Not many people would prefer conflict to harmony and unity, violence and war to friendly coexistence, anxiety to inner calm, and Sacred Scripture agrees. Jesus greets people with “peace be with you“ and bids them farewell with “go in peace.” Jesus also warned, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. Faith can bring different priorities, decisions, and loyalties, some of which might be in conflict with the old; ultimate peace comes from turning to God.
Today is Respect Life Sunday. We are called to pray for greater concern and respect for all human life, especially that of the unborn, the elderly, persons with disabilities, the terminally ill and others whose lives are easily threatened.
We are very pleased to announce that beginning Sunday, October 9 at the 10:00 AM Mass, we will celebrate Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW). Thanks to a few parents who came forward with the idea and the willingness to be leaders. Children from Pre-K to third grade will be dismissed after the Opening Prayer to the Sunday Morning Café area and hear the readings that are more appropriate to their understanding. The children will participate in discussion and activities on how the gospel relates to them today. It is very important for parents to realize that this time is not a baby-sitting service, but a time for your children to grow in their faith. If parents wish to accompany their child to see if CLOW is right for them, you are certainly welcome to do so. We are so blessed to have this opportunity to nurture God’s Word in our children. Let us all pray that this time is meaningful to all who attend.
Friday is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. May we discover how praying the rosary nourishes our faith which flourishes again by meditation on the sacred mysteries, and raises minds to the truth revealed to us by God. We are pleased that one of our stained glass windows is that of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Our Responsorial Psalm this week, "The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel," reminds us that God will protect what God has created.
Six rings are great but 7 would be heaven ... Go Steelers!
