W E E K L Y   B U L L E T I N

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

 

“Setting priorities” is a common expression we hear a lot today.  But what exactly does that mean and how does that expression fit with today’s Gospel?  The five virgins who brought flasks of oil with their lamps were singularly focused about who they were and where they were heading; the other five virgins were focused, but not singularly focused as their companions.  As a result, those foolish virgins allowed themselves to be too concerned with the things of this world at the expense of their relationship with Jesus.  Jesus is asking us to put our complete trust in Him and His plan for our lives.  This is symbolized by the wise virgins who had lamps with oil.  This is certainly easier said than done, and often times we can get frustrated when things don’t go the way we want or expect them to go.  We try to fill the void of our emptiness with other things that never bring any lasting peace.  This is what the foolish virgins did and the emptiness they experienced is symbolized by the flasks empty of any oil.  When the Bridegroom came (Jesus), He didn’t know the foolish virgins because He didn’t recognize Himself (the oil) in them. Let’s make it our priority to keep Jesus at the center of our lives and trust with Him in our lives, we will be like the wise virgins.  

 

                                                                                   Your Brother in Christ,

                                                                                                                                Fr. Chris

REFLECTION ~ The foolish virgins (bridesmaids) were not prepared. Instead of procuring more oil, they slept. When the groom came, only the wise virgins were there to meet him because they were prepared. Are you fully prepared to meet Christ?

 

 

NOTES OF APPRECIATION

 

CHURCH PEWS ~ You have all noticed, and heard Father Chris mention this, that the wooden parts on our pews had a make-over.  We wish to thank Jim Martin who initiated this project and recruited Rob Tyren, Elton Kloesel and Chris Russell to help repair and varnish the pews.  This labor of love was accomplished over a three months period and took about 180 man hours.  Again, thank you for a job well done!

 

Now, speaking of pews….see below the first and hopefully the last CARVING that was done already on the top rail of a pew?  Do we have to remind some people that they are in God’s House and to show reverence and respect?

                 

 

TRUNK –OR-TREAT ~ Thank you to everyone who supported Trunk-or-Treat last Saturday.  We had several cars, trucks and even a trailer decorated and many, many pounds of candy distributed. Adults and children dressed in fabulous costumes and a great time was had by young and old.  Our thanks also to the cooks, and to the volunteers that helped with the games.

 

LOAN OF 14 PASSENGER VAN ~ Our thanks to Terry and Nita Higgins from “Alpha Time Too” Daycare for their generosity in loaning their van to our Youth Group when needed.  Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa for locking the keys in the van.

 NEWS YOU CAN USE

ANNUAL ST. CECILIA BRUNCH – THIS SUN, NOV 6^th from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.  This is Music Ministry's only fundraiser.  Come enjoy a wonderful menu in a beautiful setting and help our choir continue to provide inspiring music.  Please help us continue to serve Holy Family with your generous donation. 

 HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH IS PROUD TO PRESENT CATHOLIC ARTIST, ERIC GENUIS  and FELLOW MUSICIANS OF “RADIX” who will be performing live in the church on Wed, Nov 9^th at 7 pm.  There is no charge for the event, but feel free to make a donation at the door. 

NO ALTAR SERVER MEETING for Nov 12^th ~ cancelled in observance of Veteran’s Day weekend.

 

Liturgy of the Word with Children – Members of all teams will meet in Andre Hall (Church Office Building) Sat, Nov 12^th at 10:00 am to pick up supplies and new schedules for the First Quarter of Cycle (B).

 

Middle School Youth – Will meet this Sun, Nov 6th at 1:30 pm in the youth group room.

 

High School Youth – Will meet this Sun, Nov 6th at 6:00 pm in the youth group room.

DIOCESE CATHOLIC YOUTH CONFERENCE 2012 (DCYC is for High School Youth) is just around the corner.  This year our theme is “UNAFRAID”, based on Blessed John Paul II’s message of “Be not afraid!”  When you get caught praying at school and someone asks you what you’re doing, are you afraid to stand up and explain your faith?  Have you ever felt God pushing you in a direction but are too afraid to take the first step?  Come to DCYC #54, where we’ll learn that Christ will never let us down and all we have to do is trust in Him!  Join Jackie Francois, Ennie Hickman and 1800 teens just like you in taking that first step with Christ.  We can’t wait to see you there!  It will be held in Waco from January 20 - 22, 2012. Early registration ends November 6^th and is $40 per participant.  Registration turned in by December 18^th is $50 per participant.  Late/At the Door Registration (does not guarantee participant of a t-shirt) will be $65.00.  Please contact Ms. Natalie or stop by the parish office to complete a registration form.

FLOWERS in the Sanctuary are donated in loving memory of
the parents of Delphis and Karin Benoit by the Benoit Family.

ULTREYA ~ Calling all Cursillistas and anyone interested in Cursillo!  Our next Ultreya gathering is this Sun, Nov 6^th at 3:00 pm at the 58th St. Chapel on Ft. Hood.  Our esteemed speaker is Lois Ann Carter.  Come for grouping, fellowship, a wonderful witness and food.  In continuing living your fourth day we ask that when you can find time in your busy schedule, you fit Cursillo in.  We love to gather with you and further our movement and our spiritual growth with God in your presence.  We hope to see you all there.    God's blessings, The Ultreya community of Ft. Hood 

Natural Family Planning Info Session
NFP is coming to St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Austin at 7 pm in the St. Timothy Room, 5455 Bee Cave Rd.  On Nov 9^th, all diocesan-approved methods (Creighton, Sympto-Thermal, and Billings) will be available to discuss this great gift from the Church. Come see which method will work for you and your marriage.  

 CEDARBRAKE RETREATS

Sacred Thresholds - November 18-20
Paula D’Arcy, international speaker and author of several books including The Gift of the Red Bird will present this weekend retreat.  All rooms will be double and the cost is $155 per person.

Advent Dinner with Bishop Vásquez on Tuesday, November 29^th at 6:30 pm.  Spend an inspiring evening of fellowship and faith-sharing with our Bishop. The evening begins with a wine and cheese reception at 6:30 pm followed by dinner.  After dinner Bishop Vásquez will share his insights into our Advent season to help us “prepare the way.”  The cost is $20 per person.

 

For more information or to make reservations, please call Cedarbrake at (254) 780-2436.

 

 

 ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT

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