Dear Parish Family,

  Our readings this week and next weekend turn apocalyptic since we're approaching the end of our liturgical year. A new liturgical year will begin in two weeks with Advent. As we approach that new beginning, it's important to 'end' our time well. With that in mind, I'd like to offer reflections this week and next on how the 'apocalypse' relates our end to our new beginning.

  First of all, 'apocalypse' is a Greek word that means 'unveiling' or 'revelation.' God reveals the truth of who we are the closer we are to Him.  Revelation connects our beginning (origin) with our end (destiny). We have been called and destined for eternal life from the moment of our conception, and God's plan of salvation integrates that truth of our destiny with how we are meant to live now.

  Revelation can be frightening because it's hard to confront the gap between how we were created to live and how we have chosen to live. We may avoid a life of prayer with God not because we're afraid God won't speak up, but rather because we're afraid of what He might say! Yet we have no need to fear the advent of God's truth. God speaks not to shame, belittle, or embarrass us, but rather to heal, have mercy, and restore what is broken within us. This process of conversion means that we need to let go of our own ideas, ideologies, and resentments in order to live as God created us to live.

  God unveils His plan of salvation in Jesus' perfect sacrifice on the Cross. Confronting this gap means positioning ourselves at the foot of the Cross, where Jesus re-integrates all the broken pieces of our history into His plan of our salvation and healing. Christ's redemption does not just change the way we feel about or relate to our past - Christ actually changes our past as He heals the wounds of sin. When we hear people say, "You can't change the past," the appropriate Christian response is, "That's right. I cannot. But I do know the Someone who can!" Christ makes all things new. He integrates our past, present, and future into His grand design of salvation.

Fr. Redmond Memorial Scholarship
  Please consider making a donation to the Fr. Redmond Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship to support Catholic education will provide a $1,000 scholarship for an 8th grade graduate of St. Mary School to attend a Catholic high school of their choosing. Donors contributing $50 or more will receive a booklet highlighting the milestones of Fr. Redmond's pastorate, and donors contributing $200 or more will receive a two-volume set of Fr. Redmond's words as published in the weekly bulletins and St. Mary Messenger newsletters. This is an awesome way to honor Fr. Redmond's legacy and support families choosing Catholic education for their children!

Listening Sessions (Tuesday, November 16 and 30 at 6:30 p.m.)
  I strongly encourage you to participate in one of two upcoming Listening Sessions this month (Tuesday November 16 and 30 at 6:30 p.m.). Your insights about our parish history, what excites you about belonging to St. Mary Parish, and your dreams for our future, is very valuable to me. Based on feedback from Listening Sessions I've already hosted this month, the group sharing has also been valuable to the participants. There's a 'network effect' that amplifies our conversation as the people of God come together. I need you to be part of that. As your new administrator, I am humbly asking you to please make arrangements to be present for one of these Listening Sessions. I need you to be involved in this conversation. Please see the invitation in today's bulletin and follow the instructions to register.