Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

A popular hymn within our Catholic tradition is “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God” and it is taken from the sixth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew.  It states what Jesus is reiterating for us in today’s Gospel, and the fruit that is borne from it.  I think sometimes we forget that our truest identity as baptized people is that we are God’s beloved sons and daughters and nothing can ever take this away.  As God’s beloved, He only asks us to allow Him to love us wherever we are in life. Often times, we think we have to do all the work to curry God’s favor, or we believe the lie that we don’t deserve God’s love, but the opposite is true: God only asks us to open our hearts and allow Him to love us.  In other words, to carry out Jesus’ command to love the Lord, our God, with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds, only requires of us to open our hearts and receive God’s love.  Sounds easy right?  Unfortunately, many of us are plagued with deep wounds to our spirit and psyche that can be obstacles to allowing God’s love to flow in us.  Such obstacles impair our vision and distort the reality that we are God’s beloved sons and daughters.  The good news is that our God is the God of healing and he seeks to heal us and bring clarity to our truest identity.  The more His love flows into us, the more we authentically love ourselves and thus, love our neighbor.

                                                                                   Your Brother in Christ,

                                                                                                                                Fr. Chris

REFLECTION ~ In what ways do you show your neighbors that you love them

NEWS YOU CAN USE
TRAINING FOR NEW EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, AT 7:00 PM AND SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 AT 10:00 AM.  The requirements for this ministry are very simple.  It is open to parishioners who are baptized, confirmed, and regularly receiving the Eucharist. Also, if one is married, the marriage must have been in the Catholic Church. We have slots to fill for all weekend masses.  Please, prayerfully consider your willingness to undertake this ministry.

ANNUAL ST. CECILIA BRUNCH----SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 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.  We are serving made to order omelets, hashbrown casserole, bacon, ham, sausage, waffles, fruit, pastries and many other delicious offerings, including some lunch items after the 10:15 and 12:30 masses.  Please help us continue to serve Holy Family with your generous donation.

We are accepting candy and other goodies for “trunk or treat” on Saturday, October 29 at 7PM  in our parking lot.  We had a great turn out last year with fabulous decorated cars.  Hope we can do so again! Please drop the goodies off at the parish office.

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH IS PROUD TO PRESENT CATHOLIC ARTIST, ERIC GENUIS OF “RADIX” who will be performing live in the church on Wednesday, Nov 9th at 7 pm.  Genius is a musical tour de force - an accomplished pianist, composer, and singer - who performs worldwide upwards of 100 concerts each year.  He has collaborated with famed British maestro, Allen Wilson, and the Slovak National Symphony to produce four CD's of his original work.  His musical education includes achieving First Class A.R.C.T. honors in piano performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.  Stephen McEveety, executive producer of the movies “Braveheart”, “We Were Soldiers”, and “The Passion of the Christ”  calls Genius’ creative style: “a refreshing and new approach to music. Eric's creations are moving, but exhilarating, thoughtful, but so enjoyable. You just want to listen to them over and over again.”  There is no charge for the event, but feel free to make a donation at the door. 

BABY BANKS Remember to donate any spare pocket change to your Baby Bank and help foster a greater respect for the sanctity of life. Please return your filled Baby Bank next Sunday, October 30.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK ~ Please keep the following parishioners in your prayers:  Andree Basnett, Zachary Lampa, and Lucy St. Joseph.  May God heal them in body and spirit.

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL – "Come and See" Open House. Saturday, Nov. 5^th, 12:00 pm– 3:00 pm.  6608 W. Adams, Temple.  Come and see what makes Holy Trinity a great school for your student!  Visit with teachers, administration, coaches, and students.  For more information, contact Karmella Gonzales at (254) 771-0787 or kgonzales@holytrinitychs.org  

 ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT

This week’s advertiser is:  Chisolm's Family Funeral Home & Florist