CHRIST THE DIVINE SHEPHERD PARISH

Dear Friends in Christ,
I’m happy to share that our seminarian, Jared Koenig, will be returning to the parish next Sunday, November 15, and will be with us through November 22. Jared is continuing his formation for the priesthood, and I’m glad he’ll be spending another week with us. If you see him at Mass or around the parish, please say hello and make him feel welcome. And please continue to pray for Jared and all those discerning a vocation to the priesthood!

I really want to encourage everyone to mark November 30 through December 2 on your calendar. We’ll be hosting an Advent Parish Mission at St. Bernadette Church with Catholic speaker and musician Mike Tenney.

The theme is It’s a Wonderful Life! Most of us know the movie, and I think there’s something especially fitting about that theme as we prepare for Christmas. Sometimes we get so caught up in everything going on around us that we forget just how much God has given us.

These three evenings will offer an opportunity to slow down a little, pray, reflect, and prepare for Christmas. There will be music, Eucharistic Adoration, and an opportunity for Confession. I really hope you’ll join us, and perhaps invite someone to come along!

There are some terrific things happening in our parish as we approach Thanksgiving. Our Breaking Bread Ministry is preparing its Thanksgiving Community Dinner on November 26, and our Walking with Moms in Need ministry is hosting its Cookie Walk on November 21 at St. Susanna. You can support a great cause and get a head start on your Christmas cookies. Not a bad combination!

I’m also grateful for everyone involved in our Thanksgiving Food Drive and the many other ways our parish reaches out to those in need. Much of this work happens quietly, thanks to parishioners who generously give their time and talents. Thank you!

As we continue through November, please remember to pray for those who have died, especially your family members, friends, and fellow parishioners. One of the beautiful things about our Catholic faith is that our love for those who have gone before us continues through our prayers. May they rest in the peace of Christ.

God bless you!
Fr Mike