29th Sunday in Ordinary Time - October 21, 2018
THIS WEEK’S REFLECTION
A True Leader
Jesus summoned [the twelve] and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.” Mark 10:42-44
This is certainly easier said than done. This passage reveals one serious temptation that those “who are recognized as rulers” may fall into. This is the temptation of an abuse of power and a lack of humble leadership.
For example, tradition states that at the heart of the fall of lucifer and the demons was a desire for power. “I will not serve” are the words attributed to lucifer. In other words, the desire for power and to be served by others was real and very powerful for these fallen angels. So it is with each one of us.
Though we may not be in a position of great power over others, we will most likely all struggle with the desire for power. This can happen in just about any context. Take, for example, a friendship. Very often when there is the slightest disagreement on something, we want our own way. We want to be in charge. Or take the example of home life. How many enter into family life with a desire to serve the others and to humbly submit to the others’ wills? This is hard to do. It’s much easier to want to be the boss and to dictate to others what is to happen in this or that situation.
In the passage above, Jesus makes it clear to His Apostles that when they exercise their “authority” over others they are not to make it “felt” by others. In other words, Jesus was not calling His Apostles to be leaders by brute force, intimidation, manipulation or by any other severe exercise of their authority. The authority that Jesus wanted was much different.
Christian authority is centered in love and humility. It’s a “leadership” that is lived in true humility. This leadership wins over hearts, minds and wills of others and invites them to follow in charity and love. This must happen within the family, among friends, at church and within society.
Reflect, today, upon how you lead others. Do you expect to be the “boss” and expect others to follow you because of your authority? Or do you lead others by humility and love drawing them to Christ through your goodness? Commit yourself to Christian leadership as Jesus intended and you will be amazed at the effect it has within your family, among friends and within the larger community.
-MyCathloicLife.com
SR. JEANNE’S 50TH JUBILEE
As we celebrate our church’s 145th year we also honor and congratulate our very own Sr. Jeanne Barasha, SSND on her 50th Jubilee year in ministry. Sr. Jeanne served our beloved parish for 25 years lovingly, faithfully and tirelessly; first as a Sunday School Teacher and then as its Administrator, navigating us through the many storms that we have faced through the years. Her ministry has even stretched as far as 6,000 miles away to our brothers and sisters in the African Province of Nigeria. We offer you congratulations and may the Lord continue to bless you abundantly as you have been and continue to be a blessing to so many others!
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
Today, as we celebrate World Mission Sunday we are invited to recall the Mission of Jesus and help support the development of church in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, Europe and Latin America. We ask that you be generous in today’s second collection as we keep the Missions of those who are far from home in your prayers and offer our support. Thank you!
OUTREACH
Members of our Outreach Committee will conduct our monthly Food Pantry this Tuesday, October 23, to help assist those in the neighborhood who are in most need.
Members of St. Ann’s Outreach Committee conduct our Food Pantry on the fourth Tuesday of every month.
PRAYER WALK
Bishop Madden invites you to join him for his next prayer walk on Monday, October 29, beginning at 5:30 pm., at Holy Cross (110 East West Street, 21230). The evening will begin with a light meal at 5:30 p.m. and end before 7:30 p.m. During the walk, we will pray at specific locations that have been affected by violence, and for all those individuals who have been so terribly affected by violence, and for a change of heart in those given to violence.
ALL SAINTS
Thursday, November 1 is the Feast of All Saints, a holy day of obligation. Mass will be offered 7:00 pm at St. Ann’s on that day in the Anchorage Chapel.
MEMORIAL MASS
Traditionally during the month of November we remember our departed loved ones in prayer. On Sunday, November 4, we will have our annual mass for those from St. Ann and IMMEDIATE FAMILY members who passed away during this past year. If you have lost a loved one in 2018 and would like them to be remembered on November 4, please sign the sheet on the Usher’s Table or notify the church office at 410-235-8169.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please also continue to pray for all of our sick and homebound, especially Florence Barber, 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.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018
Sun., Oct.21 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
145th Mass Celebration, 11 AM
Sr. Jeanne Barasha 50th Jubilee
Luncheon Reception after Mass, Mother Seton Academy
No Sunday School or Adult
Bible Study after Mass
Tues., Oct.23 Monthly Food Pantry
10 am – 12 pm, Anchorage
Thurs., Oct.25 Evening Mass (confession before/after) Bible Study 7-9 pm
Sun., Oct.28 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
11 AM Mass
Sunday School, 9:30 AM Anchorage 2nd Floor youth room
Adult Bible Study after Mass
Wed., Oct.31 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Thurs., Nov.1 ALL SAINTS DAY
7 pm Mass, St. Ann’s Church
Anchorage Chapel
Sat., Nov.3 KPC-Ladies Auxiliary
Meeting, Anchorage 9 am
Sun., Nov.4 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Memorial Mass of the Faithful
Departed, 11 AM
Sunday School, 9:30 AM Anchorage 2nd Floor youth room
Adult Bible Study after Mass
Tues., Nov.6 ELECTION DAY!!!!!!!!!!
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
1st Reading Jeremiah 31:7-9
2nd Reading Hebrews 5:1-6
Gospel Mark 10:46-52