Dear friends in Christ,
This, That & the Other ... “Sniff … sniff … sniff.” What's that I smell? Smells like chili! ... We’ll get to that in a moment, but first, on this approaching
32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, we’re confronted with a math problem. Jesus is quizzed by some of the religious leaders who attempt to trap him and challenge his authority so that they might put him to death. He easily sees through their duplicity and points to the “coming age,” as opposed to the “present age." ... Jesus is always looking forward to the age of his father, when in the Resurrection all of those chosen by God shall be raised up. We are called to live in this “present age” in a manner that is truly worthy of the “coming age” so that we too may be raised up with him.
... On to the chili!
This Saturday, Nov. 9 is our 6th annual Chili Cook-off benefitting CtR Catholic School and it’s shaping up to be a great evening of food and fun for everyone. The tents are up in the back parking (they’ll still be up on Sunday after the event when you come to Mass, so park around front or near the RAC to avoid them.) You can
buy tickets on-line now up through 5 p.m. tomorrow (Friday), and then after that they will be on sale at the gate beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening. (Come to the vigil Mass and stay for the chili!) ... We’ve got 27 teams lined up to compete for the top prize, and you can sample all chili your heart desires. Plus we’ll have hot dogs, desserts, beer and wine, and all manner of goodies. ... There’s an
impressive line-up for both the live and silent auction, too, with many great items up for bid. (Wait 'til you see the amazing fire pit in the live auction!) You can even
begin bidding now online here – and even if you can’t join us or don’t see anything that tickles your fancy, there's a
link on the auction site where you can make a quick and easy donation of any amount to help the cause. Please consider doing so as it is great way to support Catholic education at CtR!
... There will be plenty of activities for the kids and everything will take place on the back parking lot with room for everyone. It’s shaping up to be a great night for all ages. Make plans to join us for the great parish-wide community event. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our faith and family. … Don’t forget as well that tomorrow night, Friday, Nov. 8, we welcome the popular Catholic podcaster
Jeff Young, the Catholic Foodie, for an evening of Faith, Family, and Food. It starts at 7 p.m. in the Redeemer Activity Center and tickets are available at the door. Jeff is an engaging presenter who will share stories as we share food and connect the table of the Lord to our tables at home. Don’t worry – we’ll feed you, too. We’ll have a handful of parishioners offering samples from their own kitchens to fill our bellies as we fill our hearts.
... As November is a traditional time for praying for our beloved dead, next Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. we’ll offer
Mass for all families who have lost a child in the womb or at birth. While it is true that memories of our deceased loved ones can bring, after a time, joyful memories of a long life well lived, there are mothers and fathers who grieve greatly for a child lost during pregnancy. Often they can suffer alone or in silence and never really get the chance to properly commend their child to God in the Church. … If you or someone you know has suffered a stillbirth or miscarriage, please join us next Wednesday as we remember these precious angels to the Lord. It will take the place of our regularly Wednesday evening Mass at 7 p.m., but we’ll hold it
in the main church instead of the chapel. All are welcome. If you have a picture or sonogram image of your child, or would like to bring a special memento to remember them by, feel free to bring it to the Mass and we’ll have a table set-up where they can be displayed.
... If you have a child who will be attending middle school (6-8th grades) next year we invite you to our
Middle School Preview at CtR Catholic School next Thursday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Designed especially for parents of children currently in 4th or 5th grade this year, it’s open to everyone to get a sneak preview at what our Middle School at CtR has to offer. And what we have to offer is an impressive array of academic excellence alongside a multitude of extra-curricular options in sports, music, art, and state-of-the-art S.T.R.E.A.M. curriculum. You’ll be able to tour our classrooms, labs, and gym and see all that CtR School offers to help your student grow in knowledge and faith. For more information and to RSVP follow this
link. ... Lastly, and most importantly,
God loves you. See ya’ at Mass – and at the Chili Cook-off!