CHRIST THE DIVINE SHEPHERD PARISH  

As we move deeper into November, our parish continues to offer many opportunities for prayer, connection, and renewal. 
 
Ladies’ Night / Men’s Night
 We have a Ladies’ Night on Monday at the Lourdes Center with a great speaker and fellowship, and on Thursday we have a Men’s Night out at the fire pit and pavilion by the Lourdes Center. Check out the flyers in this bulletin. Thanks to Erin Zeigler and Tom Cocchi for organizing them. What a week! Hope you can make it!

Parish Mission with Father Kim Schreck
 I want to reiterate my invitation to the Parish Mission on the 7th, 8th, and 9th of December. It will take place at 7 p.m. each evening. PLEASE PLAN TO BE THERE! I am certain you will not regret investing this time in preparation for Christmas.

Another Saint Rose of America
 On Tuesday we have the option of celebrating a lesser-known saint of America. St. Rose Philippine Duchesne (1769–1852) was a pioneer of faith, courage, and prayer on both sides of the Atlantic. Born in Grenoble, France, she grew up during a time of political upheaval and religious persecution. Drawn to a life of prayer and service, she entered the Visitation convent at 18, but the French Revolution forced its closure. For years she secretly helped the poor and taught children until religious life was restored in France.

In 1804, she met St. Madeleine Sophie Barat and joined her newly founded Society of the Sacred Heart. Rose longed to serve as a missionary in distant lands, a desire that remained unfulfilled for over a decade. Finally, in 1818, at the age of 49, she crossed the Atlantic with four companions to bring the Gospel to the people of the American frontier.

Her first mission was in St. Charles, Missouri, where she opened the first free school west of the Mississippi River. Life was difficult: language barriers, extreme poverty, illness, and cultural isolation marked her early years. Yet she persisted, founding schools and convents throughout the region and forming generations of young women in faith and learning.

At 72, Rose finally realized her dream of working among Native Americans. She joined a Jesuit mission to the Potawatomi in Sugar Creek, Kansas. Frail and unable to teach, she spent her days in silent prayer. Her deep devotion moved the Potawatomi to call her “the woman who prays always.”
Rose returned to St. Charles, where she died in 1852. Canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988, she is remembered as a missionary of steadfast prayer, humility, and perseverance. Her life shows that holiness often blossoms quietly; through endurance, faithfulness, and an unshakable trust in God’s providence.
You are in my prayers. If you want to meet, please send me an email ([email protected]) or give me a call.