poor widow who in her want showed mercy in the form of practical compassion, by sharing her last crust with prophet Elijah. In the same spirit of giving is what the widow in the Gospel expressed; by quietly contributing her last two coins so that God would be properly worshipped.
We can say they were expressing their faith in their generosity. With Elijah going to the city of Zarephath, a Phoenician commercial capital some eight miles south of pagan Sidon, known for its exports, including wine, grain, and oil. God ordains a foreigner to feed him and apparently the widow did not even know because in her eyes, she saw scarcity and desolation. In her moment of fear, she became an instrument for God’s plan to provide for others.
In the Gospel, the story of the Widow’s Mite reminds us to give even it means giving from our want, not just to Church collection, but to whatever worthy cause attracts our attention and sympathy.
St Paul encourages a cheerful giving too in 2Cor 9:6-7, having the right intention, not trying to win credit, praises or comfort for one’s self. This is how we can store up “treasure in heaven” in our daily lives. The two poor widows expressed their sacrificial giving even in the midst of their poverty; ‘during famine’ and giving of her ‘last two coins.’ The moral lesson for us is all about our attitude in giving, our habit of trying to win approval or admiration when giving, reflecting on our motive of religious piety. “For a true generosity is measured by what is left after giving.”
So, in our efforts to increase our regular offertory this weekend, we are called upon to learn from the two widows in our Bible reading today, to give a little more to support for the running of our Church so that we reach a sound financial future and comfortably maintain our place of worship for our children.
Pope Francis: “Jesus loved us freely. Christian life is imitating Jesus' free love “
Collection : Last Sunday, November 4, 2018 was $4,016.00
2nd Collection: This Sunday November 11th the 2nd collection will be our Monthly Church Property Insurance Collection.
Food collection: Last Sunday was our monthly food collection for the needy in our community and we were able to fill 22 bags with nutritious food . Once again thank you for your generosity.
Today’s Focus: Putting God-and Others-First
Two widows figure prominently in today’s readings. The first offers her last bit of sustenance to a foreigner, a stranger; the second offers an enormous portion of her small worldly wealth to God.
Living and Praying with the world:
Almighty God, you sacrificed yourself by becoming one with us. You took on every human limitation, except sin. When Jesus offered himself on the cross, you raised him up and gave us the promise of eternal life. Help me imitate Jesus and the two widows in today’s readings, knowing that it is in giving that we receive aid in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Parish Notice: Please be aware that on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 6:00 pm we at St. Mary’s will have the Mass of Installation for Fr. Anthony C. Ekanem, MSP as the new Pastor of St. Mary’s. All are welcome to attend the Mass of Installation and a small reception following the Mass at the Parish Hall.
Parish Membership: Every family or single adult to be considered active members of St. Mary’s must be properly registered in the parish, receiving and regularly using the weekly donation envelopes. Only in this way can the parish issue documents attesting to parish membership and Catholic practice, e.g. a letter to be a Godparent or Sponsor. Also if you have moved and still want to continue as a parishioner of St. Mary’s please stop by the office with your new address so that we may make the appropriate changes. Thank You
RCIA– Classes in English are on Mondays at 7:00 pm in the Rectory.
November 2018:
17th Religious Education Classes 9:20-11:30 am
24th NO Religious Education Classes- Thanksgiving Weekend
Parents if you have not done so during this month all Sacramental fees are due:
- First Communion fee is $80.00~per child
- Confirmation fee is $100.00~per child
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Mass Schedule for the week of
November 11, 2018 to November 18, 2018
Mass are daily at 8:15 and 12:05 in English and in Spanish on Thursdays at 7:00pm
Below are the Special Intentions for this week
Sunday, November 11, 2018:
7:30 am For the Parishioners
9:00 am- Ruben Sanchez
Yessenia & Rossmeith Sanchez
11:00 am– Celina Antao
Esther & Eduardo Rodrigues
Monday, November 12, 2018:
8:15 am– Jean-Baptiste Family
Marie Jean-Baptiste
10:00 am– Mass of Remembrance for all the Veterans Of the Parish of St. Mary’s
Wednesday, November 14, 2018:
12:05 pm– Dennis M. McMahan
The Bonano Family
Thursday, November 15, 2018:
7:00 pm– Eduardo Hernandez Rubio
Maria Rubio
Saturday, November 17, 2018:
12:05 pm– Josephine S. Borrelli
Angelina Borrelli
5:00 pm– Annamma Joseph
Mathew Joseph & Family
7:30 pm– Vilma Yolanda
Valla Dares
Sunday, November 18, 2018:
7:30 am– For the Parishioners
9:00 am– Bernardo Lazaro & Rafael De Jesus Torres
Maria Torres
11:00 am- Gerardo Hilado
Sony Hilado
Please be aware that the Rectory office will be closed Monday, November 12th in observance of Veterans Day