September 29/30, 2018 Twenty-Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Everyday Stewardship Can you Change the World? My oldest son is named Nathanael. We used the biblical spelling of his first name, and he has spent his entire life of 20 plus years having to correct people who try to spell his name. Those who have not met him before have no idea for sure how to spell his name. Of course, when we named him, we gave him a name that not only his friends would know him by, but by which God would know him. In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells Nathanael that he is "a true child of Israel." Nathanael wonders how Jesus knew him. Jesus knows him before he even speaks to him. Jesus knows us and calls us to believe in him. However, do we know him enough to be willing to follow him? Many of our sons and daughters believe in Jesus. We believe in Jesus. He knows us all better than we know ourselves. But do we truly know him? Do we have a genuine relationship with him? Have we allowed him to transform our lives? I know my son The answer to this question is unequivocally, YES! believes in Jesus. I believe in Jesus. I hope and pray Sister Lucia of Fatima said, "There is no problem, I tell we both can grow to know Jesus at least half as much you, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve as he knows us. by the prayer of the Holy .” Join your parish community NEXT WEEKEND, united in prayer and --Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS song, on Sunday, October 7 at 10:00am in the Sanctuary. Celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary by praying this powerful prayer. Even if you have never recited one decade of the Rosary, Do Not Help needed for Pro-Life Flag Be Afraid! Worship aides will be provided as you are of Crosses and Balloon Rosary lead through the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. Come In honor of Respect Life Sunday, we will construct our and be a part of this grace-filled devotion and ask our Pro-Life Flag of Crosses on the side lawn Blessed Mother to intercede for all the intentions of consisting of 3,300 pink, white, and baby your heart. blue crosses. Each cross honors the 3,300 American lives lost daily due to “The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight abortion. This 100’ x 70’ display serves and to keep oneself from sin…If you desire peace in your as a reminder to pray to end abortion. We hearts, in your homes, and in your country, assemble each need volunteers to plant the crosses on evening to recite the Rosary. Let not even one day pass Thursday, October 4 from 9:00am-1:00pm. (Rain without saying it, no matter how burdened you may be with many cares and labors.” – Pope Pius XI date: Friday, Oct. 5 from 9:00am-1:00pm.) We also need help constructing the 40’ balloon rosary on Sunday, October 7 from 7:00-9:00am in Room 5. Food Collection Weekend The next food collection weekend is October 13/14. All food pantry staples are needed. Please select from the following items, complete meals, canned meats, tuna, instant or canned potatoes, noodles, canned vegetables, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, cereal, pancake mix and syrup, soups, spaghetti and sauce, canned pasta, peanut butter and jelly. Please remember the poor in our city as you shop for your own groceries.

Eucharistic Procession to set the World Ablaze First Friday Eucharistic Adoration is quickly approaching, October 5th/6th. If you have any doubt at all that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, please read this true story: "The of Lanciano." Then visit www.ssmrcc.org, Worship, Eucharistic Adoration Sign-up’s to sign up. The Miracle of Lanciano in the 8th century, a priest in Lanciano, Italy was experiencing doubts about the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. In the middle of saying Mass, he said the words of consecration (“This is my body,” “This is my blood”) and saw the bread and wine transform into real human flesh and blood. The blood coagulated into five globules (later believed to be representative of the five Please plan to join Catholics and friends from around wounds of Christ). Word of the miracle quickly spread, Hampton Roads for the 7th Annual Eucharistic the local archbishop launched an investigation, and Procession on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk on the Church approved the miracle. The flesh is still Sunday, October 14. This multi parish event is in preserved to this day. Professor of anatomy Odoardo conjunction with the Richmond Diocese’s evangelization Linoli conducted a scientific analysis of the flesh in plan, “Encounter the Joy of the Gospel - Set the World 1971 and concluded that the flesh was cardiac tissue, Ablaze.” All are invited and encouraged to attend this the blood appeared to be fresh blood (as opposed to multi parish event which begins at 3:00pm at the Star of blood that was 1200 years old), and there was no the Sea at 1404 Pacific Ave. For more trace of preservatives. You can visit the miraculous information please visit www.Eucharistia.us. flesh and blood in the Church of San Francesco in Lanciano, Italy. Much more information and videos of this miracle can be found on the internet. Maison Fortune Orphanage Haiti Dinner First Communion Teachers Join us Saturday, October 20 following the 5:00pm Mass We are in need of 12 people to teach this year's for The Maison Fortune Orphanage Haiti Dinner. This sit Sacramental Preparation classes. The down dinner will benefit The Haiti Twin Maison Fortune commitment is 6 classes in the Fall and Orphanage in Haiti- MFO Foundation, Inc. We will be 6 classes in the Spring. Then you get serving Lasagna, Caesar Salad, Rolls, Cake and the BLESSING of watching these Cupcakes. There will be a cash children know and receive Jesus. bar with beer and wine Please contact Traci at available. Adult tickets are [email protected] or $15.00 and include one wine, 757-421-7416 in the office to volunteer beer, or soft drink. Children's for this AMAZING ministry. tickets (ages 3 to 17) are $5.00. Tickets will be on sale in the Commons the weekends of October 6/7 and October 13/14 before and after all Masses. Tickets can also be purchased online at 40 Days for Life www.ssmrcc.org, Events, Maison Fortune Orphanage Dinner. Reservations are pre-sold only, and end October Now through November 4 please join other Christians 14 or when at capacity. The guest speaker will be worldwide for 40 Days for Life for 40 days of prayer, Olichard Jacques a former 12 year resident and alumni. fasting, and peaceful If you have additional questions please email Julie vigil for an end to Thomas at [email protected]. abortion. You’re invited to stand and peacefully pray for one hour in the public right-of-way outside the Planned Parenthood, 515 Women's Cursillo Weekend Newtown Rd, Virginia Beach. Vigil hours are 7:00am - 7:00pm daily. We especially need prayer support Tuesday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Parking is along Lake Edward Dr. (the street immediately after the 7-11 on Newtown Rd.) Contact Charles DeFoore at [email protected] or logon to www.40daysforlife.com/virginiabeach for additional information.

Are you looking for a closer encounter with Christ? The Women’s Cursillo weekend is scheduled for Thursday through Sunday, October 18- 21. This spiritual rd weekend is held at the Williamsburg Christian Retreat Knights of Columbus 3 Annual Charity Center in Toano. Please contact the Greater Hampton Fundraising Golf Tournament Roads Coordinator, Nicole Krieschen-Douglas at Time is running OUT! The [email protected] for a application. tournament is Friday, October 5 at Honey Bee Golf Course, 9:00am Shotgun start, best ball format. Continental breakfast begins at 8:00am and the awards lunch will be catered by Mission BBQ. Entry fee is $85 per golfer and includes golf course fees, range balls, door prizes, unlimited sports, drinks/water or soda, 2 beverage cart tickets and long drive/closest to pin contests. For more information or business sponsorship opportunities email [email protected] or call Marc Cook at 757-650-4608.

First Corinthians Bible Study Adult Faith Formation

Claiming Our Identity Join us for a 3 day parish retreat; “Claiming Our Identity.” This retreat will be offered in the Sanctuary Join us for a Bible Study on First Corinthians the and lead by Dr. Jack Buchner. Each session begins at following Tuesdays in October 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 7:00pm. Dates and topics include: 9:15am and repeated at 7:00pm in room 1. This October 1: Who Am I? study will be facilitated by Dr. Jack Buchner. If you October 2: How to Take On The Attitudes of Christ. have any additional questions please email Jack at October 3: The Experience of God. [email protected]. Please join us for this enlightening spiritual opportunity.

Advent Mission with Fr. Kevin McGoldrick The Bible Timeline There is still space for 10 people more during the morning session! Don’t let this opportunity pass by! The next morning meeting is Monday, October 1 at 9:30am in rooms 3 and 4. Do you want to know how to read the Bible? More importantly, begin to share your faith in love and confidence? Christmas is only 86 days away (as of Saturday This is an exciting opportunity! The Bible Timeline is a 9/29/18). Come one, come all! Join St. Stephen, fascinating 23-session DVD study that takes Martyr and its Parish community as we celebrate the participants on a journey through the entire coming of Jesus with an Advent Mission. What is Bible. Please go to https://shop.ascensionpress.com/ "Advent?" The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin and order your workbook for $34.95. We look forward word adventus, meaning “coming,” which is a to seeing you in class! translation of the Greek word parousia. Advent symbolizes the present situation of the church in these “last days” (Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:2), as God’s people wait for the return of Christ in glory to consummate his eternal kingdom. The Church, our country and the world NEEDS a revival, a purification of souls! What better time to invite family, friends, co-workers, Register for RCIA/RCIC neighbors and fallen-away Catholics to a weekend with Join us for RCIA and RCIC Thursday, October 4 from Fr. Kevin McGoldrick. Statistically speaking, most 7:00-8:30pm. RCIA meets in room 3 and 4. RCIC practicing Christians (USA) attend Mass/Church on meets in rooms 1 and 2. The topic that will be Easter and Christmas. Sadly, this may be the only time discussed is Rediscover Jesus: "Getting to know that some attend! What an opportunity to see God Jesus, An Invitation and The Jesus Question?" Please restore "broken fences." Fr. Kevin McGoldrick is an bring study materials handed out at the inquirer American Dominican Priest and professional musician meeting, along with The New Catholic Answers Bible currently living in Nashville, Tennessee. He grew up (RCIA), The Catholic Youth Bible-4th Edition (RCIC), and was ordained in the Diocese of Philadelphia. Fr. and a Catechism of the Catholic Church. Visit Kevin's bluesy-pope style music invigorates ALL ages. www.ssmrcc.org then click “MyOwnChurch” on the His song, "Square Peg, Round Hole" went to #1 on the right side navigation to register. global chart CECELIA. Fr. Kevin also has produced a contemporary version of The Chaplet. Please save the dates Friday and Saturday, December 14 and 15. Stay tuned, more information is coming soon! If you’d like to learn more about Fr. Kevin, please If you have questions, please contact the Adult Faith Office visit www.kevinmcgoldrickmusic.com/. at [email protected] or 757-421-7416.

Our Gifts To The Lord Offertory 09/23/2018 $23,147 Updates Debt Reduction $637 Samaritan Fund $292 To stay up to date with the latest developments within the Church, please see Fr. Brian’s weekly Meanderings or visit the Diocese website at www.richmonddiocese.org.

PARISH STAFF

Pastor: Rev. Brian Rafferty ([email protected]) Second Collection The second collection the weekend of October 6/7 will Deacon Keith Fournier ([email protected]) be for the Food for the Poor.

Deacon Kevin Trail ([email protected])

Business Manager: Crystal Anderson ([email protected]) Flu Shots Office Manager: Maura Waggoner ([email protected]) Flu shots will be given on Saturday, October 13 from 1:30-4:30pm and after the 5:00pm Mass in room 2. If Communication Director: Zoe Barnette ([email protected]) you are unable to attend they will be offered again the weekend of November 24/25 after all Masses in Facility Manager: Alex Shuflat ([email protected]) room 2.

Liturgy: Marge Marino ([email protected])

Music Director: Jessica Kohan ([email protected])

Religious Education: (K-5 grade) Traci Baker ([email protected])

Religious Education: (6-12 grade) Ashley Weaver ([email protected])

Adult Faith Formation & Social Ministry: Scott Turbitt ([email protected])

Evangelization: Dr. Jack Buchner ([email protected])

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

October 6/7, 2018

Scripture Readings: Genesis 2:18-24 Hebrews 2:9-11 Mark 10:2-16

Mass Intentions

Monday, October 1 8:30am Mass Tuesday, October 2 8:30am Mass (Donald Stepko) Wednesday, October 3 6:30am Mass 8:30am Mass 11:00am Mass Thursday, October 4 8:30am Mass 6:30pm Mass Friday, October 5 8:30am Mass (Onofria (Nerina) Scire) 7:00pm Mass Saturday, October 6 8:30am Mass 5:00pm Mass (Rosie McCafferty) Sunday, October 7 7:00am Mass (Ing Family) 8:30am Mass (Don Reisch) 11:30am Mass (Parish of St. Stephen, Martyr) 5:00pm Mass (Mikey Lucrezio)

Your Prayers are Cherished for Loved Ones Inside our Parish Tony Cieslewicz Jean Glovacz

Your Prayers are Cherished for Loved Ones Outside our Parish Fr. Jim Smith Paquita Rios Luis Rios Howard Robison

Rest In Peace Ivy Whalen

Prayer for Our Troops Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need, and bring them home safely. May their sacrifices bring about a lasting and just peace in all lands. I ask this in the name of Jesus, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.