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MISSION STATEMENT
We, the community of St. John the Baptist Parish, Monaca, are rich in ministry and rooted in
mission. Through the living waters of Baptism, we are called to celebrate Christ’s presence in
the Eucharist. Blessed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we seek to find the face of Jesus in
every person and to reveal the joy of God’s kingdom through charity, faith, and service.
MASS SCHEDULE
Sundays 8 AM and 10:30 AM
Tuesdays, Thursdays,
and Saturdays: 8:30 AM
Wednesdays: 6:30 PM
Holy Days: as announced
RECONCILIATION
Wednesdays: before/after evening Mass
Saturdays: 12:15 PM to 1 PM
Anytime by appointment.
CLERGY STAFF
Administrator: Fr. Martin R. Bartel, O.S.B.
Parochial Vicar: Fr. Thomas More Sikora, O.S.B.
Parochial Vicar: Fr. Joachim Morgan, O.S.B.
Deacon: Joseph N. Basko
Deacon: Robert J. Bittner
BAPTISMS
Celebrated the first and third Sundays at 11:45 AM by
appointment.
MARRIAGES
Please schedule this sacred commitment at least six
months in advance. The date can only be confirmed after
consultation with the Parish Office.
PARISH MEMBERSHIP
New members are most welcome! Please register with
the Parish Office and notify us of changes in address and/
or phone number.
Saint John the Baptist Parish
1501 Virginia Avenue Monaca, PA 15061
724--775--3940 Voice ● 724-775-6886 Fax
724--494 8864 St. Vincent de Paul Society
[email protected] ● mach1diopitt.org
NOVEMBER 24, 2019
OFFICE HOURS
Mondays thru Wednesdays:9 AM to 3 PM
Thursdays: ..........................9 AM to 2 PM
Fridays: ......................9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
St. John the Baptist Parish Monaca, Pa
2
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, November 23 Weekday
TS 8:30 am † Rose Climo (by Mary Halama)
Sunday, November 24 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
MB 8:00 am † Deceased Members of the Osman Family (by Bob & Teresa Osman)
TS/JB 10:30 am † Frances & Stanley Jusczak (by Family)
Monday, November 25 Weekday
NO MASS
Tuesday, November 26 Weekday
TS/dc 8:30 am Living & † Deceased Members of the Fink Family (by The Fink Family)
Wednesday, November 27 Weekday
RA 6:30 pm † Margaret Andrus (by Lintz Family)
Thursday, November 28 Weekday, Thanksgiving
NO MASS AT St. John the Baptist
9:00 am Thanksgiving Mass at St. Frances Cabrini for our MACH1 Grouping
Friday, November 29 Weekday
NO MASS
Saturday, November 30 St. Andrew, Apostle
TS 8:30 am † Val Rocco (by Kristen & Scott Stablein)
Sunday, December 01 First Sunday of Advent
JM 8:00 am † John and Freida Estermyer (by Tom & Val Swan & Family)
MB 10:30 am † Brian Donaldson (by Mr. & Mrs. Stephan Plonka)
BLESSED SACRAMENT
SANCTUARY CANDLES
IN MEMORY OF
ROBERT ROSENBERGER
BY TOM & IRENE ROSENBERGER
IN MEMORY OF
STEVE & ANNA TURBISH
BY AJ & TILLIE & FAMILY
In Memoriam & Sanctuary Candles
BLESSED MOTHER
SANCTUARY CANDLE
IN MEMORY OF
NATHAN GIANANTONIO
BY MOM & DAD
RA Fr. Regis MB Fr. Martin TS Fr. Thomas More JM Fr. Joachim JB Dn. Joe BB Dn. Bob ds David Schmidt
Space is available in our school building We
have some very nice rooms available in the
school building to rent. It is the space formerly
occupied by St. John the Baptist Preschool.
Please pass the word along among friends,
family, neighbors or co-workers who may be
looking for office space.
If you are interested, please call the Parish
Office at 724-775-3940.
We will be closed Thursday November 28th &
Friday November 29th for Thanksgiving.
We will reopen on Monday December 2nd at
9 am. May God Bless You and your Family as
we pause to take some time with ours.
OFFICE HOURS
Thanksgiving Day Mass - There will be ONE
community Mass on Thanksgiving Day at 9 am.
for the parishioners of Our Lady of Fatima,
St. Frances Cabrini, St. John the Baptist and
St. Titus Parishes. This year it will be held at
St. Frances Cabrini Church, & will be rotated to
the other locations in subsequent years, along with
all the national holidays that are not holydays. After
Mass there will be very light (and brief) social
because many must get home to cook for their
hungry pilgrims. Nonperishable food items will be
collected and used by the St. Vincent de Paul
Society. The collection that day will be divided
among the St Vincent de Paul Societies of all 4
churches. Hope you can attend as we give thanks to
God as one grateful regional community.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe November 24, 2019
3
CHRISTIAN MOTHERS
All women of the parish are cordially invited to attend the St. John Christian Mothers Christmas Party on
Tuesday, December 10th at the Monaca Turner’s beginning at 6 pm. Reservations are required and may be
made by contacting Grace Milligan at 724-544-5001 or Norma Rudolph at 724-775-5863. Cost is $20 per
person. Meal choice will be Stuffed Chicken Breast or Stuffed Pork Chop Dinner. Monetary donations or
unwrapped toys will be accepted for Monaca Santa Cops Program. Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.
YOUNG ADULT GROUP
Stay up to date or if you have any questions, please join our Facebook page (search St. John's Young Adult
Group) or email [email protected].
FAITH FORMATION AND PARISH LAY APOSTOLATES
50 + FRIENDS Wednesday December 4th will be our next
meeting. Join us for bingo, cards, games & a good
time for all in Msgr. Farri Hall at Noon.
Come have lunch, and meet a new friend.
This week, we thank
INKSTAR LLC
for the advertisement.
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Will not meet on November 27th. Happy Thanksgiving
Please come to the Pastoral Center after the 8 am. Mass on Sunday. Please call us at 724-775-3940 x4 if you
have any questions regarding enrollment. WE WILL NOT HAVE CLASS DECEMBER 1ST due to
Thanksgiving break. HAPPY THANKSGIVING.
Baptismal Preparation Class will be held at
St. John the Baptist on Monday, November
25th, in the Pastoral Center at 6:30 pm. This
class is a one-time requirement for parents
wishing to have their child baptized. Topics to be covered include
the Sacrament of Baptism, the Rite of Baptism, & the need for
suitable godparents who regularly practice the faith to serve as
worthy role models and mentors for the child in the ways of faith.
Please do not choose godparents until you have familiarized your-
self with the necessary qualifications. To register, call the Parish
Office at 724-775-3940. The next class will be held at Our Lady of
Fatima in December.
St. John’s would like to extend a warm “Thank You“ to our Christian
Mothers for hosting our bus trip to the Shrines in Pittsburgh. We would
not have been able to take this trip without their generous monetary
donation. All who attended were in awe of the beauty and history of the
two shrines that we visited. We are in deep appreciation of the Christian
Mothers support of prayer life in our community. We would also like to
thank our Priests who allowed us to take the day off, our special
volunteer who answered the phone for us, and everyone who worked so
hard to make this trip come to fruition. It is also a countless reminder to
all of us to “do little things with great love!” (Mother Teresa Quote)
St. John the Baptist Parish Monaca, Pa
4
SUPPORTING OUR
MILITARY WITH
CHRISTMAS CARDS
The churches in our MACH1 grouping are
asked again this year to consider sending
Christmas cards for our soldiers who will not
be home to celebrate the Christmas season
with family and friends ~
Operation Christmas Cards 4 Troops
Overseas. Our campaign last year was a
tremendous success and I ask for your
support this year! Please feel free to sign one
or as many Christmas cards as you like and it
is optional if you want to write a special mes-
sage to the soldier. Please keep your words
simple. Hand-made cards do not need an en-
velope. Cards should have an envelope that
are sealed in. Individual cards should be ad-
dressed to “any Service Member” signed by
sender. Please seal the envelope & you may
drop your cards into the mailbox at the en-
trance of the church by Sunday,
December 1st. Marian DeSantis Please do
not use glitter on any of the cards. God Bless
You and Your Family.
The Annual Christian Mothers Thanksgiving Harvest Bake
Sale is TODAY in Monsignor Farri Hall after the 8 am. Mass
until 12 pm. or while supplies last.
The Knights of Columbus will have
a pancake breakfast TODAY in
Msgr. Farri Hall from 8 am. until
Noon. Stop down and enjoy some
breakfast. Donations are accepted.
Proceeds benefit McGuire Memorial
or St. Anthony.
The SVdP Society is very grateful to all of our wonderful parishioners who donated so
generously to our Thanksgiving pantry day. We would also like to thank our CCD teachers/
staff, children & their families for their contributions. A special thank you to Paul Polce
who always gives of his time and energy to help us!
May God richly bless all of you throughout this holiday season!
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe November 24, 2019
5
YOUTH NEWS
OUR NEW LOCATION FOR
THE MONTHS OF
NOVEMBER, DECEMBER &
JANUARY
will be at Our Lady of Fatima.
Our MACH1 Youth Group will
be meeting this
Sunday Nov. 24th
from 6 – 8 pm.
at Fatima House
All 9th - 12th graders are
invited to join us!
Request for Help -- Our grouping St. Vincent de Paul Societies along
with Dn. Bob and the Knights of Columbus of Our Lady of Fatima will be
collecting coats, blankets, socks & deodorant. Some of these items will be
delivered to the St. Vincent de Paul St. Francis of Assisi Conference at
Duquesne University where the students feed and clothe the homeless
population in downtown Pgh. every Sunday evening during the academic
year. The rest of the items will be used to help the needy in our local area.
Please drop your donations in the boxes at the front church entrances of
our grouping before December 15th. Thank you for helping us help others.
Gift cards are great for accomplishing your weekly shopping tasks
as well as for gift giving! Why not purchase some after Mass today,
and help Our Lady Of Fatima School as well! We have a large
variety of cards available. Thank you for supporting Catholic
Education!
The faculty and students
of Our Lady of Fatima
wanted to thank you for
all that you do to support
the School. We are
grateful and blessed.
St. John the Baptist Parish Monaca, Pa
6
SECOND COLLECTION
Due to an early publication
deadline, the Sunday offertory
report & weekly Financial
Report for (Nov. 17th) will be
published next weekend.
COMMUNITY & DIOCESAN NEWS
FINANCIAL NEWS
Prayers for Healing is a monthly setting of prayer that continues the first Monday of each month (December 2nd) &
will continue thru 2020. Evenings include sung psalms, Sacred Scripture, silence, prayers for petition & a spoken
reflection. All are centered on various needs for healing, both individually & as a community of faith. Open to all faith
traditions, prayer will be held from 7 pm. to 8 pm. in the Srs. of St. Joseph Motherhouse Chapel, located at 1020 State St.
in Baden. Reservations are not necessary. Future dates: Jan. 6, Feb. 3, Mar. 2, (no April), & May 4.
There will be a Second Collection
this Sunday November 24th. It is for
Retirement Fund for Religious. Your
generosity is greatly appreciated.
2020 Lucky Number Event – Support the ministries and the mission of the Sisters of Divine Providence by purchasing
a $25 Lucky Number ticket based on the PA Daily Lottery. Pick 3 Day and Pick 3 Evening numbers are available. Your
number is yours every day for the entire 2020 calendar year. Daily winners receive a minimum of $25 up to $150. Great
gift idea! For more information, visit cdpsisters.org/LuckyNumber or call 412-635-5401.
Are you striving to do something great for your life? Though the world offers you mediocrity, do you thirst for hero-
ism and sainthood? College and post-college men, come to “Made for Greatness: A Christmas Discernment
Retreat,” to discern your vocation & learn more about the priesthood. Retreat master Dn. Jim Keating will lead the re-
treat. Deacon Keating, dir. of theological formation at the Institute for Priestly Formation, will offer life-changing in-
sights and reflections to aid you in discerning what God is calling you to do with your life December 13-15 at St. Paul of
the Cross Retreat Ctr. The weekend will include Mass, adoration, conferences, opportunity for confession, & solid broth-
erhood. No cost. Men must be 18 or older. Visit PGHPriest.com by Dec. 8th to register.
Quigley Catholic H. S. Our Placement Exam will be held on Fri., Dec. 13th & Sat., Dec. 14th from 8:30 - 11:45 am. It
is required for 8th graders to be considered for admission into Quigley Catholic High School for the fall of 2020 and to
qualify for any available scholarships. Registration is required. Please contact our Admissions Dept. to register at (724)
869-2188 or complete the placement exam form found at http://www.qchs.org/admissions.
Retrouvaille: Does your marriage need a rebirth? Retrouvaille has helped countless couples experiencing marital
difficulty at all levels from disillusionment thru deep misery. For confidential information, please call 412-277-3434 or
email [email protected]. We will be hosting two weekend retreats in 2020: Jan. 31-Feb. 2 and Sept. 11-13. Call
today to begin the healing process or visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com.
The Monaca Hometown Christmas Celebration will be Saturday, December 7th 3 pm. - 5 pm. at the Monaca
Community Center (former C.J. Mangin School) at the corner of 10th St. & Indiana Ave. Children will enjoy a visit with
Santa, crafts, cookie decorating, face painting, & more. Come and take a family photo in the Giant Snow Globe at 5:15
pm., Christmas Carols will be sung in the George Washington Plaza (Fountain Area) followed by the lighting of the
town’s Christmas Tree. Monetary donations or unwrapped Christmas gifts for children will be accepted for Monaca
Santa Cops. The event is free and sponsored by the Monaca Recreation Board & generous donations from Monaca clubs
and businesses.
The holiday season has begun. This might be the first holiday after your loved one’s death, or maybe it is the second,
third, or beyond. And due to the nature of the season, with its focus on family, traditions, and social events, the emotions
can blindside you. But, you are not alone, we are here to help. Join us on Dec. 2nd and Dec. 9th for Grief Share–
“Surviving the Holidays” will be held at 7 pm. in Good Samaritan Parish– Jericho Hall, Conference Room A. There is
no cost, but we ask that you please call 724-385-8628 to register.
Sunday, Nov 24, 2019SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSEReal power doesn’t grab or pushThe bluster of schoolyard bullies isn’t much different from thethreatening words of the world’s tyrants. Only the reach of theirdestruction sets the tyrants apart. Among the revelatorytransfigurations of Jesus is how he deftly transforms divineauthority into the surrendering action of a servant. While worldlypowers seize and hold, Jesus shares, teaches, and heals. Asbullies lash out, Jesus lays down his life and forgives his enemies.The King of the Universe makes no claim on territory or seats ofgrandeur. His throne is truth, and his realm, justice. Take time tohonor him.
TODAY'S READINGS: 2 Samuel 5:1-3; Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43 (162). “Are you not the Christ? Save yourselves and us.”
Monday, Nov 25, 2019MEMORIAL OF CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGIN, MARTYRA saint for the agesJust as November begins with the feast of All Saints, it ends withexamples of how the church remembers saints such as Catherineof Alexandria (c. 287-305). Iconography reminds us that she wasof Egyptian royalty (often shown with a crown), and she couldhave used her privilege to do almost anything. She chose toimmerse herself in the study of philosophy—she’s often shownwith books. Other symbols remind us of her fate once she wasbaptized at 14 and rebuked the Roman emperor for persecutingChristians. Catherine is typically depicted with a spiked wheel—atorture device said to have miraculously broken apart as theemperor first tried to execute her—along with the “palm ofmartyrdom” and the sword that finally beheaded her. We’re allcalled to be saints. What symbols would adorn your holy card?
TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20; Luke 21:1-4 (503). "She,from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."
Tuesday, Nov 26, 2019Test the messageJesus warned against false prophets promising salvation to thosewho heed their call, yet each age seems to produce its own cropof misguided messiahs. In our own time, many will remember thetragedies associated with delusional figures such as CharlesManson, David Koresh, Yahweh ben Yahweh, and Jim Jones. Becautious with those who promise much but demand unquestioningloyalty in return. If the fruits of humility, compassion, respect,and integrity are not visible in the message, don’t trust themessenger.
TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 2:31-45; Luke 21:5-11 (504). “See thatyou not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I amhe,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them!”
Wednesday, Nov 27, 2019I had a dreamYou might wonder if God still speaks to us, as in biblical times,through our dreams. The church teaches that while we alreadyhave received the fullness of “public revelation,” God can stilloffer us “private revelation”—guidance on our life journey ormajor decisions—through our dreams. But such revelations arenot common—most dreams are randomly generated as part ofsleep—and dreams with a message require skillful interpretation
by way of prayer and reflection, and ideally with the assistance ofa spiritual advisor. Pay attention to your dreams, but also testthem.
TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Luke 21:12-19(505). “I have heard that you can interpret dreams and solvedifficulties.”
Thursday, Nov 28, 2019THANKSGIVING DAYDeepen your gratitudeResearch from the Greater Good Science Center at University ofCalifornia, Berkeley and A Network for Grateful Living hasunderscored the importance of gratitude—or “reverence for whatis given.” Focusing our mental lens on abundance, not scarcity,can lead to dramatic improvements in health and quality of life.Dr. Robert Emmons and Brother David Steindl-Rast pioneeredthe field that teaches us to appreciate all experiences, whetherwe once labeled them “good” or “bad.” Find a gratitude practicefor you or your family at gratefulness.org. Try it for a week.
TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 6:12-28; Luke 21:20-28 (506). “Stand upand raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Friday, Nov 29, 2019God’s persistent presenceBoth of today’s readings point toward the notion that God’skingdom persists, no matter what. Daniel presents fantastical,destructive beasts with teeth and horns and thrones of flames. Butvanquishing them all is “one like a son of man” with an enduringkingship. In the gospel, Jesus reinforces the idea: the kingdom isnear; his words will endure. There is comfort here for the faithful:While the world around us may be in upheaval, God’s presencenever fails. Allow yourself today to rest in the certainty that God’skingdom is always at hand.
TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 7:2-14; Luke 21:29-33 (507). “Know thatthe kingdom of God is near.”
Saturday, Nov 30, 2019FEAST OF ANDREW, APOSTLEIntroducing JesusIf ever there were a patron saint of introductions—fortuitous, life-changing introductions—it would have to be Andrew. At thebeginning of John’s gospel, Andrew tells his brother Simon Peter,“We have found the Messiah,” before introducing him to Jesus.And we all know how that turned out for Peter! Later, beforeJesus performs the miracle that fed 5,000 people, it was Andrewwho introduced him to the boy with two fish and five loaves.Later still, it was Andrew who was approached—on the eve ofJesus’ death—when a few curious Gentiles wanted to meet Jesus.As Advent begins, consider ways that you, too, could introduceothers to Christ. Like the boy with the loaves and fishes, it couldbe as simple as bringing food to a gathering.
TODAY'S READINGS: Romans 10:9-18; Matthew 4:18-22 (684). "Theyleft their nets and followed him."
Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow—a day at a time©2019 TrueQuest Communications. TakeFiveForFaith.com; [email protected]. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reprints permittedwith the following credit: Reprinted with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com. Scripture citations from the New American Bible RevisedEdition. For more information about TAKE FIVE and our regular contributors, go to PrepareTheWord.com. Free daily email and appavailable online at TakeFiveForFaith.com/subscribe.
CONNECT! SUNDAY REFLECTIONOur Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe | For Sunday, November 24, 2019
Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS
2 Samuel 5:1-3Colossians 1:12-20Luke 23:35-43
Honoring Our Anointing
There is a scene in the first season of the award-winning Netflix series, “The Crown”, when a young Elizabeth is role-playing a coronation ceremony with her father, the soon-to-be King George VI. The girl destined to be queen is reading the words of the Archbishop of Canterbury while her father responds and reflects on the circumstances of his life. The words speak of the sacredness of the ceremony and of the unbreakable promise that he will make to God. At one point he says to her, “You have to anoint me or I can’t be king.” He explains to her that the anointing is essential, for when the holy oil touches him, he comes into direct contact with the Divine and is transformed forever. He becomes an anointed king who is now bound to the Anointed One. Elizabeth continues with the mock ceremony and anoints his head with the words: “as kings, priests, and prophets were anointed.” It is a very powerful scene that can give the viewer chills, especially if they have a Christian reference point from which to draw.
In the scene, you catch a glimpse of the importance of the monarchy to the people of England. The throne, whether it be sat on by a king or queen, is nothing like the seat of a president or prime minister. This seat of power is about divine calling and purpose. It is not so much about serving the people, but instead being a servant of the people because the true service is to God.
Of course, for most Christians who are active in their faith, watching this scene calls to mind the sacrament of Baptism. In Baptism, we are washed clean of our sin with water and anointed with oil. We die to our very self and are born again in Christ. We are new creations in the risen Lord. As King George
1www.4LPi.com
Sunday, Nov 24, 2019SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSEReal power doesn’t grab or pushThe bluster of schoolyard bullies isn’t much different from thethreatening words of the world’s tyrants. Only the reach of theirdestruction sets the tyrants apart. Among the revelatorytransfigurations of Jesus is how he deftly transforms divineauthority into the surrendering action of a servant. While worldlypowers seize and hold, Jesus shares, teaches, and heals. Asbullies lash out, Jesus lays down his life and forgives his enemies.The King of the Universe makes no claim on territory or seats ofgrandeur. His throne is truth, and his realm, justice. Take time tohonor him.
TODAY'S READINGS: 2 Samuel 5:1-3; Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43 (162). “Are you not the Christ? Save yourselves and us.”
Monday, Nov 25, 2019MEMORIAL OF CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGIN, MARTYRA saint for the agesJust as November begins with the feast of All Saints, it ends withexamples of how the church remembers saints such as Catherineof Alexandria (c. 287-305). Iconography reminds us that she wasof Egyptian royalty (often shown with a crown), and she couldhave used her privilege to do almost anything. She chose toimmerse herself in the study of philosophy—she’s often shownwith books. Other symbols remind us of her fate once she wasbaptized at 14 and rebuked the Roman emperor for persecutingChristians. Catherine is typically depicted with a spiked wheel—atorture device said to have miraculously broken apart as theemperor first tried to execute her—along with the “palm ofmartyrdom” and the sword that finally beheaded her. We’re allcalled to be saints. What symbols would adorn your holy card?
TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20; Luke 21:1-4 (503). "She,from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."
Tuesday, Nov 26, 2019Test the messageJesus warned against false prophets promising salvation to thosewho heed their call, yet each age seems to produce its own cropof misguided messiahs. In our own time, many will remember thetragedies associated with delusional figures such as CharlesManson, David Koresh, Yahweh ben Yahweh, and Jim Jones. Becautious with those who promise much but demand unquestioningloyalty in return. If the fruits of humility, compassion, respect,and integrity are not visible in the message, don’t trust themessenger.
TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 2:31-45; Luke 21:5-11 (504). “See thatyou not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I amhe,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them!”
Wednesday, Nov 27, 2019I had a dreamYou might wonder if God still speaks to us, as in biblical times,through our dreams. The church teaches that while we alreadyhave received the fullness of “public revelation,” God can stilloffer us “private revelation”—guidance on our life journey ormajor decisions—through our dreams. But such revelations arenot common—most dreams are randomly generated as part ofsleep—and dreams with a message require skillful interpretation
by way of prayer and reflection, and ideally with the assistance ofa spiritual advisor. Pay attention to your dreams, but also testthem.
TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Luke 21:12-19(505). “I have heard that you can interpret dreams and solvedifficulties.”
Thursday, Nov 28, 2019THANKSGIVING DAYDeepen your gratitudeResearch from the Greater Good Science Center at University ofCalifornia, Berkeley and A Network for Grateful Living hasunderscored the importance of gratitude—or “reverence for whatis given.” Focusing our mental lens on abundance, not scarcity,can lead to dramatic improvements in health and quality of life.Dr. Robert Emmons and Brother David Steindl-Rast pioneeredthe field that teaches us to appreciate all experiences, whetherwe once labeled them “good” or “bad.” Find a gratitude practicefor you or your family at gratefulness.org. Try it for a week.
TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 6:12-28; Luke 21:20-28 (506). “Stand upand raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Friday, Nov 29, 2019God’s persistent presenceBoth of today’s readings point toward the notion that God’skingdom persists, no matter what. Daniel presents fantastical,destructive beasts with teeth and horns and thrones of flames. Butvanquishing them all is “one like a son of man” with an enduringkingship. In the gospel, Jesus reinforces the idea: the kingdom isnear; his words will endure. There is comfort here for the faithful:While the world around us may be in upheaval, God’s presencenever fails. Allow yourself today to rest in the certainty that God’skingdom is always at hand.
TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 7:2-14; Luke 21:29-33 (507). “Know thatthe kingdom of God is near.”
Saturday, Nov 30, 2019FEAST OF ANDREW, APOSTLEIntroducing JesusIf ever there were a patron saint of introductions—fortuitous, life-changing introductions—it would have to be Andrew. At thebeginning of John’s gospel, Andrew tells his brother Simon Peter,“We have found the Messiah,” before introducing him to Jesus.And we all know how that turned out for Peter! Later, beforeJesus performs the miracle that fed 5,000 people, it was Andrewwho introduced him to the boy with two fish and five loaves.Later still, it was Andrew who was approached—on the eve ofJesus’ death—when a few curious Gentiles wanted to meet Jesus.As Advent begins, consider ways that you, too, could introduceothers to Christ. Like the boy with the loaves and fishes, it couldbe as simple as bringing food to a gathering.
TODAY'S READINGS: Romans 10:9-18; Matthew 4:18-22 (684). "Theyleft their nets and followed him."
Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow—a day at a time©2019 TrueQuest Communications. TakeFiveForFaith.com; [email protected]. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reprints permittedwith the following credit: Reprinted with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com. Scripture citations from the New American Bible RevisedEdition. For more information about TAKE FIVE and our regular contributors, go to PrepareTheWord.com. Free daily email and appavailable online at TakeFiveForFaith.com/subscribe.
VI explains to his daughter about his coronation, we are forever transformed in Baptism. We also are anointed into a royal priesthood. We become priest, prophet, and king like all those who have gone before us marked in the Faith.
Each year on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, we speak about how Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. No earthly king surpasses him in glory and majesty. Jesus was the Anointed One, and we are blessed to be his earthly subjects in a kingdom that cannot be destroyed. However, if we are to be about the business of our king in this world, we need to take this occasion to reflect on our own anointing. In fact, since we bear the name Christian, we truly are called to be Christ to a world that needs to know him. All have been saved by the death and resurrection of the Anointed One, but now he is calling us and counting on us to honor our anointing through our discipleship and stewardship in this world.
At the very least, one can reflect on the fact that if we are sons and daughters of God, then we are royalty in a sense. That means we should act like it. Our Church suffers from so many ills in these modern times. Many of those defects have come about from members of the Body of Christ acting like anything but anointed royalty. With our Baptism comes responsibility. With the name Christian comes accountability. We are called and we are chosen.
What will the next liturgical year have in store for the Church? Only God truly knows. However, the future will be brighter if the kingdom of God manifests itself more clearly in our cities and towns. Things will improve if all those anointed by God step forward boldly with the Good News of the King of Kings.
Pope Pius XI instituted this very feast of the Kingship of Christ in 1925 to combat the increasing
PrayerI have traveled many miles.I have seen many things.But nothing can compare tothe Beauty of the King.When He stands there before mewith His arms open to receive,I wonder how people see Himand choose not to believe.
I have traveled many miles. I have seen many things.But nothing can compare to the Beauty of the King.When He stands there before mewith the angels I start to singof the power & the glory,and the Beauty of the King.— from the song “Beauty of the King” by Tracy Earl Welliver
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secularism, atheism, and apathy found throughout the globe. Many continue to believe that the universe would be just fine without Jesus Christ. A day on a liturgical calendar will not convince them. It will take all of us together — anointed and on fire for our King — to make a difference. This is the day and this is the moment.
—Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS
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Christ the KingCelebrated on the last Sunday of the liturgi-cal year, the Solemnity of Christ the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 with his encyclical Quas primas to respond to growing secularism. The Holy Father saw that attempt-ing to “thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law” out of public life would result in continuing discord among people and nations. The So-lemnity reminds the faithful that Christ reigns as king of the entire world forever, and it en-courages Catholics to respond to this reality.
Copyright © 2019, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.
Thanksgiving PrayerLord, we thank you for the goodness of our people and for the spirit of justice that fills this nation. We thank you for the beauty and fullness of the land and the challenge of the cities. We thank you for our work and our rest, for one another, and for our homes. We thank you, Lord: accept our thanksgiving on this day. We pray and give thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer taken from the Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, Revised Edition, copyright © 2007, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.
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Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
CatholicCurrent
D AT E : F E A S T D AY: C . 2 8 7 - 3 0 5F E A S T D AY: N O V E M B E R 2 5
Catherine is thought to have been born to a no-ble family in Alexandria, Egypt. Through a vi-sion, this scholarly young woman converted to
Christianity and began evangelizing others, including the wife of the pagan emperor who was persecuting Christians. According to legend, after she defied the emperor and refuted philosophers brought in to test her faith, she was imprisoned and tortured. She was put on a rotating spiked wheel; when it broke, she was beheaded. She is venerated as the Great Martyr St. Catherine in the Orthodox tradition and her voice was among those heard by St. Joan of Arc. She is the pa-tron saint of wheelwrights, and also a patron of jurists, philosophers, unmarried girls, students and teachers.
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SAINT OF THE WEEK
St. Catherine of Alexandria
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SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING
Celebrated on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, the Solemnity of Christ the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 with his encyclical Quas primas to respond to growing secularism. The Holy Father saw that attempting to “thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law” out of public life would result in continuing discord among people and nations.
The Solemnity reminds the faithful that Christ reigns as king of the entire world forever, and it encourages Catholics to respond to this reality. Pope Pius XI notes: “The kingship and empire of Christ have been recognized in the pious custom, practiced by many families, of dedicating themselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; not only families have performed this act of dedication, but nations, too, and kingdoms” (Quas primas, 26). Let us rededicate ourselves this year to bearing witness to the reign of Jesus Christ and his Sacred Heart.
We recognize the reign of Christ the King with our whole lives.“If to Christ our Lord is given all power in heaven and on earth; if all men, purchased by his precious blood, are by a new right subjected to his dominion; if this power embraces all men, it must
be clear that not one of our faculties is exempt from his empire. He must reign in our minds, which should assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed truths and to the doctrines of Christ. He must reign in our wills, which should obey the laws and precepts of God. He
must reign in our hearts, which should spurn natural desires and love God above all things, and cleave to him alone. He must reign in our bodies and in our members, which should serve as instruments for the interior sanctification of our souls, or to use the words of the Apostle Paul, ‘as instruments of justice unto God.’” – Quas primas, 33
We love Christ the King with all our hearts.“And since there is in the Sacred Heart a symbol and a
sensible image of the infinite love of Jesus Christ which moves us to love one another, therefore is it fit and proper that we should consecrate ourselves to His most Sacred Heart-an act which is nothing else than an offering and a binding of oneself to Jesus Christ, seeing that whatever honor, veneration and love is given to this divine Heart is really and truly given to Christ Himself.” – Annum sacrum, 8
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Copyright © 2019, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo: Arenberg Hours, Willem Vrelant and workshop, The J. Paul Getty Museum.
Grace Before Meals
CatholicCurrent
By Fr. Larry Rice, CSP
In most Catholic households, one important family tradition is a prayer of thanksgiving before meals. The practice of praying before eating is an ancient one, and certainly pre-dates Christianity. Still, for us Catholics, to pray in thanksgiving before meals recalls Jesus himself giving thanks to the Father before miraculous feeding of crowds. It also reminds us of the prayers of thanksgiving that are such an important part of our celebration of the Eucharist.
Although different families have different customs and prayers for this “grace” before meals, the most common example goes some-thing like this: “Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive, through Christ our Lord. Amen.” Most of us can per-ceive the antiquity of this prayer through its archaic use of the word “thy” for “your.” But the original prayer pre-dates that Elizabethan English by several centuries.
According to the 1911 edition of the Catholic Encyclopedia, the text of the traditional Catholic grace before meals can be found in the Gelasian Sacramentary, a Catholic litur-gical book believed by scholars to have been compiled around the year 750. It echoes phrases from, and may actually be derived from Didache, a liturgical text from the late first century,
So, when we give thanks to God before we eat, we are praying a prayer that is probably as old as Christianity itself. This prayer rec-ognizes God’s goodness and our dependence of God’s providence. Parents have taught their children this simple prayer for centu-ries, and when we give thanks in this way, we are connected with nearly 2000 years of Christian tradition.
FACT OF FAITH
Copyright © 2019, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Fr. Larry Rice, CSP, serves as director of the University Catholic Center at the University of Texas–Austin.
For I Was Hungry and You Gave Me Food
CatholicCurrent
By Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy
Every November, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, we are grateful for food, the ability to feed our own families, and the need to ensure our entire human family has enough to eat.
Our holiday table reminds us of many other important tables: tables where families comes together to share a special meal; tables where our nation’s decision makers negotiate trade, aid, and public policies that affect us all; and, the most sacred of tables—the altar where the church gathers to be nourished by communion. Let us enter this month remem-bering that each table calls us to act with faith and hope.
November is the anniversary month of the pastoral letter “For I Was Hungry & You Gave Me Food: Catholic Reflections on Food, Farmers and Farmworkers,” first issued in 2003. The letter seeks to highlight the issues of food and agriculture and their connection to our faith. The letter states, “We focus on how food and fiber are produced, how land is protected and how agriculture is structured, compensated, and regulated to serve the ‘com-mon good.’”
The purpose of the bishop’s letter was to address the concern that food and agricul-ture are “little seen and less understood” by a post-industrial society living increasingly
technological lives. It is true we are further removed from food and agriculture than ever before. Yet what we eat, who grows and har-vests that food, and the state of the earth that produces these goods are the very things we need to consider as Christian disciples. It’s a valuable consideration this harvest month, and every month. More than a decade since it was first published, the bishop’s pastoral letter still serves as a poignant reminder that food and agriculture must be viewed from a deeply faith perspective.
November is also Native America Heritage month. Native Americans were once the most agriculturally prosperous group of people in the United States. Yet a snapshot of hunger and poverty today on reservations is nothing short of a banquet of scarcity. Sixty percent of the counties with majority Native Americans face dangerously high food insecurity rates, according to Feeding America. These statistics are a sobering reminder that many marginal-ized brothers and sisters are missing from our tables of plenty.
A broader overview of the state of hunger in our country reveals that 48 million Americans live in households that struggle to put food on the table, and that 1 in 5 kids live at risk of hunger.
Unfortunately, Thanksgiving won’t be a feast for everyone.
LIVING THE FAITHCopyright © 2019, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC. All rights reserved.
CatholicCurrent
The bishop’s pastoral letter addresses the complexities of our food system but it is also a profoundly hopeful document. “We know these are not easy times, but as believers we have hope for the days ahead: We have the capacity to overcome hunger in our nation and around the world,” the letter said.
Through Bread for the World’s Offering of Letters campaigns, churches across the country advocate to end hunger by putting food and agriculture into focus. These annual policy advocacy campaigns remind us that God intended for all to be fed.
This Thanksgiving, let us remember that end-ing hunger in our lifetime will only be a reality if we act with faith and hope at all the sacred tables in our lives.
This article was originally published on To Go Forth, a blog from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Department of Justice, Peace & Human Development. LIVING THE FAITH
Lectio Divina for the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King
of the Universe
We begin our prayer: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Almighty ever-living God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the
universe, grant, we pray, that the whole creation, set free from
slavery, may render your majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim your praise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of
the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. (Collect, Christ the King) Reading (Lectio) Read the following Scripture two or three times. Luke 23:35-43 The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, "He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God." Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, "If you are King of the Jews, save yourself." Above him
there was an inscription that read, "This is the King of the Jews." Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us." The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Meditation (Meditatio) After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on one or more of the following questions:
• What word or words in this passage caught your attention?
• What in this passage comforted you? • What in this passage challenged
you? If practicing lectio divina as a family or in a group, after the reflection time, invite the participants to share their responses.
Prayer (Oratio) Read the Scripture passage one more time. Bring to the Lord the praise, petition, or thanksgiving that the Word inspires in you.
Contemplation
(Contemplatio) Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection: What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me? Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us. When have I questioned Christ? How can I best address those times when my faith feels weakest? Have you no fear of God? When do I feel awe for God and his works? How can I become more aware of God’s majesty and power working in my life? Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. When have I felt forgotten? What reminds me of God’s presence and love for me? After a period of silent reflection and/or discussion, all recite the Lord’s Prayer and the following:
Closing Prayer: I rejoiced because they said to me, "We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD.
According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David.
(From Psalm 122) Living the Word This Week How can I make my life a gift for others in charity? Remember those who have asked for your prayers.
Excerpts from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.