Dear Parish Family,
This Sunday, Jesus helps us examine the good works and desires of those who may not share our faith or values. As He says, "Whoever is not against us is for us." As the Body of Christ, the Church doesn't go around looking to make enemies, but rather looks for seeds of truth and goodness inherent in the people, works, and ideas around us. After all, it is God's grace that is responsible for initiating any and every true, noble, and good work in our human family. 
 
There are so many good things about people that Christ helps us to see in them! If we only look for the negative in others, we will only find the negative. As God's children, we are to look for and love the good in each other, and help to bring out that good more fully. Jesus sternly warns His disciples that whoever causes one of His little ones to sin is guilty of grave sin. Avoiding sin ourselves and leading our lives by the example and witness of Christ is a good place to start. If we have led others into sin, it is good to apologize to them and ask for their forgiveness in time. Most of all, Jesus wants us as His disciples to encourage, compliment, and accompany others in the pursuit of a virtuous and holy life.

I am excited to unveil this weekend the new Tree of Life banner in the church! This banner was handmade by two of our parishioners, Louise Jackson and Mary Wheelock. The design was adapted from a 1903 stained-glass window by Louis Comfort Tiffany Company's artist, Agnes Fairchild Northrop. Louise and Mary went through a long process to create this banner for our church: making the foundation of the canvas, creating grids to transfer the pattern to the canvas, and fusing Batik fabrics with their wax-resist dyeing to closely resemble stained glass. There are about 1,500 pieces of fabric used to make the Tree of Life Banner! This special project took Louise and Mary about 4 months to finish. For them, it was a creative, purposeful, and spiritual endeavor done with great love. Spiritually and theologically, the Tree of Life reminds us of our eternal homeland with the Father in heaven, and of our holy desire to let God nourish us from the fruits of this tree!
 
We welcome representatives from Geauga Faith Rescue Mission (GFRM) to speak at our Masses this weekend. GFRM is a faith-based local non-profit providing transitional housing to our homeless to help them get back on their feet and rekindle their relationship with God. I am excited for you to hear more about this important local mission and learn more about ways to offer your support. Learn more at https://www.gfrmission.org.
 
Remember that next weekend is our Holy Land gift sale. Beautiful hand-made wood carvings and other religious items will be for sale after all Masses on Saturday and Sunday, October 5-6. Purchasing these gifts is a great opportunity to buy gifts for family and friends for the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other sacramental celebrations. Most importantly, purchasing these gifts provides much needed assistance to our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land. Due to last year's violence hindering tourism in that region, income has largely dried up for these Christian families. Think ahead and do some early gift shopping. Your support will help our brothers and sisters in need in the Holy Land get through this difficult time.
 
Join us for a Pet Blessing next Sunday, October 6 at 1:30 pm in the St. Mary back parking lot! Bring your pets and animals to receive a special annual blessing in commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi's feast day which we celebrated earlier this week. 
 
I am yours in Christ,
Fr. Scott Goodfellow