NOVEMBER 9, 2014: WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF THE THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. S T . M A R Y M AG D A L E N C AT H O L I C P A R I S H St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Parish is a Eucharistic community that places God first in all things and comes together as a family to Love as Christ Loves and Serve as Christ Serves . Community Engagement Eucharist a welcoming spirit loving God with all of our celebrating the and a culture of heart, our soul, our center of our faith genuine inclusion strength and our mind to through creative, into our diverse actively and passionately vibrant and diverse parish family build the Kingdom liturgies Faith Formation committing to life-long learning through Catholic education from childhood through adulthood Family Stewardship nurturing, responding gratefully empowering with sacrificial and supporting generosity for all God strong families has given us in today’s world Witnessing & Evangelizing living the Gospel by sharing & teaching our faith through conversion of mind, heart, & reconciliation with God & one another Daily: Monday through Friday: 7am, 8:30am Thurs.: 7pm (Español ) Weekends: Sat: 8am, Vigil: 5pm, 7pm (Español) , Sun: 8am, 10am (Interpreted for the Deaf) , 12Noon, 5:30pm A DDRESS : 861 Maitland Avenue, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 ✥ W EBSITE : StMaryMagdalen.org P HONE : 407.831.1212 ✥ F AX : 407.831.1560 ✥ E-M AIL : [email protected] LETTER FROM Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We continue our message series, Loving the way God loves and Giving the way God gives. In the days when Jesus walked the earth, as we learned in today’s Gospel, too many people were coming to the Temple without planning ahead and bringing the proper sacrificial offering. Often times, they weren’t bringing their best and first fruits to offer to God. Those who came unprepared often had to exchange their currency and purchase appropriate items for the sacrificial offering right outside the temple doors. Although, the problem started because people were not planning their offering, it led to business vendors or middlemen conducting unethical business practices in the exchange rate and in the quality of what they sold to the people who came unprepared. The passage does not imply in any way that business is bad but that business should be conducted in an ethical manner. The primary lesson from today’s Gospel is that we should try to plan ahead and come prepared to make our sacrificial gift at the offertory of the Mass. Imagine for a moment, being invited by your very best friend to a birthday party or bridal shower. Because of your relationship to your best friend, who is celebrating their special day, as is customary, you would plan way ahead and put in lots of effort to find just the right gift for your friend and you would bring it appropriately wrapped. You would likely not reach into your pocket at the last minute and pull out a candy bar or stick of gum because that would indicate to your friend that he or she really didn’t mean that much to you and you did not prepare in advance. Our annual renewal of Sacrificial Giving helps us to plan our giving to God, to make a written commitment after first spending some time in prayerful thought and reflection. Certainly our relationship with God must be more important to us than anything else in life. THE PASTOR provided for us and will continue to do so, we recognize that our real security lies in God. Our God, who has given us all, will take care of our future. This weekend, Covenant weekend, we make a commitment to God before one another, to carry on the Lord’s work at our parish and in our world — to DO SOMETHING for others in need. It is the day our Sacrificial Giving Commitment Cards are brought to the altar during the offertory procession and presented with the rest of the gifts as “First Fruits” to our Lord. These past few weeks we have reflected upon what it means to give “First Fruits”—making an offering to God of the first and best portion of all we receive: “As soon as the word spread, the people of Israel gave in abundance the first fruits of grain, wine, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything” (2 Chronicles 31:5). This practice is a way of showing that God is truly first in our life and the highest of our priorities. It means taking the risk of making the Gospel come alive in our world, our parish, and in our personal lives. We “take a step” in faith, placing our trust in God, the source of all we have and all we are, the one who has always been there for us, who has never failed us. As our holy scriptures reassure us over 600 times, “be not afraid,” or “do not fear.” Our request is that each of us makes this the year we intentionally become proportionate givers, or deepen our commitment from previous years, each “taking a step” toward the goal of the biblical tithe. We’re convinced that planned, proportionate, and sacrificial giving out of a spirit of gratitude to God is the key to truly making it possible for our parish community to become all that God has meant for us to be. Challenge of the Week: Please continue during your daily prayer time (which could be during the week at Since God wants us to Love as He loves and Give as He Mass), during our Eucharistic Adoration (Monday gives, we call to mind three characteristics of Sacrificial through Wednesday & Friday from 9AM -7PM and Giving… giving in a planned way, proportionately and Thursday 9AM-6:30PM), or in the quiet of your home, to sacrificially. I have outlined these three characteristics in reflect upon how you have personally experienced the “Our Catholic Faith” section of this week’s bulletin. God’s Love and God’s Giving in your own life. What led to it? Prayer? Did it come by surprise? How did it The starting point for Sacrificial Giving is the basic prin- make a difference in your life? How did it make you ciple of Christian stewardship—that everything we have feel? How did you respond to give thanks to God? Did is a gift from God. In gratitude for God’s generosity, we you learn anything from it about God showing you how dedicate a portion of these gifts— our time, talent and to live by the way he loved or gave to you? money—to furthering God’s Kingdom. If we truly believe that God gives us all that we have, gratitude is one I thank you for your commitment and your witness to the response. Trust is another. When we realize that God has Gospel. In gratitude for all God’s many gifts to us, In gratitude for God’s gifts of time and talent to all of us, we gratefully acknowledge and salute: iempo alento esoro VERNON D’ABREU Vernon has faithfully served his parish community and his Lord through his involvement with Knights of Columbus and his helping hands at CommunityFest. He spends time with the Lord and adores Him at Eucharistic Adoration. He has participated in CROC (Christ Renews Our Community) and continues his journey at Acts 29. In addition, he has served his community by helping with Funeral Receptions. With deep gratitude, we thank you, Vern! In gratitude for the gifts we have received from God, parishioners and visitors made a joyful return to the Lord of $60,820 on November 1 and 2 for the mission and ministries of St. Mary Magdalen. Thank you for helping us carry out Christ’s mission and ministry. Thanks for Giving First Fruits & Taking a Step! ✥-Ofrenda con Sacrificio: En gratitud por los dones que hemos recibido de Dios, los feligreses y visitantes hicimos retorno gozoso al Señor de $60,820 el 1 y 2 de noviembre para la misión y ministerios de la Parroquia Santa María Magdalena. Gracias por ayudarnos a seguir llevando a cabo la misión y el ministerio de Cristo. !Gracias por dar los primeros frutos y dar un paso! With our new Automated Giving Program, the parish receives your weekly Sacrificial Giving donation automatically! No more mad rush to find your offertory envelopes or a pen to write a check. Planned and proportionate financial stewardship is made easier with this new option and it reduces expenses while totally eliminating exposure to cash theft. For more information, please contact Lois at the Parish Office at 407.265.2317 or e-mail her at: [email protected]. We also have the form available on the parish website: StMaryMagdalen.org/Stewardship/AutomatedGiving.htm Next Sunday is Follow-up Sunday for our annual renewal of Sacrificial Giving. If you have not already done so, please bring your Sacrificial Giving commitment card with you to Mass next Sunday. The cards will be brought to the altar during the offertory procession and presented with the rest of the gifts as “First Fruits” to our Lord. “A person who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and one who sows bountifully will reap bountifully. People must give according to what they have inwardly decided: not sadly, not grudgingly, for God loves a cheerful giver. God can multiply favors among you so that you may always have enough of everything and even a surplus for good works” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). We are so blessed that you decided to join us! Won’t you join our Catholic community by registering at St. Mary Magdalen? Registration forms are available at the Connection Central “Concierge” table in front of the Church, by calling Lisa Oak at the Parish Office 407.265.2300, or by filling out the form below. Please drop it in the mail, collection basket, or you can sign up online at StMaryMagdalen.org. Name: ____________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ E-mail:_____________________________________ City/Zip: __________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________ 861 Maitland Ave — Altamonte Springs — FL — 32701 UPCOMING EVENTS Are you new or visiting? Did you miss the last session or just want to participate? Then you are cordially invited Sunday, November 9 for a parish tour and general information on our ministries, services, mission, and vision after the 12NOON Mass. Enjoy a light reception to formally welcome and help you become acclimated to parish life! We will meet at the Connection Central Concierge table at the front of the Church. ✥-Un Recorrido de Primeros Pasos y Recepción: ¿Es nuevo, o está de visita? ¿No pudo asistir a la última presentación, o sólo quiere participar? Está cordialmente invitado a un recorrido de la parroquia. Recibirá información sobre los ministerios, servicios, misión y visión de la parroquia el domingo 9 de Noviembre después de la Misa de 12PM. Seguidamente disfrute de una recepción para extenderle nuestra bienvenida y ayudarlo a ambientarse a nuestra vida parroquial. Nos encontraremos al frente de la Iglesia en la mesa del Connection Central Concierge. Please join us in the church on Friday, November 14 at 7PM for an evening of praise, worship, and Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Our first XLT of fall will feature Deacon St. Mary Magdalen is hosting the "Together in Holiness" Henry Libersat, Michael Scotchie, and the XLT Band. We hope to see you there! If you have never been to XLT before, Marriage & Family Retreat on Saturday, November 15 from 8AM to1PM in the Parish Life Center. Presented by now is the time to check it out. You will be glad you did! ✥the John Paul II Foundation for Life and Family, spouses ¡XLT está de vuelta!: Por favor únase a nosotros en la will receive motivating insights and practical guidance iglesia el viernes 14 de noviembre a las 7PM para una noche de for embracing a vibrant spiritual life in their marriage and alabanza y adoración al Santísimo Sacramento. Los oradores family. Come and treat yourselves to this morning of del primer XLT de otoño serán el Diácono Henry Libersat y inspiring presentations, prayerful reflection and Michael Scotchie; con la Banda del XLT. ¡Esperamos verlos! conversation with the one you love. Meals included. Free Si usted nunca ha participado en un XLT venga y eche un childcare. $45/couples and $25/individuals. Register vistazo. ¡Usted no se arrepentirá de haberlo hecho! today at TogetherinHoliness.org or StMaryMagdalen.org. ✥- Retiro de Matrimonio y Familia: Santa María Magdalena es el anfitrión del "Together in Holiness" Marriage & Family retreat el sábado 15 de noviembre de There is power in prayer! All are invited to gather as a community on Monday, November 10 at 7PM in the Chapel 8AM - 1PM en el. PLC. Presentado por John Paul II to pray for your own and our fellow parishioners’ children, Foundation for Life and Family. Las parejas recibirán siblings, spouses, relatives, co-workers, and friends who need ideas motivadoras y orientaciones prácticas para abarcar una vida espiritual viva en su matrimonio y con our prayers, as well as for those who left their faith, that all su familia. Vengan y participen en esta mañana de will find peace in the Lord. ✥-Tear Drops Prayer inspiración, oración reflectiva, y de poder tener Devotional: ¡Hay poder en la oración! Todos están conversaciones con la persona que amas. Comidas invitados a reunirse como comunidad el lunes, 10 de noviembre incluídas. Cuidado de niños gratis. $45 /parejas y $25 a las 7PM en la capilla para orar por todos nuestros hijos, individual. Regístrese hoy en TogetherinHoliness.org o hermanos, cónyuges, familiares, compañeros de trabajo y StMaryMagdalen.org. amigos que necesitan nuestras oraciones, así como para aquellos que abandonaron su fe, para que todos puedan encontrar la paz en el Señor. Those left behind when a family member is incarcerated are just as affected as the inmates themselves. We offer each other information and support. Join us in the All women of the parish are invited to attend Sister Acts on Mother Teresa Room on Saturday, November 15 at Thursday, November 13 at 7PM in the Mother Teresa 9AM. Coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be Room. Our guest speaker, the Sister Act Quartet, a Sweet available. Contact Jean or Jack at Adelines Quartet, will be performing and sharing their faith [email protected] or 407.695.6818(h) or journey. Please join us for an evening of fun, faith, and 407.463.5780(c) for more information. fellowship and feel free to invite a friend too. "Could you not watch an hour with me?" (Matt. 26:40). You are invited to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament sharing your deepest thoughts with Jesus or just be still with Him offering praise and thanksgiving for all He has given us. Adoration will be provided in the Chapel through November 26, Monday through Wednesday & Friday, 9AM to 7PM and Thursday 9AM to 6:30PM . Become a "Guardian of the Hour" by signing-up at the concierge desk after weekend Masses or outside the Chapel during the week. ✥Adoración Eucarística: ¿"¿Así que no habéis podido velar conmigo una hora? (Mateo 26:40.). Los invitamos a compartir ante El Santísimo Sacramento. Comparta con Jesús sus pensamientos más profundos, o simplemente quédese tranquilo con El ofreciéndole alabanzas y acción de gracias por todo lo que Él le ha dado. Tendremos la Adoración en la Capilla desde el 27 de octubre al 26 de noviembre, de lunes a viernes de 9AM a 7PM. Conviértase en un "Guardián de la Hora". Vaya a la mesa del conserje para inscribirse después de las Misas de fin de semana o en la salón afuera de la capilla durante el fin de semana. Join us Monday, November 17 at 7PM in the Mother Teresa Room where Deacon Henry Libersat will present on Blessed are the Merciful and Blessed are the Peacemakers of the Beatitudes! Evening hosted by Acts 29 and the Evangelization Team ✥Viviendo las Bienaventuranzas: Únase a nosotros el 17 de noviembre a las 7PM en el salón de la Madre Teresa, donde el Diácono Henry Libersat explorará las Bienaventuranzas: ¡Bendito sean los misericordiosos; y Benditos sean los que trabajan por la Paz! La noche ha sido organizada por Hechos 29 y el Equipo de Evangelización. Are you struggling with divorce or separation? Meet with others who are going through similar situations at New Beginnings. Classes are held in School Room 105 at 7PM. Please request babysitting, if needed. For information, or to R.S.V.P. call Jeanne at 407.333.9135 or Terry at 407.761.1506 Join us Thursday, Nov. 27 for our Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner in the PLC. Dinner will be served at 12NOON. Please call the Parish Office if you plan on attending. We are, indeed, uniquely created to serve God in wonderful and powerful ways! Join us Sunday, November 16 at 1:30PM in the Parish Life Center and don’t miss this one-day retreat that provides foundational information on the “Living Your Strengths” concept that will begin you on the journey of being the best version of yourself for the Kingdom of God. We focus on what you naturally do well, because that is where God has gifted you! In preparation for the retreat, we highly recommend taking the Clifton StrengthsFinder® (theme names are trademark of Gallup, Inc.) to discover your Top 5 “Signature” themes of talent. The “Living Your Strengths” book can be purchased for $15 in the Parish Office or Religious Book Store. If you are not ready to take the Clifton StrengthsFinder® and just want to learn more about the strengths concept, you are more than welcome to attend. There is no fee for the retreat itself! Contact Melissa Findley at 407.265.2311 or [email protected]. ✥Viviendo Sus Fortalezas: ¡Un día de retiro gratis! Verdaderamente somos creados como individuos únicos, para servir a Dios de una forma maravillosa y poderosa. No se pierda el retiro el 16 de Noviembre a la 1:30PM en el Parish Life Center. Este día de retiro nos proveerá la información fundamental sobre el concepto de “Vivir Sus Fortalezas” para iniciar el camino que lo guiará a ser su mejor versión de sí mismos para el Reino de Dios. Nos enfocamos en lo que cada uno de nosotros hacemos bien naturalmente, porque éstos son los dones que Dios nos ha dado a cada uno. Les recomendamos que haga el ejercicio: Clifton StrengthsFinder® (los títulos de los temas son propiedad de Gallup, Inc.)” que se encuentra en el libro “Viviendo Sus Fortalezas” que está a la venta por $15, en la oficina parroquial o en la tienda de libros religiosos. Este ejercicio le ayudará a descubrir sus primeros 5 talentos principales. Si no está dispuesto a hacer el ejercicio, sino simplemente quiere conocer más sobre el concepto de “fortalezas" también puede asistir. No se cobra nada por la asistencia. Póngase en contacto con Melissa Findley llamando al 407.265.2311 o [email protected]. MINISTRY NEWS: The Adopt-a-Family parish program is looking for parishioners interested in adopting a family this holiday season. Please consider sharing your blessings with a family that could use a little extra help this Christmas. If you are interested in sponsoring a local family, please contact Sandy Matusz at [email protected] or 407.325.4390 for more information. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. ✥- Adopte una Familia: El programa Adopt-a-Family parroquial está buscando feligreses interesados en la adopción de una familia durante la época navideña. Por favor, considere compartir sus bendiciones con una familia a quien le vendría bien un poco de ayuda en esta Navidad. Si está interesado en patrocinar a una familia local, póngase en contacto con Sandy Matusz al [email protected] o 407.325.4390 para más información. "De la misma manera deja que tu luz brille ante los hombres, para que vean vuestras buenas obras y glorifiquen a vuestro Padre que está en los cielos."Mateo 5:16 Children's Holy Hour: All children and their parents are invited to a Children's Holy Hour on Friday, November 14 at 3:30PM in the Chapel. There will be prayer, songs, and adoration at a child's level. Contact Dulce at 407.538.7833 for more information. ✥- Hora Santa de los niños: Los niños y sus padres están invitados a la Hora Santa de los Niños el viernes 14 de noviembre a las 3:30PM en la Capilla. Habrá oración, canciones, y adoración apropiada para la edad de los niños. Para más información por favor llamen a Dulce al 407.538.7833. Kids Mass Ministry is Here! Ministering to families with children ages 6 months to 5 years, Kids Mass Ministry offers a safe, friendly, and welcoming environment to inspire children to know and love God through Bible stories, crafts and activities. The ministry is currently offered during the 10AM Mass. For more information and to register, please contact Larann Wilson at [email protected] or 407.265.2303. . Disciple Volunteers needed! Our Children’s Liturgy of the Word Ministry is in need of disciple volunteers for the 10AM and 12PM Masses to help us in bringing the Word of God to our K-5 grade children in such a way that they understand the teaching and can apply the lesson in their own daily lives. Please contact David Salazar at 407.310.8150 or [email protected] for further information. ✥ ¡Necesitamos Discípulos Voluntarios!: El Ministerio de la Liturgia para Niños necesitan más voluntarios durante las Misas dominicales de las 10AM y de las 12PM. Por favor, ayúdenos a llevar la Palabra de Dios a nuestros niños de Kínder al 5to. grado de tal manera que comprendan las enseñanzas y para que aprendan como aplicarlas en sus vidas cotidianas. Para más información por favor, póngase en contacto con David Salazar al 407.310.8150 o Spiritual food, physical food, & fellowship: 5:30 to 8:30 Sunday’s Middle School Night: Wednesdays 7 to 8:30pm I listened to my parents, ✥ I helped my mom do chores. ✥ I rubbed my dad’s sore back. ✥ I blew out the driveway. ✥ I rehearsed for the radio play. ✥ I folded laundry. ✥ I went to my little brother’s friend’s house for Halloween. ✥ I drew lots of pictures. ✥ I was an Altar Server. ✥ I helped clean Mommy’s car. ✥ I donated to the church. ✥ I helped my brother clean his room. ✥ I got good grades. ✥ I was nice to others. ✥ I fed my dogs. ✥ MUSTANG MOMENT: ✥-Open House: St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School invites you to attend our Open House on Sunday, November 16. A presentation by Mrs. Lorianne Rotz, school principal, begins at 1PM followed by the opportunity to take a tour and meet our wonderful teachers and staff. Come and learn more about how we live out our mission statement: To prepare students for life with a quality Christ-centered education in a safe and supportive environment. Families, faculty and parish share in the development of the spiritual, academic, and social potential of each student as a unique child of God. We are located at 869 Maitland Avenue, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. For additional information please contact Mrs. Brenda East, registrar, at 321.280.5330. ✥-Early Learning Center: St. Mary Magdalen’s Early Learning Center fall enrollment is open! Stop by to learn about our VPK and Pre-K through 3 enrollments. We are open Monday through Friday from 7AM to 6PM. Call 407.831.3740 ext5381 for more information. ✥-S t . M a r y M a g d a l e n ’ s E a r l y L e a r n i n g C e n t e r : ¡Inscriba a sus niños este otoño! Estamos abiertos de lunes a viernes de 7AM a 6 PM. Los invitamos a que visiten el centro de VPK y Pre-K. Habrá 3 oportunidades distintas para inscribir a sus niños. Llame al 407.831.3740 ext.5381 para más información. Dear Lord, Watch over the guardians of our freedom and those who protect our nation. Would you like to honor a loved one or a special event by providing flowers for the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace in the Church? If you are interested in donating, please contact Jo Ann at the Parish Office at 407.831.1212. Be with those serving in the air, on the seas and on distant lands. From May their faith in your might give strength and honor to their service. the Seminara Family Amen. Pray for these parishioners who are celebrating new life in Baptism, Marriage, or Eternal Life. Deaths: Michael Slivinski Father of Andrea Cooper Ronald York Father of Gerard York Dana Cullar Bud Mahoney Father of Rosemary George Alan Getz Husband of Zita Clarence Hodges Father of Fr. Leo Hodges Josephine Wesling G ENERAL P ARISH I NFORMATION Hours: Mon-Thur 8:30 AM -7 PM ; Fri 8:30 AM -4:30 PM Sat 9 AM -12 PM Phone Number: 407.831.1212 PASTORAL TEAM Pastor Associate Pastor Associate Pastor Sacramental Minister Pastoral Associate Deacons Fr. Charlie Mitchell x2316 Fr. Ed Thompson x2315 Fr. Alfonso Cely, O.P. x2318 Fr. Patrick Patton Lois Locey x2317 Marshall Gibbs, Juan Cruz, Jerry Kelly, Henry Libersat, Greg Nelsen & Bill O’Brien, Israel Colon MUSIC AND LITURGY Steward for Music & Liturgy Liturgy Assistant Steward for Contemporary Christian Choirs Mark Ayers Debbie Karleskint Andres Ocampo Fax: 407.831.1560 407.831.1212 x 2310 x 2310 X2603 SMMSchool.org Lorianne Rotz SCHOOL OFFICE 407.339.7301 Principal Brenda East x 5332 Registration Elisa Steiner (Director) x 5330 407.831.1212 EARLY LEARNING CENTER MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Cecile Bertot (Chair) 407.831.3740 x5381 x2307 Ministry to Sick & Grieving Rosemary Kazyk Joe Hillebrandt (Vice Chair) PASTORAL COUNCIL x2311 Time, Talent & Evangelization Melissa Findley Adult Center SHARE THE CARE 407.423.5311 x2313 Facilities Director Vince Edman x2314 Assistant Facilities Director Leslie McCranie S A C R A M E N T I N F O R M A T I O N x2300 Membership Admin. Assistant Lisa Oak x2312 5PM, 7 PM (Español ) SATURDAY VIGIL Parish Accountant Heidi Lewis x2302 8AM, 10AM (Interpreted for the deaf), SUNDAY Administrative Intern Julie Daligney 12NOON, 5:30 PM Receptionist Jo Ann Kuhn/Wanda Padin x2309/x2320 Mon-Fri: 7AM, 8:30AM, Saturdays 8AM, WEEKDAY Bulletin Editor Lisa Sojourner [email protected] Thurs 7PM (Español) Morning Rosary 8 AM (Monday-Saturday) LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION Adoration First Friday 9 AM - 5PM (In the Chapel) x2318 Steward for Faith Formation Fr. Alfonso Cely, O.P. Prayer Line 407.830.9042 [email protected] x2304 Steward for Adult Sacramental Preparation Deacon Marshall Gibbs Sacrament of Reconciliation Sat 3-4PM (English), Sat after 5PM Mass (Eng/Sp) x2303 Steward for Children & Family Larann Wilson Sacrament of Initiation, Deacon Marshall x2305 Steward for Youth Ministry Darryl Dziedzic Baptism and Matrimony Lucy Berger/Fr. Charlie Mitchell x2306 Steward for Annulments Sister Pat O’Malley Sacrament of the Sick Rosemary Kazyk x2301 Project Coord . for Faith Formation Lucy Berger Religious Bookstore Contact Jo Ann Kuhn O UR C ATHOLIC F AITH : S ACRIFICIAL G IVING IS …. Sacrificial Giving is … PLANNED The decision to give is just that—a decision. It requires thought and time, so that it is integrated with other financial decisions as part of a careful, intentional response to God’s generosity. The degree of planning that goes into our sacrificial giving reflects the importance of our commitment to give. For most of us, unless we plan something, it doesn’t happen. Unless we consciously incorporate the amount of our giving into our regular budget, it becomes an optional expense and may be lost in the financial shuffle. Planning our giving enables us to give of the first fruits rather than some amount left over after “more important” obligations have been satisfied. The planning process itself can be a spiritual exercise, focusing our attention on our values and priorities. Sacrificial Giving is . . . PROPORTIONATE Our giving should be proportionate to what God has given us. Most people use the biblical concept of the tithe, a tenth, as a guide. In any case, our gift should be proportionate to our resources. How much should you give? Start with an assessment of your level of giving now. Is the amount we currently give, consistent with our faith and values and our belief that God should be first and foremost in our lives. Does the amount we’re giving now adequately reflect our gratitude for God’s generosity? Most people use the biblical tithe as their measure (10%) but one’s giving should also be sacrificial and truly commensurate to what God has given you. In many instances, it is a goal we have to work toward, recognizing that it takes time to reorient our priorities. If we are not yet giving a full tithe, we can set that as a goal but begin today by taking a step or two toward the biblical tithe. Sacrificial Giving is . . . SACRIFICIAL The proportion of our gift becomes sacrificial when it comes from our substance rather than our abundance. When we give out of our substance, we are changed in the process, like the bread and wine at Mass. Perhaps the most important outcome of Sacrificial Giving is the impact it has on the giver. If you can give your gift and not notice it, it isn’t a sacrificial gift. The element of sacrifice is present when something about your life has to change in order for you to be able to give the gift. You re-order your priorities and reconsider your values. Every time you give the gift, you are reminded of the reasons why you have chosen to give. Sacrificial Giving is one way we have of walking in the footsteps of our Lord, who sacrificed everything so that we might have life. We give up something of ourselves so that life can flourish. When we give that way, we are changed. When giving becomes Sacrificial Giving, it focuses our attention on the true source of our security. When we give away something we think we need to survive, we are saying, “money won’t take care of us, possessions won’t save us.” Sacrificial Giving bears witness to the reality that God alone will make us safe. Recognizing that reality and living it out constitute a tremendous change in our lives. And this can make an equally tremendous difference to the lives of others. The sacrifice we make by doing without some portion of our substance is just that—doing without so that life for others may flourish. F AT H E R E D ’ S Q U E S T I O N B OX © Do nuns know more than priests? ✥ ¿Las monjas saben más que los sacerdotes? Do nuns know more than priests? Answer: Some nuns know more than priests; some priests know more than nuns. Some smart nuns taught me my religion lessons and some smart priests taught me in the seminary. Just to be a “smart” priest, (a safe priest), I’ll says it’s 50-50, a tie. ✥ Algunas monjas saben más que los sacerdotes; algunos sacerdotes saben más que las monjas. Algunas monjas inteligentes me enseñaron mis clases de religión y algunos sacerdotes inteligentes me enseñaron en el seminario. Usando una respuesta inteligente, yo diría: un empate, 50-50. MASS INTENTIONS W E E K LY C A L E N D A R TI 1:1-9; PS 24; LK 17:1-6 7:00AM 8:30AM Don Gallagher Daria Dittmer Hardin Edward J. Przydzial Mary and John Zulkofske John and Philip Zulkofske TI 2:1-8, 11-14; PS 37; LK 17:7-10 7:00AM 8:30AM Mary Kerzaya Thomas Handy Jim Cathcart Betty Hutton George Schubert Lee Gonzalez Intentions of the Men & Women in the Military TI 3:1-7; PS 23; LK 17:11-19 7:00AM 8:30AM Gary and Michael Sydnor Una Pavliga Chris Aurand Emma Sisco Intentions of Hibett Lozada PHLM 7-20; PS 146; LK 17:20-25 7:00AM 8:30AM 7:00PM Ed Wilder Ray Leonard Nora Drew Josephine and Michael Slivinski George Simmermacher Intentions of Lorma Molloy All the People of the Parish 2 JN 4-9; PS 119; LK 17:26-37 7:00AM 8:30AM Jack Sheppard Eileen Froehlich Intentions of Joy Gallagher Mark Panico Karen Panico Joe, Jerry and Chris Cina Irish American Society Meeting – School Cafeteria – 1:00 PM Newcomer’s Church Tour – Church – 1:30 PM Retrovaille Meeting – Pope John Paul II Room – 2:00 PM The Bible Timeline Series – Adult Center – 6:30 PM LifeTeen – PLC – 6:30 PM Men’s Bible Study – Mother Teresa Room – 7:00AM St. Gerard Circle – Mother Teresa Room – 9:30AM Grief Support Group – Parish Office – 10:00AM St. Theresa Circle – Pope John Paul II Room – 10:00AM Confirmation Class – PLC – 6:30PM St. Luke Circle – Mother Teresa Room – 6:30PM Centering Prayer Meeting – Parish Office – 6:30PM Health and Wellness Meeting – St. Francis of Assisi Room – 7:00PM Teardrops Devotional – Chapel – 7:00PM Parent Confirmation Meeting – Adult Center – 7:00PM New Beginnings Meeting – School Room 105 – 7:00PM The Gospel of Matthew Series – San Juan de la Cruz Room – 7:15PM St. Eamon Circle – St. Katherine Drexel Room – 7:30PM Father Ed’s Bible Class – Parish Office – 7:30AM St. Paul Circle – Pope John Paul II Room – 9:30AM First Reconciliation Dinner – PLC – 5:45PM First Reconciliation – Church – 6:30PM Knights of Columbus Meeting – San Juan de la Cruz Room – 7:00PM American Sign Language Class – Parish Office – 6:30PM St. Robert Circle – Pope John Paul II Room – 7:00PM Faith Formation Meeting – Parish Office – 7:00PM The Bible Timeline Series – Mother Teresa Room – 7:15PM The Gospel of Matthew Series – PLC – 9:45AM St. Vincent de Paul Circle – Mother Teresa Room – 9:00AM Women’s Theology Group – St. Francis of Assisi Room – 11:30PM Wednesday Afternoon Seniors –PLC – 1:00PM P.R.E.P. – Church – 4:00PM Quick Journey through the Bible – St. Ignatius of Loyola Room – 6:30PM EDGE – PLC – 7:00PM Justice and Service Commission Meeting – Parish Office – 7:00PM Our Lady’s Rosary Group – Chapel – 7:00PM 3 JN 5-8; PS 112; LK 18:1-8 8:00AM 5:00PM 7:00PM Josephine Caruso Rosendo Diaz Maria Figueredo Somilia Bazile Raul Pou Brennen-Schad Families Ray Armstrong Mary Ann Ferre Isabel Faura The Bible Timeline Series – Mother Teresa Room – 9:30AM Grief Support Group – Parish Office– 10:00AM Sisters Act – Mother Teresa Room – 7:00PM Oración Centrante – Parish Office – 10:00AM XLT Service – Church – 7:00PM Renovacion Carismática – San Juan de la Cruz Room – 7:00PM PRV31:10-13,19-20,30-31;PS128;1THES5:1-6;MT25:14-30 Ed Wilder Diocesan Marriage Conference – PLC – 9:00AM Victoria Isola P.R.E.P. – Church – 9:15AM Safe Return of our U.S. Deployed Military 10:00AM Durwood Foshee Howard and Doug Stapp Living Your Strengths Day of Reflection – PLC – 1:30PM Bud Provancha The Bible Timeline Series – Adult Center – 6:30PM 12:00PM John Rechinda LifeTeen – PLC – 6:30PM Lou Di Lello Gene Kucharski 5:30PM Jim Cathcart Need to Check out our Calendar During the Week? Marie Marino Follow our Scan Code or go to the Following Link for Intentions of George Granda 8:00AM our Online Calendar: StMaryMagdalen.org/ParishInfo/SMM_Calendar.htm
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