26th Sunday in Ordinary Time - September 30, 2018
THIS WEEK’S REFLECTION
A True Friend
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe
in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great
millstone were put around his neck and he were
thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin,
cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed
than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the
unquenchable fire.” Mark 9:42-43
Seriously? Does Jesus really mean this literally?
Should we really cut off our hand if it causes us to
sin? He goes on to say that we should also cut off our
foot and pluck out our eye if it causes us to sin.
Hmmm…
Some of the early Church Fathers see this Scripture as
a reference to our intimate friends. The context of this
passage is that we ought not lead others into scandal
and sin. In fact, it would be better if we had “a great
millstone” put around our neck and were thrown into
the sea than to cause another to sin.
Friends, especially close friends, are a blessing most
of the time. But they can also be a cause for sin. If a
good friend were to intentionally try to convince
another friend to sin, this is a grave issue and is the
heart of what Jesus is addressing. What He’s saying is
that if we have close friends who are intentionally and
maliciously tempting us to turn from God, it’s better
that we let go of that “friend” and cut him/her off.
The hand, foot or eye is a symbol of those friends who
work hard to draw us to sin. It’s better that these
friendships end than to be drawn into Hell with them.
And if we are the “friend” drawing others to sin, it’s
better for us to cut our friendship off with those we are
tempting.
One thing this passage reveals is the powerful natural
bond of friendship. Friendship is a good thing. And
when you have a close friend, you find great
consolation in knowing your friend is deeply
committed to you and will always be there for you.
But every friendship must be continually evaluated
in the light of faith and truth. Sometimes friendships
can get in the way of our faith in God and can be a
powerful influence upon us in a negative way. Of
course, the opposite is also true.
Reflect, today, upon your friendships. If you have a
close and intimate friend in your life, reflect upon how
you influence that person or how he/she influences
you. Make sure that Christ is the center and that faith
always prevails in this natural bond.
MyCathloicLife.com
SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE STUDY
There will be an Open House for Adult Bible Study today following Mass in the Anchorage. All are welcome to attend.
PASTORAL COUNCIL
The Pastoral Council will meet this Tuesday, October 2 in the Anchorage at 6:30 pm. All members are encouraged to attend.
PASTORATE DAY OF PRAYER
Please join us for a Pastorate Day of Prayer this Saturday, October 6th 10 am – 12 pm, St. Ann’s Church and Prayer Garden. All are invited as the three parishes of St. Ann, St. Wenceslaus and St. Francis Xavier come together for a day of worship and prayer. A light breakfast will begin at 9:30 am inside Mother Seton Academy Hall. Fr. Ken Gaddy, C.Ss.R and Dr. Kirk Gaddy, Ed.D will provide a message.
MINISTRY SCHEDULES
New schedules for Lectors, Altar Servers and Eucharistic Ministers are located on the ushers’ table in the back of church.
OCTOBER PRAYER
October is the month of the Holy Rosary. We will pray the Rosary together in church 15 minutes before Mass each Sunday in October. Volunteers are needed to help lead us in prayer each of the four Sundays in October.
ST. ANN’S 144th ANNIVERSARY
Invite family, friends and former St. Ann’s Alum to celebrate our 145thAnniversary with us on Sunday, October 21. Fr. Bill Waters, S.J. from St. Ignatius Church will preside. Our celebration will continue with a luncheon reception next door in Mother Seton Academy. If you wish to contribute with a covered dish or in any other way, please use the sign-up sheet in the back of the church or contact the parish office (410-235-8169).
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & FAITH FORMATION
Sunday School: All youth are invited and encouraged to join us for Sunday School prior to Mass at 9:30 am. It’s not too late to sign your child up. Registration forms are located in the back of church. Sunday School begins next Sunday, October 7.
Bible Study: Adult Bible Study continues throughout the year on Thursday night right after 7pm Mass in the Anchorage. We also have a Sunday Bible Study group which meets after Sunday Mass, also in the Anchorage. If you want to be moved in the Spirit, come join us as we dive deep into scripture.
SAVE THE DATE
Save the date for Saturday, December 8, 2018 as St. Ann’s Sista Circle presents their Holiday Tea at St. Matthew’s Church, 5401 Loch Raven Blvd. 1 pm – 5 pm. This year, the St. Ann’s Sista Circle celebrates 15 years in ministry! Proceeds benefit the St. Ann Health & Wellness Fair.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Birthday Blessings to all of those celebrating their birthday in the month of September!
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please also continue to pray for all of our sick and homebound, especially Florence Barber, Dorothy Horton-Brown, James Butts, Augustine Christian, Danny Dallas, Elaine Edmonds, Gregory Epps, John Frederick, Pat Haley, Rita Hardy, Odessa Johnson, Tom Lutz, Josephine McCoy, Penny Palmer, Bernadette Wallace, Nelson Outlaw, and Rita Watkins, and ask that God grant them strength, comfort and healing.
IN OUR PASTORATE…
AFTERNOON AT THE RACES
On Sunday, October 13th St. Wenceslaus will hold their Fall Afternoon at the Races from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at SFX church hall, 1501 E. Oliver St. Tickets are $14. For Tickets and Racing forms for buying horses contact St. Wenceslaus Church office at 410-675-7304. Racing forms are due in by Sunday, October 7th.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
Sun., Sept.30 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time 11 AM Mass
Adult Bible Study Begins,
after Mass, Anchorage
Tues., Oct.2 Pastoral Council Meeting 6:30 pm, Anchorage
Thurs., Oct.4 Evening Mass (confession before/after) Bible Study 7-9 pm
Sat., Oct.6 Pastorate Day of Prayer St. Ann’s, 9:30 am – 12 pm
Sun., Oct.7 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time 11 AM Mass Sunday School, 9:30 AM
Anchorage 2nd Floor youth room Adult Bible Study after Mass
Tues., Oct.9 Sista Circle Meets, 6:00 pm, Anchorage
Thurs., Oct.11 Evening Mass (confession before/after) Bible Study 7-9 pm
Sun., Oct.14 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time 11 AM Mass Sunday School, 9:30 AM
Anchorage 2nd Floor youth room Adult Bible Study after Mass
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
1st Reading Genesis 2:18-24
2nd Reading Hebrews 2:9-11
Gospel Mark 10:2-16