ROSARY HOLY HOURS END THIS WEEK Celebration of Respect Life Month continues with the final Friday Holy Hour at 7 p.m. October 24. Join fellow parishioners for the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and in saying a bilingual Rosary as we pray for all those who have been ignored, marginalized or diminished by our society and in thanks for the blessing of God’s greatest gift: Life.
POWER STRUGGLES Do you resist paying taxes or obeying authorities? Do you always disagree with a particular person at work or in your household? Do you need people to do as you say? Are you afraid of making decisions? Of saying “no”? If so, you are engaged in struggles over your own and others’ power in your life. This week’s scriptures provide a way of resolving many of those struggles without taking sides. The readings leave little doubt as to who holds the real power in the world. It is “the LORD, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:6) who anoints Cyrus and grasps him by the right hand (the hand of power), making him victorious and giving the Israelites their freedom. The psalm tells us to give glory and honor to the Lord, who is “beyond all gods” and “governs the peoples with equity” (Psalm 96:4, 10). Paul gives thanks to God, whose power is at work in the gospel Paul preached and in the Thessalonians themselves. Finally, in Jesus’ power struggle with the Pharisees, he says, “Repay . . . to God what belongs to God” (Matthew 22:21). God is the power above all human powers—in government, business, the Church, and our own families. We owe God all “glory and honor” (Psalm 96:7), thanks, loyalty, and our lives.
LAS LUCHAS POR EL PODER ¿Te resistes a pagar impuestos o a obedecer a la autoridad? ¿Nunca estás de acuerdo con una persona en particular en tu trabajo o en tu casa? ¿Quieres que todos hagan lo que les dices? ¿Temes hacer decisiones o tener que decir “no”? Si es así, tienes la lucha de poder contigo mismo y sobre los demás. Las Escrituras esta semana presentan una forma de resolver muchas de esas luchas imparcialmente.
Las lecturas no dejan duda sobre quién tiene verdadero poder en el mundo. Es “el Señor y no hay otro” (Isaías 45:6). Él ha ungido a Ciro a quien ha tomado de la mano derecha (la mano del poder), dándole la victoria y dando a los israelitas su libertad. El Salmo nos dice que le demos gloria y honor al Señor que es “más digno de alabanza y más tremendo” y “gobierna a las naciones con justicia” (Salmo 96:4, 10). Pablo da gracias a Dios, cuyo poder se manifiesta en el evangelio que Pablo predica y en los mismos tesalonicenses. Finalmente, Jesús le dice así a los fariseos en la lucha por el poder: “Den . . . a Dios lo que es de Dios” (Mateo 22:21). El poder de Dios está por encima de todo poder humano: gobierno, negocios, la Iglesia, y nuestra familia. Todo lo debemos a Dios, “honores a su nombre” (Salmo 96:7), y también le debemos nuestra gratitud, nuestra lealtad y nuestra vida.
TODAY IS WORLD MISSION SUNDAY This weekend we pray for those awaiting the ”Good News” of our Lord’s great love for the missionaries who offer the poor and suffering the light of Christ. The Propagation of the Faith provides financial help to more than 1,150 dioceses in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Pacific Islands. Please be as generous as you are able. Your donation will help make a difference around the world.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD The 9:30 and 11:00 Sunday liturgies offer an opportunity for children to hear the readings and prayers of the Mass in words that are familiar to them. The Children’s Liturgy of the Word is designed for children ages 3 through 5th grade. It is an option for families who would like their children to get more out of the experience of the liturgy.
Young children are engaged in prayer and reflection in a liturgical experience that parallels that of their parents and older siblings through the readings, the homily, and prayers of the Mass.
Children are blessed by the priest before the First Reading, walk together downstairs to the Children’s Liturgy chapel space, and return to their families in the congregation later in the Mass. The reunion of families in time for the consecration and Communion is a sign of the union of the Church in this holy sacrament.
To volunteer as a catechist, contact Tonia Arrington (9:30) at tonia_arrington@hotmail.com or Teresa Fett (11) at 773-728-7637.
HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES -- Gordon Tech High School, 3633 N. California, a college preparatory school for young men and women, will host Open Houses for prospective students from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 26 and from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 19. Seventh and eighth graders are also encouraged to arrange for a Shadow Day. For information, call Shay Boyle at 773-423-5014. -- Guerin College Prep High School, 8001 W. Belmont, will host Open Houses and Shadow (or Gator) Days for junior high students. Open Houses will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, October 19 and from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 4. Tours will be conducted. Teachers and current students will be on hand. Call 708-453-6233, ext. 4732. -- Resurrection College Prep High School for Young Women, 7500 W. Talcott, invites junior high students and their families to attend an Open House Thursday, November 6. Staff and students will be on hand. Shadow Days are available. Call 773-775-6616, ext. 129. -- Notre Dame High School, a college prep school for young men, will host Open Houses from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, November 6 and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, November 16. Junior high students and their parents are invited for tours of the school’s facilities and programs. Notre Dame is located at 7655 W. Dempster, Niles. Call LaVerne Bontempo at 847-779-8615.
DEACONS IN THE CHURCH A deacon is a man who is called by God to a ministry of service. With bishops and priests, the deacon receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He is an ordained minister, who may be married and have children, living in the lifestyle of the laity.
Deacons are called to a three-fold ministry of service—of the Word, Liturgy and Charity and Justice and live out their life in service to Jesus and their brothers and sisters in Christ.
Do you believe Jesus may be inviting you to inquire about this ordained ministry? If so, your first step is having a heart-to-heart conversation with your family and your pastor. The next info session of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Deacon Formation Program will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 22 at DePaul-O’Hare, 3166 S. River Road, Des Plaines. Contact Deacon Bob Puhala at 847-837-4564.
OPEN HOUSE/PRAYER SERVICE All Souls Day and the observance of Cemetery Sunday will be marked on November 2. Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago invites you to a day of faith, remembrance, prayer and visitation at their cemeteries.
As a sign of the mutual celebration of the day, attendees will be given a personal greeting from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and be presented with a commemorative prayer card and fresh carnation. At each of the cemeteries there will be a “White Information Tent” where staff will be able to find exact burial locations or answer questions. The names of all who have died between July 2007 and mid-October 2008 will be listed in the information tent.
A Rosary and Prayer Service will be held at 2 p.m. in the Interment Chapel at each cemetery. For more information and location of all Catholic cemeteries,. visit www.cathcemchgo.org.
THINKING ABOUT PRIESTHOOD? In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us to repay to God what belongs to God. Could God be calling you to the priesthood or religious life? For more information about the priesthood, contact Father Joe Noonan, Vocation Director at 312-751-8298. For more information about religious life, contact the Office for Religious at 312-751-5245.
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: WHO’S IT FOR? It’s for any married couple who desires a richer, fuller life together. The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is designed to deepen and enrich the joy a couple shares, whether married a short time or many years. The next weekends will be November 14 -16, December 5-7 and February 27-March 1, 2009. For more information, call 800-442-3554.
FRIDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI wrote in his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Sacramentum Caritatis, “In a world where there is so much noise, so much bewilderment, there is a need for silent adoration of Jesus concealed in the Host. Be assiduous in the prayer of adoration and teach it to the faithful. It is a source of comfort and light, particularly to those who are suffering.”
Every Friday, the Blessed Sacrament is placed out for veneration and prayer from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. To reach the Adoration Chapel, enter the church through the Claremont door, walk up the stairs, turn to the left and then to the left again. Walk down the passage behind the altar and enter the former baptistery where the Eucharist is exposed for veneration. Feel free to bring your bible, rosary, books and thoughts. Spend some time with Jesus in the form of the Blessed Sacrament. This is an excellent way to build special devotions into your week.
Visitors are asked to register their attendance in the sign-in book when attending Adoration. The book is located in the chapel. You may sign up for a particular hour of prayer every week. At some time during the day, before or after work, while out running errands, stop by the chapel for some quiet time with the Lord. Help us keep vigil with the Lord by making time on Fridays for these beautiful moments of prayer. Call Christine Murphy at 773-561-9072.
PRAY THE ROSARY EVERY SATURDAY Pray the Rosary after 9 a.m. Saturday Mass. To lead the Rosary, call Joann at 773-583-1371 or email jasworks@myibocs.com.
LEAF RAKING IS HERE! It’s that time of year for RCYA (Ravenswood Catholic Young Adults) to offer free leaf raking for seniors in our community. If you are a senior within the local area of St. Benedict, have limited financial resources and would like someone to rake leaves, we would like to help! RCYA will host the annual event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, November 1.
Those seeking help must live between Addison and Lawrence, Western to Damen. Service is limited and based on the number of volunteers so first-come, first-serve sign up will be honored. Contact Patrick Neptune at 773-398-3177.
Volunteers are needed to make this event a success. Please contact Martin Glynn at 773-793-6680.
At your service Ms. Jennifer Mattes and members of the Student Government meet to plan activities for Queen of Angels students. The group of elected junior high students provides services (and fun activities!) for the students and staff of the school community.
WRAPPING PAPER SALE TO END The deadline for participating in the School Staff Christmas Bonus Fundraiser is Thursday, October 23. This is a great way to show our appreciation to the wonderful teachers and staff at Queen of Angels! Lavender’s offers a variety of gifts, wrapping paper, magazines, coffees and teas. There are three ways to contribute: -- order from the brochures the students brought home (or see volunteer in church lobby @ 9:30 and 11 mass) -- order online at www.lavendersonline.org. Make sure you register and create an account so Queen of Angels receives credit. -- Donate directly to the fund by sending check to school office labeled ”Staff Christmas Bonus Donation.” Thank you for supporting this important fundraiser! SAVE THE DATE! Our annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair is right around the corner! The event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 8 in the Guild Hall Gym, 4416 N. Western Ave. Join us to kick off the Holiday season with unique gifts from a variety of artists and crafters, a visit with Santa, and delicious home-baked treats! Don’t forget to visit the North Pole to win some great prizes, too. ( We could still use some donations for prizes- contact Melanie at funkymonkey007@sbcglobal.net.) See you there!
CHRISTMAS CARD SALE The Respect Life Committee will sell Christmas Cards in the Gathering Space at church the weekend of November 1-2. There are a wide variety of styles and messages to choose from. Packages of 10 cards are $5. Proceeds will support work of the Queen of Angels Respect Life Committee.
