Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Church November 11, 2018 PASTORAL CARE FOR THE HOMEBOUND: If you are sick, DIRECTORY OF ACTIVITIES homebound, or in the hospital and would like to receive Holy Adopt-A-Night (feeding homeless)…[email protected] --- Vivian LaColla Communion or would like a pastoral visit, please contact Dea- Adult Faith Form……………………………… 227-1710 ------Parish Office con John McCormack by leaving a detailed message at 914- Altar Linens……………………………………...227-2807------Geraldine Natale 456-6329 or calling the Parish Office at 227-1710. If you pre- Altar Rosary Society………………………….454-1840------Betty Perrino fer, you may email Deacon John at [email protected]. Altar Servers…………………………………….227-1710------Parish Office Baking……………………………………………...221-2741------Lorraine Travia The Prayer Network is a way to have PRAYER NETWORK: Baptismal Program…………………………..226-8987------Deacon Bob prayers requested. Your intentions may be given to Nancy Bereavement Grp..221-2741/[email protected] Vaughn at [email protected] or 226-4053 to be prayed Bible Study……………………………………….223-3658------Julie Borges for by our “vine” of caring people. Blood Drives……………………………………..590-1601------Dusty Maiolo

MUSIC MINISTRY: The Youth Choir practices on Wednesdays Chapel/Church Cleaners…………………..227-1710------Parish Office Church Decorators…………………………...227-1529 ------Cathy Varano from 6 to 7:00 pm; Adult Choir practices are Wednesdays from Cursillo……………………………………………..297-4711 ------Ginger Fisher 7:30 to 9:30 pm; Contemporary Ensemble practices are Thurs- Ecumenical Group…………………………….223-3658 ------Dave Borges days from 7 to 9:30 pm. All practices are in the church. For Eucharistic Adoration……………………….223-3658 ------Dave Borges more information, please contact our Music Director, Nina Eucharistic Ministers………………………..271-1710------Fr. Pancrose Ricci, at [email protected]. Fund Raising ……………………………………914-456-9389…………Thomas Beresford Gardening/Landscaping…………………..223-5999------Dennis Rosenfeld PARENT/CHILD CONNECTION: The Parent-Child Connection Hospital/Homebound Visits…………….914-456-6329 ---- Dcn. John McCormack provides a safe playgroup for young children and an opportuni- Hospitality……………………………………...677-6496 ------Andrea Cirone ty for adults to share their understanding of early childhood Joyful Noise………. …………………………..227-1710 x 3 ------Heidi Reale issues in an environment that promotes Catholic values. Please Kateri Can Cook………………………………223-5951 ------Ellen Newhard visit our parish website to see a complete schedule. Knights of Columbus..914-760-1744/[email protected] Lectors…………………………………………...2271-1710------Fr. Pancrose T.L.C. TRI-PARISH TEEN GROUP: The teen group is a pro- Liturgical Minister Schedule…………….227-1710 ------Denise Casey gram for all the high school students in the parishes of St. Den- Marriage Enrichment...845-453-8887/[email protected]/M.Gaughan is, St. Columba and Saint Kateri. The program includes fun ac- Midnight Run…………………………………..227-1710------Parish Office tivities such as outings and trips, service activities for the par- Military Families Support………………..797-1050------Loretta Ryan ish and greater community, and opportunities to learn more Music Ministry/Youth Choir………[email protected] Ricci about your faith. Pancake Breakfast ………………………….223-5951------Robert & Ellen Newhard Parent-Child Connect…………[email protected] Zupan PARISH MEMBERSHIP: New parishioners are always wel- Parish Activities ……………………………..221-0076 ------Ed & Laura Leahy come. New Parishioner Forms are available in the church Parish Council………………………………...914-475-7229------Christina Kirschner narthex, at the Parish Office, or online. If you are a regular Prayer Network………[email protected]/226-4053------Nancy Vaughn contributor, please consider becoming a member to ensure Prayer Shawl Ministry……………………..226-8987 ------Judy Horton receipt of a tax statement at each year-end. R.C.I.A.……………227-1710 x2...saintkateriparish.com/rcia------Parish Office R.C.I.A. for Teens…..227-1710 x3/[email protected] Reale ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: The Society of St. Vincent de Religious Education/Family Catechesis..227-1710 x3------Heidi Reale Paul is the world’s most distinguished “Friends of the Poor”. Respect Life……………………[email protected] Humphreys The Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers assistance to those in Silver Linings Leisure Club………[email protected] Biasotti need. Hotline for those in need: 227-7863. Spirit Wind Prayer Group……………….440-3519 ------Pat Mackey St. Vincent de Paul………………………...227-7863 ------Joyce Pfirman OUR LADY OF LIFE MINISTRY: We meet monthly for prayer Teen Music Ministry…………[email protected] Ricci and support of local life needs. Hotline for those in need: +TLC+ Teen Group914-708-7331/[email protected] & Kathy Bell Sisters of Life Mission: 212-737-0221 Ushers/Greeters…………………………...677-6496------Deacon Anthony Birth Right: 1-800-550-4900 Vacation Bible School…………………….226-8987 ------Judy Horton Good Counsel: 1-800-723-8331 Widows & Widowers Club ………….…223-3097 ------Joan Lee Prayer to Saint Kateri Tekakwitha St. Kateri Tekakwitha, favored child and Lily of the Mohawks, I come to seek your intercession in my present need: (mention it). I admire the virtues which adorned your soul: love of God and neighbor, humility, obedience, patience, purity and the spirit of sacrifice. Help me to imitate your example in my state of life. Through the goodness and mercy of God, Who has blessed you with so many graces which led you to the true faith and to a high degree of holiness, pray to God for me and help me. Obtain for me a very fervent devotion to the Holy Eucharist so that I may love Holy Mass as you did and receive Holy Communion as often as I can. Teach me also to be devoted to my crucified Savior as you were, that I may cheerfully bear my daily crosses for love of Him Who suffered so much for love of me. Most of all, I beg you to pray for me that I may avoid sin, lead a holy life and save my soul. Amen. Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Church Thirty-Second Sunday In Ordinary Time MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK PARISH ACTIVITIES Monday------November 12 St. Josaphat Monday-----November 12 9:00 am All Parishioners THE POWER OF PRAYER 7:30 pm Confessions Chapel Tuesday------November 13 If you would like to have your name, 7:30 pm Adoration Chapel St. Frances Xavier Cabrini or know someone who has given per- Tuesday-----November 13 9:00 am Diana Schopen mission to have their name, added to 7:00 pm Ad Altare Dei By her friends at SKT the prayer list, contact Nancy Vaughn, F.F. Building Wednesday- November 14 7:00 pm Boy Scouts Roundtable Mtg. [email protected]. 9:00 am Stanley "Slim" Tencza F.F. Building By Jane & Peter Brancazio Please pray for those who are ill: 7:00 pm Spirit Wind Prayer Group Thursday-----November 15 St. Albert Janet Abel, Frances Bianco, Julie Chapel 9:00 am Msgr. Desmond O'Connor Borges, Denee DeVizio, Wednesday-November 14 Friday------November 16 Sts. Margaret of Jeffrey Hynard, Irene Jackson, 9:30 am Confessions Chapel Scotland & Gertrude Dariana Jimison, Denise Bell Koller, 9:45 am Senior Stretch Class 9:00 am Patricia & Richard Lathrop Kate Madigan, Jessica Nenni, Church Meeting Room By Sally Barbara Retzer, Ward Reynolds, Thursday----November 15 Saturday-----November 17 Joanne Strutt, Timothy Tallo, 11:30 am Leisure Club Pot Luck St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church Meeting Room Antonia Tenuta, Mia Torzilli 9:00 am Betty Lou Ferracane 7:00 pm Adult Bible Study By Mary Codella & family Please pray for our parishioners F.F. Building: St. Patrick 5:00 pm Michael Garan serving in the military: 7:00 pm RCIA By Rita & Joe Garan Mark Baaden, Jamie Babon, F.F. Building: St. Paul Sunday------November 18 Henry Borum, Michael Baibagallo, Saturday----November 17 9:00 am Robert Pengitore Matthew Donnellan, Cory J. Espejo, 4:00 pm Confessions Chapel By Robert & Denise Herberger Timothy Fay, Thomas Finn, Nicholas 6:00 pm International Dinner 10:30 am Felecia Tabor Goldberg, Brandon Gonzalez, Matthew Church Meeting Room By the Benca Family Howard, Kenneth Jablecki, Matthew Sunday------November 18 12:15 pm Stanley "Slim" Tencza 6:30 pm +TLC+ Meeting Jenkins, Justin Merritt, Joseph D. Nani, By the Mueller Family Church Meeting Room 5:30 pm Frank & Marie Fetzer Sr. Vincent Nichtern, John Reale IV, Sean By Peter & Marie Guerriero Suppo, James Tindall, Matthew Walsh

Marriage Banns PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED II Jamie Pasquarella & Luke Charbonneau Pray for the repose of the souls of CAMPAIGN FOR CHARITY AND JUSTICE our deceased parishioners, especially Next week's second collection will be for and for God’s comfort for their fami- the Catholic Charities Campaign for Charity PARISH INCOME REPORT lies. and Justice. Last year this collection helped Last week's in-pew collection: $ 9,025.05 parish/community-based efforts to help the Last year's in-pew collection: $ 10,477.00 poor all across the Archdiocese. Visit catholiccharitiesny.org NOVEMBER 18, 2018 LITURGICAL MINISTER SCHEDULE Mass Lector Eucharistic Ministers Altar Servers Anne Anderson, Jean Bartoes, Saturday Logan Gleeson, Ryan Gleeson, Dave Anderson Andrea Cirone, Connie Liccione, Patrick Tirch 5 pm - Fr. Pancrose Debbie Scianimanico

Placidus Aguwa, Ray Cavallo, Debbie Evan Jackob, Megan Jarc, 9 am - Fr. MacDonald Michael Pasquarella Outman, Alexandra Sullivan, Joe Whitton Zach Outman

Lisa Coniglio, Barbara Kierstead, Ethan Coniglio, Madeline 10:30 am - Fr. Pancrose Robert McKiernan Shirley Sullivan, Greg Wiley, TBD Murnin, Jack Pelusio

Robbie Kelly, Ryan Kotes, 12:15 pm - Fr. MacDonald John Reale III Kurtis Kotes, TBD, TBD Brooke Tobin

Rosealice D'Avanzo, Andrea Loussedes, Phoenix Ebel LaPolla, 5:30 pm - Fr. Pancrose Norman Dauerer TBD, TBD, TBD Grace Walker, Declan Wood Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Church Thirty-Second Sunday In Ordinary Time OSCAR ROMERO: A SAINT FOR OUR DAYS RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS As Catholics, we believe that our Church is guided by the Important Reminder - Classes are NOT in session on Holy Spirit. For many, the shortcomings and failure of our Monday, November 12th (Veterans’ Day). Church leaders to protect the most vulnerable in our commu- nd nities have undermined that bedrock belief. Yet, in the midst 2 Year Students of this chaos, the Holy Spirit has made His presence evident Information about First Reconciliation Mini-Retreats and through the timely canonization of Saint Oscar Romero. With Parent meetings will go out to all 2nd year students this week Romero’s canonization, the Holy Spirit is lifting for the entire during their classes. Each child and one parent are required Church a model of Christian leadership that is needed in our to attend ONE of the sessions: Church today.  Thursday – November 29th 6:00 – 8:00pm Most people are familiar with the narrative of Romero’s  Saturday – December 1st 10:00am – Noon life. A conservative priest then bishop who had a powerful  Sunday – December 2nd 3:30 – 5:30pm transformation that led him to become a voice for the poor Please register on DOODLE by Friday, November 23rd; and marginalized in El Salvador. That transformation is often there will be a link to DOODLE on our parish web site starting attributed to the assassination of Romero’s good friend, Fa- Tuesday afternoon, saintkateriparish.com ->Faith Formation. ther Rutilio Grande. While the event had a significant effect Egg Carton Collection on the new archbishop, Romero’s transformation was rooted The popular egg carton drive is back! Religious Education in his experience as Bishop of the Diocese of Santiago de Ma- students are asked to bring empty egg cartons for the 2018 – ría. This diocese, a poor and rural region, brought Romero in direct contact with the suffering people of El Salvador. It was 2019 school year. This year the egg cartons will be given to in Santa María where Oscar Romero encountered Christ in the the Trinity Food Pantry on North Bridge Street in Poughkeep- suffering and persecuted people to whom he ministered. It sie and the nuns at the Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, was here where he came into contact with the repression and CT. abbeyofreginalaudis.org violation of human rights experienced by the farmers under We are collecting only paper cartons, which can be com- his pastoral care. This closeness with the suffering of his pa- posted after they are worn out. Also, one dozen and half doz- rishioners made him sensitive to the day-to-day needs of the en sizes are best for the fair distribution of eggs at the food people in El Salvador. Here he learned to listen with the heart pantry. You may bring your egg cartons to the Faith For- and to speak without fear. He learned to accompany the mation Building. Please do not leave them in the Church. abandoned, the despised, the vulnerable. It was his ability to Thank you for your help! do these things that made Oscar Romero the archbishop that Office Hours the people of El Salvador needed. Mondays and Wednesdays 10 am – 8 pm, Today, we are in need of such leaders. Our Church needs Tuesdays 10 am – 7 pm, Thursdays 1 – 7 pm leaders who take the time to encounter Christ in those who are suffering, those who are hurting, and those who have TLC + TEENS LOVING CHRIST + TLC been regarded as disposable. Romero, through this encoun- The tri-parish Youth Group, meets after the 5:30 pm Mass ter, was moved to speak and act on behalf of those on the at St. Kateri from 6:30 - 8 pm in the Church Meeting Room. margins. It was this experience of accompaniment that also All teens in 9th-12th grade who wish to attend are welcome. fed him the prophetic words that touched the souls of those For questions, contact Fr. MacDonald at the Parish Office. living through the repression. Our situation here at home is in Upcoming +TLC+ events: th no way comparable to the dire situation of El Salvador in the Sunday, November 11 - General Meeting th 1980s. However, today we have communities that live in fear. Sunday, November 18 - General Meeting Families that are being separated at our southern border. People fearing for their lives can no longer see the U.S. as a RCIA place where they can “breathe free.” In this environment, This week's topic, Knowing the Faith, Episode 7: The Holy prophetic voices are needed. These prophetic voices won’t be Spirit & The Life of Grace. Visit saintkateriparish.com/rcia. elevated until all of us–clergy and lay leaders—immerse our- selves in the lives of our brothers and sisters on the margins. FORMED Only by going to the margins will we be able to acquire the Enjoy the free parish subscription to formed.org. Register language of love that can move others to action. Young peo- with parish code ZHXWPZ to access November features such ple who have come to distrust most institutions are looking as the movies: Are the Saints Aware of our Prayers?, listen to: for the modern-day Romeros. They want to be inspired by the Ode to Saint Cecilia, study: True Reformers, read: Married holiness of this man, and they will only be convinced if you Saints and Blesseds, Through the Centuries, for children, and I decide to imitate Romero. The Holy Spirit has lifted up a watch: The Saints, Our Heavenly Friends, Brother Francis, and saint we desperately need in our Church and world today. for Spanish, watch: Symbolon: Sesion 9: Maria Y Los Santos.

Javier W. Bustamante, Director of the Center for Cultural En- LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC MEDIA CDS gagement, Order CDs at saintkateriparish.com. Call Dusty Ma- The Catholic University of America. iolo for information at 845-590-1601. Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Church Thirty-Second Sunday In Ordinary Time ST. KATERI BIBLE STUDY THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME The St. Kateri Bible Study meets every Thursday, 7-9 pm First Reading: 1 Kings 17:10-16 in the Faith Formation Building. Study will continue on Scrip- Elijah asked a widow for a cup of water and a piece of bread. ture and the Sacraments. Call Julie, 223-3658. She told him she was almost out of flour, and that she and ST. KATERI PARENT-CHILD CONNECTION her son would soon starve. Elijah told her not to be afraid, as This week there is no meeting. We meet on Monday's from God had told him the jar of flour would not go empty. So she 10-11:30 am in the Faith Formation Building. Contact Me- did as he had asked and prepared bread from the last of her gan Zupan at [email protected]. flour. As God had said, her jar did not go empty, and she and her son had plenty to eat. FALL 2018 CURSILLO WEEKENDS Mt. Alvernia Retreat Center will have the Women's Week- Second Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28 end, November 15th-18th. Call Ginger, 297-4711. The high priests entered the sanctuary each year and offered a sacrifice, but not a sacrifice of their own blood. Just as peo- TOURING TUESDAYS ple die once and are judged, Christ was offered up once for Touring Tuesdays begin again this year on November 13th, the sins of many. from 9-11 am or by appointment. Touring Tuesdays are Gospel: Mark 12:38-44 Open House events, designed to introduce prospective fami- Jesus expressed disgust over the hypocrisy of some of the lies to the life-long benefits and value of a Catholic educa- scribes for wanting special treatment from the people. He tion. Reservations are required and can be made online at watched the wealthy put large contributions into the collec- CatholicSchoolsNY.org/admissions or by calling our bilingual tion box, but explained that what they gave was surplus hotline, 646-794-2885. wealth, and not a real sacrifice. He told them the biggest donation was a small amount from a widow, because she FREE LEGAL CLINIC had given up the only money that she had to live on. Catholic Charities Community Services will be giving free immigration legal consultation on Friday, November 16th ©1999 Bon Venture Services, Inc. from 10 am-3 pm at St. Mary’s School, 231 Church Street Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. DACA will be offered on-site as well. Event is by appointment only- walk-ins are not guaran- Sunday Wednesday teed a consultation. To make an appointment, call/text 347- 1 Kgs 17:10-16; Heb 9:24-28; Ti 3:1-7; Lk 17:11-19 Thursday 921-0631 or email [email protected]. Bi-lingual Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44 Phlm 7-20; Lk 17:20-25 volunteers needed! To volunteer, email with subject line Monday Friday “Volunteer.” Ti 1:1-9; Lk 17:1-6 Tuesday 2 Jn 4-9; Lk 17:26-37 Saturday ADVENT YOUNG ADULT RETREAT: Ti 2:1-8, 11-14; Lk 17:7-10 3 Jn 5-8; Lk 18:1-8 “WHAT IS GOD’S PLAN FOR MY LIFE?” Get away from the hustle of life and get clarity on God’s Come join us for a taste of Portugal at purpose and plan for your life during our Advent Young Adult St. Kateri International Dinner Retreat Weekend, December 7-9, at the Graymoor Spiritual We invite you and your family to a night of Life Center in Garrison, NY, situated along the Appalachian Portuguese Cuisine Trail atop a mountain overlooking the Hudson River Valley. th Saturday, November 17 after the 5:00 Mass Single, Catholic men and women, 18-40, are welcome. Visit: brought to you by: HVPACC- atonementfriars.org/young-adult-retreat-weekends/, or Hudson Valley Portuguese American Cultural Center contact Paul Krenzelok, [email protected], 845-424-2122. Assorted Appetizers Dinner: a choice of: Filet of Fish (Filetes de Peixe) CATHOLIC COUNSELOR AVAILABLE BBQ Chicken (Frango no churrasco) Roger Szafranski LMSW, is an experienced clinical social with rice (arroz) FRENCH FRIES (BATATAS FRI- worker who has worked with children, adolescents, adults TAS) Salad (Salada) and Green soup (Caldo verde) and families in both clinical and school settings. Roger has offered to meet with any of our parishioners who may be Mac & Cheese for the kids Assorted Portuguese desserts having difficulties dealing with personal, family or profes- sional issues which may be causing stress, anxiety, and/or $12 for adults, $6 for children 5-12, under 5yrs are free depression that may be impacting your life, marriage and/or Students looking for Confirmation hours and for reser- relationships. You can meet privately with Roger here at the vations (recommended), please call Jenn Nunes at 845- church, and confidentiality will be assured. Roger is offering 705-7904. his services free of charge and in complete confidence. Con- tact Roger at [email protected] or 845-416-8993. Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Church Thirty-Second Sunday In Ordinary Time

TRI-PARISH NEWS: ST. COLUMBA, ST. DENIS, ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA ST. VINCENT DE PAUL NEWS This week the pantry needs: Progresso/Chunky Soup, canned potatoes, Raman Noodles. The next meeting is Wednesday, No- vember 14th, at 7 pm in St. Denis-St. Columba Convent Mtg Room. Visit svdpfoodpantry.org THANKSGIVING BASKETS As we prepare to give thanks to the Lord at Thanksgiving, please consider helping provide a holiday meal basket for those in need. A basket can be prepared alone or with a group, and should include the following items: turkey or ham, stuffing, gravy, cran- berry sauce, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, fresh vegetables, salad mix and dressing, rolls, butter, milk, eggs, fresh fruit, dessert, coffee, tea, cold beverages and a foil pan. We also accept loose items. DROP OFF FOR BASKETS IS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18th, BE- TWEEN 10 am -12 NOON AT ST. COLUMBA CHURCH. Baskets are blessed at 1 pm and disbursement will follow. If you can donate a basket, please call Linda at 227-7863. The SILVER LININGS LEISURE CLUB ACTIVITIES ALTAR ROSARY SOCIETY Upcoming activities include the following: The Altar Rosary Society of St. Denis, St. Columba and St. th Wednesday, November 14 : Our weekly Senior Stretch Kateri would like to thank our members, friends and commu- Exercise Class, 9:45-10:30am in the Church Meeting nity for their support of our 45th Annual Holiday Craft Fair on Room. Free and fun! November 3rd. Thank you to the vendors and especially to th  Thursday, November 15 : Our annual "Anything but the local merchants who made donations. Without their Turkey" Pot Luck Lunch, 11:30am-1pm in the Church support we would not be able to raise funds that will benefit Meeting Room. All are welcome! Please contact Mary our parishes. With heartfelt gratitude all will be remem- to let her know what dish you plan to contribute! We bered in our prayers. Congratulations to the lucky winners of will celebrate the lives of all of our parishioners who our 2018 raffles: Colleen Palmiter, Debbra Watters and Ann admit to being 80 or older! DeGraff and the winner of the 50/50 is E. Schanzen Bac.  Wednesday, November 28th: 11am - 12:30pm in the Church Meeting Room: Alzheimer's Disease: Know the EVENING OF RECOLLECTION 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters. Free, but please FOR LITURGICAL MINISTERS sign up with Mary in advance. St. Columba Church will host an "Evening of Recollection  Thursday, November 29th: Catholic Classics Book of for Liturgical Ministers" on Thursday, November 15th, 7:30 - the Month Club, 10-11am in the Faith Formation Build- 9 pm in the church. Fr. Matthew Ernest, S.T.D., Professor and ing. We'll discuss He Leadeth Me, by Walter Ciszek Director of Liturgy at St. Joseph's Seminary and Director of th  Thursday, December 13 : We'll attend the matinee the Office of Liturgy of the Archdiocese of New York, will showing of Miracle on 34th Street at the Clove Creek lead this event. If you are a Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Dinner Theatre in Fishkill. Luncheon begins at 11:30am. Holy Communion, Usher, Greeter or Musician, please come. $60 per person, due ASAP. For info, contact Mary Bi- This event is open to our Tri-Parish communities of St. Denis, asotti, [email protected], or 845-297-9310. St. Columba and St. Kateri. 46TH ANNUAL "MARCH FOR LIFE" Friday, January 18th, National Mall, Washington, DC Life is a precious gift from God. Please join our Pro-Life Pilgrimage in support of pre-born babies. Round trip bus tickets from St. Columba Church are $35 for adults, and $25 for students. Buses leave after the 4:30 am Mass. To Reserve your seat (s) or for infor- mation, call Eileen at 845-242-1842.

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON THE SUNDAY READINGS HIS WORD TODAY by Rev. William J. Reilly

“Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling His disciples to Himself, He said to them, ‘Amen I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributions to the treasury. For they have contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”

The scriptures feature widows and their gifts. A few drops of oil and a little flour, or two cents. What could these simple elements teach us? Don’t be too quick to judge. Consider the state of life, without husbands, with their own felt needs. Yet these simple gifts represented them, their life, perhaps their family too. But the Lord recognized their willingness to give of themselves.

How often when we are asked to support our church do we calculate, complain, and even feel insulted that we are asked to give? Whose church is it? It is mine and the Lord’s. What do I have that was not a gift for me? Nothing. Many times when a parent is car- rying his shoeless baby when leaving church I ask another person if they have a dollar. Readily they reach to answer my request. We then joke that the people did have shoes. They respond as we should, like today’s widows.