grant you grace,

pour out his blessing in abundance,

and keep you safe from harm throughout the year.

Amen.

May God give you integrity in the faith,

endurance in hope,

and perseverance in charity

with holy patience to the end.

Amen.

May God order your days and your deeds in his peace,

grant your prayers in this and in every place,

and lead you happily to eternal life.

Amen.

 Within what I term the “inspiration” pieces was a version of St. Paul’s famous passage on love (1 Corinthians 13: 1-8) rewritten in a way that applies to preparing for Christmas. Titled “1 Corinthians 13 – Christmas Style,” it was written by Sharon Jaynes some years ago and posted on her blog on December 16, 2009. [http://sharonjaynes.com/blog/?p=104]. It reads as follows:

If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family — I’m just another decorator.

 If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family — I’m just another cook.

 If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family — it profits me nothing.

 If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ — I have missed the point.

 Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of your way.

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

This poem is a beautiful reminder to us all as Christmas draws ever-nearer, as the activities (and often accompanying stress) increase, and patience and perspective dwindle.

 This also reminds (and challenges) us to take the beautiful words of St. Paul seriously, as something far more than poetry or inspiration. Love is authentic (i.e. truly love) when it is incarnated, “made flesh” in our words and actions. And when love is incarnated in us, we become the sign of the God who IS love and so loved the world that God gave us his Son, who became incarnate (made flesh) of the Virgin Mary and dwelt among us. (cf. 1 John 4: 8, John 3: 16, John 1: 14)

Below is the current schedule for Advent and Christmas.  Please note that it is available on the website and will be updated on the website anytime new information is available.

ST. MALACHI CHURCH
ADVENT EVENTS 2011
Wednesday Evening Prayer:      Wednesdays at 7PM
November 30: Eucharistic Adoration
December 7: Praying With Scripture
December 14: “With Roots in Eternity”   Taizé Prayer
December 22: Bridges to Contemplative Living

Eucharistic Holy Hour:    Thursdays from 11 AM to12 PM

Communal Penance Service: Sunday, December 4 at 2:00PM
St. Patrick Church
St. Herman Benefit Spaghetti Dinner: Sunday, December 4
at St. Malachi Parish Hall from 11 AM to 5 PM
All P.S.R  St. Nicholas Celebration:  Sunday, December 4
Mass at 11:00, luncheon and program at St. Malachi Center

First Reconciliation:  Tuesday, December 6 at 6:30PM
St. Malachi Church

Vigil of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Wednesday, Dec. 7
Mass at 5:30 PM
Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Thursday, December 8
Mass at 7 AM, 12 PM             5:30 PM at St. Patrick Church
Adult Faith Formation: Prayer & Reflection on the Sunday Gospels
Sundays, December 11 and 18   9:30 -10:45AM in the school

Holiday Fruit Baskets: Sunday, December 11
Delivery of fruit baskets to Seniors at Hi-Rises
Volunteers needed after 9:30 and 11AM Masses

Everyday Prophets: Tuesday, December 13 after noon Mass
Christina Austin from The Gathering Place

St. Malachi Center Christmas Boutique: Tuesday, December 13

Church Christmas Decorating: Sunday, December 18, after 12:30 Mass

Shared Ministry Christmas Caroling:  Sunday, December 18
Meet at St. Paul Community Church, 4:30 PM 4427 Franklin Blvd.

St. Malachi Center Shower Ministry Breakfast: Friday December 23

CHRISTMAS SEASON EVENTS
Christmas Eve, Saturday December 24: 4:30 & 10:00 PM
Prelude and Carol Singing begins one half hour before Mass

Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25: 9:30, 11:00 & 12:30

New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31: 4:30PM
New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1: 9:30, 11:00 & 12:30

Feast of the Epiphany, Vigil Mass, Saturday, January 7, 4:30 PM
Epiphany Celebration:  Saturday, January 7, 6:00PM in Church
Supper to follow.

Feast of the Epiphany, Sunday, January 8: 9:30, 11:00 & 12:30

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (PENANCE)
Saturdays: 3:00 – 4:00 PM    Sundays: 8:45 – 9:00 AM

Sunday, December 4: 2:00 PM   Communal Penance, St. Patrick Church

More information on these events available as dates draw near.

The Kingdom Steward is above all human! To be human is to be in relationship with God and others. This relationship calls us in “equity and justice,” to share our gifts with the needy. Through this sharing we also fulfill our need to give as those created in the
image of God.

This week we reflect on the cost of Stewardship. As Good Stewards we rejoice in the goodness of God and are righteous, vigilant, committed, and compassionate. We steadfastly support, protect, share, and promote our faith. In the midst of our humanness and brokenness our lives continue to proclaim the Good News! We work for justice and
peace, because without justice and peace chaos would reign. We the Body of Christ live always for the Reign of God.

Holy Spirit, heal my broken heart and my life. Grant me courage and strength. Help me consume rightly and joyfully all that God gives me. May God grant me mercy and peace. Jesus, help me and show me how to live out your Gospel message.

Ground that has absorbed the rain falling upon it repeatedly and brings forth crops useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives a blessing from God.
Hebrews 6:7

Jesus said: “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property.”
Matthew 24:45-47

Is there an area in your life that requires vigilance, cultivation, or prudence? How can you positively affect this area?
List two ways you can more wisely and generously use your finances.
What does Jesus offer you or your faith community that you need to “take?” What gifts do you offer others that need to be “taken?”
Does music bless your life? How? What makes you sing? Who do you like to sing with?
Is there someone left out whom you need to include? Who is responsible for reaching out to them?
What gifts do you have that help others believe in Jesus? Do you care whether or not others believe in Jesus?
Why do you think God blesses those who mourn? How do you use your gifts to bless those who mourn?

Jesus committed His Divinity, His Humanity, His
Heart, His Spirit, and His Body to establish an eternal
Covenant with you. Today, what commitment will
you make in return?
I will imitate Jesus.

As I started thinking about my talk on stewardship I realized that I’ve been a member of St. Malachi’s for at least 20 years.  I re-entered the Church here.  The first few years I sat in the back terribly sad, broken and feeling rejected.  The parish of my grandparents and my parents, and most of my aunts and uncles and my young family hurt me terribly.  Going to Mass there was negative and drained me of energy. I’ll give you just a few examples.
My son had special needs; the PSR teacher wouldn’t work with me; but did send a note suggesting that I take my son to the church down the street – they didn’t want him – he was too difficult.
When my beloved Aunt Marie died – who had been baptized and raised in this parish and then raised her eight children in this parish and buried her husband from this parish – her adult children were told that the church was dusty because of some work that had been done and perhaps they could move her Funeral Mass somewhere else.
My last example is when my mother died.  I called the priest house to arrange her funeral and was told that the priest was too busy to speak with me.  He gathered us together at the funeral home right before the end of calling hours.  During our very brief talk, I told him that I had heard a beautiful reading at a funeral at St. Malachi’s.  He closed his eyes – raised his hand in almost a  Hitler-like fashion and said “Don’t get me started about Malachi’s”.  We’d agreed that all of Mom’s grandchilden would have a part in her Funeral Mass; and as my sister was took notes so the grandkids could prepare, she asked the priest how to spell Thessalonians.  We were all exhausted and mourning and the priest looked directly at her and said “You’re Catholic; you should know how to spell that”.

After that, I stopped going to Mass.  I was broken and had a hole in my soul.  After ahile and only because my husband encouraged me I decided to try St. Malachi’s – this place had a reputation for being different and had a commitment to the poor.  The 12:30 Mass became my haven and I started to heal.
After a few years, a very kind woman the regularly attended the 12:30 Mass, Invited me to become a Eucharistic Minister and it is an amazing experience.  I must tell you that each and every time I hold and offer you the body and blood of Christ it touches my very soul.
After a while, Fr. Tony needed a Lector and asked if I’d do that Sunday’s readings.  Now I’m a Lector; I still get nervous, but as I prepare the readings I know that sharing these holy words is a great honor.
I was asked to serve on the Board of St. Malachi Center and to participate in the Vibrant Parish Life Committee.
I was then Invited to serve on the Merger Team and the Interim Council.  At first I was very quiet – I was actually intimidated.  I wasn’t experienced at this; I knew I was far from being an expert at the workings of a parish; and I certainly wasn’t a theology major.  After lots of prayers and some encouragement, God let me know that he wanted my there – again I had been invited and I was needed because most of you are just like me.  I represented all of US.  I needed to ask my questions, support the Council, and do what ever I could to represent all of US.

I have grown and continue to grow spiritually.  This past week God gave me the most amazing spiritual opportunity.  I have met wonderful, caring people.  I have made dear friends that are loving and accepting.  I appreciate the man, who shall remain nameless, Patrick Cleary-Burns, calling us the ’12:30 Church Ladies’.  I can give what I can – when I can.  There are opportunities for all of us to serve and I promise you joy and peace.

So today – I am personally Inviting you to share your time and talents.  What you will do here at St. Malachi’s will really
count – you are needed – you can make a difference.

I want to thank Jeannie for doing the readings at today’s Mass.  There are only three regularly scheduled Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors for the 12:30 Mass.  I’m inviting you to join us.  If you’d like, I’ll help you and I can promise you that this service will touch your soul.

You can take an interest in the Council and share your thoughts and ideas.  Today after Mass in the church hall you will have an informal opportunity to talk to people from our amazing ministries.   The Hospitality Committee  always needs help – you could bake for the Mass of Remembrance next week.  The Back Door Ministry is amazing – seven days a week – and it’s getting cold they’re going to need coffee and winter items.  The Center needs readers to meet with the kids after school.  There are so many things to do here.

What every you can do – DO IT!.  If you can only do a little – DO IT!  Make a start – share your time and talents.  Be it ever so humble – - – St. Malachi’s is our spiritual home.

I’m personally Inviting you to reach out.  You are needed here.  You will be blessed.  Like me, the little things you do at St. Malachi’s will make a difference.  I can promise you it will.  I know because stewardship has helped me heal and has filled the hole in my soul.

This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift-giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.  Yes there is!

It’s time to think outside the box, people.  Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut.  How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership?  It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed?  Small, American-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a
book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s on a Chinese made flat-screen?  Perhaps that grateful gift
receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates.  And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half-dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.  Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom?  Mom would LOVE the services of a
local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal.  Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves.  They make jewelry, and pottery
and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.  And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at
your hometown theater.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house?  When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community.

If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city.  Christmas is now about caring about
US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our
communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

 Not too many years ago, the above discussion would never have taken place. The decision would have been immediate and automatic: the St. Malachi Center Board would have recognized her death with a Mass.

 For many decades, a parish could expect that, soon after a funeral,  a family member would come to the office with a stack of Mass cards to schedule Masses for the person who had just died. Most parishes tried to schedule a Mass about a month after the individual’s death (known as a Month’s Mind Mass). Often, the family would wait some months before there was an “open” date for a Mass to be scheduled because there were so many requests for Masses. In large parishes, the parish bulletin would announce when the Mass calendar for the following year would be opened; usually, within a few days, every available Mass intention would be scheduled for the following year  (most parishes wisely held some dates in reserve to accommodate the requests that would come for those who would die during the year, so there could be a Month’s Mind Mass.)

This practice has declined dramatically. At St. Malachi – and many other parishes (so other priests tell me) – there are few, if any, requests for Masses after a funeral. A family member might request a Mass on the anniversary of a death and/or a birthday, but usually few other Masses.

 Why the change?

 I suspect there are several reasons. One is that the practice of designating a charity/charities which the deceased and/or the family support to receive memorial donations to honor the person who has died has become more common.

 However, I believe another, deeper, reason for the decline in Mass requests for a person who has died is because of a change in people’s attitude and religious belief. I believe that Catholics overwhelmingly believe that God “wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4) In addition, preaching on Sundays and at funerals has, correctly, emphasized God’s mercy, forgiveness and compassion and also the hope and promise of Christ’s resurrection. These are positive developments.

 At the same time, less positively, I have noticed that more people seem to consider the concept of purgatory to be a old-fashioned, antiquated relic of pre-Vatican II theology and piety. People seem to think “God is loving, understanding and forgiving, so God understands us, is compassionate about our weaknesses and forgives our sins immediately. So when most people die, they must go straight to heaven.” From this perspective, there seems little reason or need to pray for someone after death.

Purgatory is not about punishment; it is about purification. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes it this way: “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.” (#1030)

 A bit of reflection will help make sense of the idea. If you died right now, at this moment, how much would you be leaving undone – not in the Bucket List sense of “things I always wanted to do in my life” but in the sense of “unfinished business that is my responsibility”? Is there anyone that you know you’ve hurt, any relationship that is damaged, that you have not yet made whole? What about the damage you’ve done or harm you’ve caused that cannot be undone? If you’re honest with yourself, do you feel “I need to clean up my act” in some ways to be the person you’re supposed to be? That is why purgatory is needed and that’s what purgatory is about – taking care of our unfinished business and cleaning up our act, so that we’re truly ready.

 “The Church assists those in Purgatory through prayer and especially the Eucharist in their final process of purification. Offering Masses for the deceased is a most powerful way of aiding them. November 2 each year, the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day), is a day for special remembrance and prayer for the dead.” (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, pg. 154)

 When someone we love has died, let’s not just presume that person is in heaven. Let’s love them enough to keep praying for them. And perhaps have a Mass offered for them.

Please join us Sunday, Ocotber 30th to celebrate All Saints!

Here are some highlights!

• 9:30 Mass followed by breakfast and PSR presentations on saints  in the hall
• Egg & cheese strata will be provided
• Bring bagels & breads, milk & juice, or fruit to share
• All St Malachi saints are invited  . . .  parishioners & Center families
• Featuring Dave Kennard on his banjo to lead us in song!
• Celebrate a “family reunion” with those who have walked ahead of us and cheer us on!
• Come dressed as your favorite saint!

The wonderful folks on the Stewardship Committee have developed these handouts for our reflection this month.  Below are the links to the first two handouts, with the last page to come next Sunday.  Please read, reflect and enjoy.

Special thanks to Jan Leitch.