September 30, 2007

Reverend Paul Pecchie, Pastor

Reverend Prakash Madanu, ALCP.

Deacon Richard Brady, Deacon Ralph Bufano

Deacon Kenneth Spaulding (Winter Months)

Retired Assisting Priests

Reverend Monsignor Richard Cahill

Reverend Kenneth Bonadies

Reverend Bernard MacAdam (Winter)

MASS SCHEDULE

Daily Masses................................................... 8:00 AM

Wednesdays with School in Session ........ 9:00 AM

Saturday Vigil ................................................4:30 PM
Sunday ............ 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM and 5:30 PM

Music Director:

Mrs. Paulette King................................................. x 316

Sacristans:

Sr. Lucy Mbuya, CDNK........................................ x 304
Sr. Castissima Masambo, CDNK .......................... x 304

Directors of Religious Education:

K-8th grade: M/M Joseph & Julie Blum ............... x 320
Adult: Sr. Kathleen Luger, OSC............................ x 321

Outreach Ministries:

Sr. Rosamunda Massawe, CDNK ......................... x 321
Ms. Claire Obordo................................................. x 302

Youth Ministry:

H.S.: M/M Pete & Marie O'Shea .......................... x 322

Jr. High: M/M Robert & Sue Tassinari ................ x 322

1507 Trotter Road, Largo, FL 33770

Mailing Address: 2121 - 16th Ave. SW, Largo, FL 33770

Parish Office: (727) 584-2318; Fax: (727) 586-5413

Website: www.stpatrick-largo.org

Confessions are heard on Saturdays, 3:30 & 5:30 PM
(also Thursdays before First Friday at 8:30 AM).

Baptisms are arranged at least two months in advance
by calling the parish office.

Marriages are scheduled with the priest at least six
months ahead of time.

Anointing of the Sick: If you anticipate a hospital stay,
please ask to be anointed prior to hospitalization at one of
the daily Masses. In case of an emergency, please call at
any hour. The infirm may call the parish office to arrange
for a priest to anoint them at home.

Visits to the Homebound: Our Eucharistic Ministers
bring Holy Communion to our homebound parishioners,
usually on a weekly basis. Please call the parish office if
you are not able to attend Mass.

Parish Registration is done by attending a Welcome
Meeting and Breakfast. Please call the parish office for
details.

School Principal:

Sr. Veronica Visceglia, SSND ........................ 581-4865

St. Patrick School, founded in 1959, provides an
excellent academic program to grades preK-8, in a Christ-
centered environment which nurtures each student in
mind, body and soul.

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 30, 2007 A.D.

Page 2 - Sunday, September 30, 2007

26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

My Dear Friends in Christ,

When Pope John Paul II visited New York City in 1979, he gave a

powerful reflection on the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man as we
heard in today's Gospel dressed in fashionable clothes and ate

wonderful meals every day. Meanwhile, a destitute man named Lazarus looked
on longingly. He would have been happy with table scraps, but the rich man fed
those to his dogs. When the two men died, things were reversed: Lazarus found consolation and the rich
man found torment. After summarizing the parable, Pope John Paul asked why the rich man was
condemned. "Was the rich man condemned because he had riches, because he abounded in earthly
possessions, because he 'dressed in purple and linen and feasted sumptuously every day'?"

The Holy

Father answered, "No." It was not for wealth that the rich man was condemned. Here is the reason. I
ask you to listen carefully to the Holy Father's words:

"The rich man was condemned because he did not pay attention to the other man, because he
failed to take notice of Lazarus, the person who sat at his door and who longed to eat the scraps
from his table. Nowhere does Christ condemn the mere possession of earthly goods as such.

Instead, He pronounces very harsh words against those who use their
possessions in a selfish way, without paying attention to the needs of others."

The rich man did not pay attention to the other man. These words are meant

for us. Now, you and I probably do not consider ourselves rich. In comparison to a
Bill Gates or a Donald Trump we are not. All of us together would have only a tiny
fraction of their net worth. Still, in comparison to most of the people on the planet
we are fabulously wealthy. We enjoy warm clothes and buildings with central
heating even air conditioning. Very few people here worry about not getting
enough calories. On the contrary, most of us worry about getting too many. And
even the person who works for minimum wage earns more in a day than most people

in the world earn in a week. I know that many of our families are in debt and are struggling, but we must
also recognize that we have opportunities which others envy. Pope John Paul spoke directly to us who
have so much. "We cannot stand idly by," he said, "enjoying our own riches and freedom, if, in any
place, the Lazarus of the 20th century stands at our doors."

Now, this does not mean that we have to take the world's problems on our

shoulders. You and I have enough problems of our own without trying to
solve other people's. But we can lend a helping hand. It is not just a matter
of contributing to a collection although that is important. It means sharing
our gifts, above all sharing our love. The pope warned parents about giving
their children all kinds of material things, but not giving them love. Those
things, said the Holy Father, will turn to "dust and ashes in their mouths if they do not experience love."

When we give something, we should try to say a little prayer: Lord, may my gift help this other

person. May it not only bring joy, but may it also bring that person closer to you.

We want to give our

own children the very best we can. That means we want them to have God. The rich man had
everything, but he did not have God. The poor man lacked everything, but he had God. Jesus makes it
clear who was better off.

We live in a world which has shrunk. The poor are right at our doorstep. We cannot help them all,

but we can help some. As the pope reminded us, the important thing is that we pay attention to the other
man. He is like you and me: He needs love that is, he needs God. Lazarus is at our doorstep. May we
pay proper attention to him so that one day he will welcome us into heaven along with Abraham and all
the saints.

Praised Be Jesus Christ!

Fr. Pecchie

JMJ

First Reading -- The rash ones have no

integrity; but the just ones, because of their
faith, shall live (Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4).

Psalm -- If today you hear his voice, harden

not your hearts (Psalm 95).

Second Reading -- God did not give us a

spirit of cowardice but rather of power and
love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-
14).

Gospel -- The apostles said to Jesus,

"Increase our faith" (Luke 17:5-10).

Do I ask the Lord for a deeper faith

when I pray?

Encourage someone this week who seems

discouraged, depressed or lacking faith, by

addressing the good he or she does.

Readings Ahead:

October 7, 2007

27th Sunday

in Ordinary Time

We are . . . Disciples in Mission

Sharing our Faith in Christ all year!

LOOKING BEYOND OURSELVES

The message found in today's readings is an oft-told story. Citizen

Kane, Daddy Warbucks, and King Midas are only a few of the familiar
fictional characters who thought enormous wealth could buy happiness
and fulfillment. Daddy Warbucks admitted stepping on a few people in
his climb to the top. Kane tried to buy the printed word and stardom for
his young wife, while King Midas conjured
immense wealth and tragedy by his very
touch.

We learn clearly in today's readings that

none of this is really possible. True
happiness comes from caring for someone
other than ourselves. It comes from the
pursuit of the virtues Paul described to
Timothy: faith, love, gentleness, godliness,
righteousness, and endurance. The Gospel
reminds us that we dare not ignore the needs
of others, acting as though we don't notice
their suffering. God's call to us is much too
clear to disregard for even one more day.

Parish & Evangelization - Page 3

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

ELEBRATING

YEARS

ARISH

EWS

Fr. Paul Pecchie

ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH

(727) 584-2318 Tel.

Fr. Prakash Madanu, ALCP.

2121 - 16th Avenue SW, Largo, FL 33770

(727) 586-5413 Fax.

Volunteers Needed!

In celebration of St. Patrick's
Jubilee, the Jubilee Commit-
tee wants to provide a
Thanksgiving

dinner

Thanksgiving Day from 11

AM to 2 PM. We are looking for volunteers to
help. If you are able to help out, please call Jen-
nifer at 743-2291 and leave your name and
number. Thanks!

Hel

VOCATION VIEW

VOCATION VIEW: September 30, 2007 - 26

Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle C

Who do you identify with - the rich man or Lazarus? Choose to notice others and reach out

to those in need. Support those who serve the poor. (Luke 16:19-31)

ur RCIA community will need individuals to
serve as godparents and sponsors for those dis-

cerning to become Catholic. There's nothing more
exciting than being around people who have hunger to
be a Catholic. Are you proud of your faith? Are you
willing to share your experience as a Catholic with
someone who is just beginning their Catholic
life? You will be asked to join the weekly RCIA ses-
sions and you must have received the Sacraments of
Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. If interested
contact Sr. Kathleen, ext. 321.

Blessing of the Animals on Saturday!

St. Patrick Church is having their annual
Pet Blessing in honor of St. Francis of
Assisi. All four-legged, two-legged,
winged, crawling, swimming, or slithering
animals and their owners are invited! Deacon Brady will preside
at this special liturgy on Saturday, October 6th at 12 noon in
the parking lot by Our Lady's grotto. Let your pet know it is
loved and ask God's blessings upon your special friend!

A BIG THANK YOU from the St.

Patrick Adult Choir to all who helped
make our Italian Gala dinner a
success.

We would also like to acknowledge

the following for their contributions:
Publix, Panera Bread, Village Inn, The
Pie Factory, Winn-Dixie, Albertons,
Claudio's Restaurant, Tasha's Flowers,
David Ruppel and Debbie Denton.

All for the Greater Honor & Glory of God

Page 4 - Faith Formation

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Men's Bible Study Group
Robert Smith

6:45 AM - 7:30 AM (CR)

(ph. 587-7961)

Every Wednesday

Adult Bible Study: The Gospel of Luke
Sr. Kathleen

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM (CR)

Wednesday, October 3rd

The Great Bible Adventure
Sr. Kathleen

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday, October 2nd

Jeff Cavins presents this DVD series. Join us

on this truly great adventure.

RCIA: Are you interested

in the Catholic faith?

RCIA classes meet on Thursday nights at 7 PM in the
Conference Room. We invite you to learn what the
Church teaches and be introduced to some of our parish
members. These sessions are also opportunities for you,
and others that you may wish to invite, to ask those
difficult questions about the Church. These gatherings
are open to people who are not baptized, those who have
been baptized in another Christian community and seek
full reception into the Catholic Church, and for those who
were baptized as Catholics but have not received the
sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist. For more
information contact Sr. Kathleen at 584-2318 ext. 321.

St. Patrick's Religious Education

Religious Education (K-8) Sundays, 10:30 - 11:45 AM

Small Faith Sharing Group
Barb Murphy 9 AM - 10:30 AM (CR)

Friday, October 5th

Join our faith sharing group each Friday in the

Conference Room.

Mr. & Mrs.

Joseph &

Julie Blum

DRE, ext. 320

Have you seen our Web page?

Visit www.stpatrick-largo.org today!

Going Deeper With Your Faith

Adult Education and Faith Formation

Religious

Ed.

PASTOR'S CLASS with

Fr. Pecchie

7:00 PM - 9 PM (CR)

Monday, October 1st

Journey with Fr. Pecchie as we

take a look at St. Paul: His Life and Times.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have not yet registered your child for
Sunday School or Sacrament Preparation for Communion or
Confirmation, please contact Joe or Julie as soon as possible.

CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD

I am happy to announce that the
Children's Liturgy of the Word dismissal
program for the 4, 5, and 6 year olds
during the 9 AM Sunday Mass is going to
begin the first Sunday in October. Thanks
so much to Kay, Tina, Tammy, Jessica,
and Whitney for continuing this ministry!

FOUNDATIONS OF PERSONAL PRAYER:

We meet every Monday at 7 PM in Msgr.

McCall Library (first room on right).

Important Calendar Reminder:

There is no class on 10/14. It is the weekend of our School /

Parish Fun Fair. Come out and have some fun at the fair!!

THANK

YOU!

also

w a n t

t o

thank all the
children who
h

volunteered

to be readers, ushers, greeters,
servers, and gift bearers for the 9
AM Mass. The service of our youth
gives great hope for the future of the
Church. May God bless you and
your families abundantly.

School & Youth - Page 5

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Principal:

Sr. Veronica

Visceglia,

SSND

Jr. High Youth Ministers:

Mr. & Mrs. Bob & Sue Tassinari, ext. 322

. P

ATRICK

ATHOLIC

CHOOL

ELEBRATING

OVER

YEARS

XCELLENCE

DUCATION

, L

EADERSHIP

& S

ERVICE

St. Patrick Catholic Youth

UNIOR

OUTH

ROUP

The Junior Youth Group meets on Sunday nights from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in
the Youth Room. Newcomers are always welcome! If you have any ques-
tions, please call Sue & Bob at 585-5546.

IND

, O

EART

, O

PIRIT

ENIOR

IGH

OUTH

ROUP

"By This Sign, You Will Conquer"

H.S. Youth Ministers:

Mr. & Mrs. Pete & Marie O'Shea, ext. 322

Because foundation is everything.

REGISTRATION

for 2007-2008

SCHOOL YEAR:

Registrations are
being accepted for all grades
(PreK - 8). St. Patrick is a fully
a ccr ed it ed, C hr i st - c ent er e d
environment, known for academic
excellence. For info., please call
the school at (727) 581- 4865.

The Senior Youth Group meets Sunday nights after the 5:30 PM Mass in
Msgr. McCall Hall. Youth in high school or older are welcome to attend.

Can we call upon your time, talent or treasure to donate meals? You can
either cook a meal or donate pizza or financial contribution. If you can
help, please call Pete or Marie O'Shea at the Parish Office, ext. 322.

It's that time again! The kids are back in school and that
means that the FUN FAIR is just around the corner. Our
theme is the FABULOUS 50's. We plan to have many
fun events for you to enjoy while helping to raise money
for St. Patrick School.

Flea market trailers have arrived! Donations

accepted each Saturday from 9 AM and 12 noon. For
larger items, please contact Pam at 585-5255 to
schedule a pick up on October 6th.

Advanced tickets at discounted prices! Parents will

be selling these after Sunday Masses and order forms
will be inserted in the bulletin.

Sponsors needed! Parishioners please consider

being a sponsor of the fair. If you have a business and
would like to sponsor a booth, we will post a
sponsorship sign with your company name during the

EARLY CHILDHOOD ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

St. Patrick School Early Childhood Program opened as a result of
the greater parish community's understanding of the need for a
program that offers learning experiences and
care for 3 and 4 year olds in a Christian
environment.

Applications

are

being

accepted. For info, call the school office.

42ND ANNUAL FUN FAIR - OCTOBER 11TH THROUGH OCTOBER 14TH

fair and include your company name,
address and phone number on an
insert into the bulletin after the fair.

Benefit Raffle tickets will also be sold after

Sunday Masses.

Volunteers needed! If you have some time,

consider working a shift at the fair. We will also
need help with set-up beginning Monday, October
8th, in the evenings. The booths need to be
placed under the tent and the flea market trailer
needs to be emptied.

We need your help to make this a successful Jubilee
Fun Fair. We appreciate your support immensely. If
you have any questions, concerns or ideas, please
call Patty Ruppel, FUN FAIR CHAIR, at 595-9769.

Page 6 - Stewardship: Sharing our Gifts

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The sin of the rich man in today's parable was not that he was rich, but that

he failed to share his wealth with the beggar at his gate. He knew Lazarus,

perhaps walked by him every time he came in or out, but did nothing to

relieve his suffering. Is there a Lazarus in my life? What am I doing to help?

TEWARDSHIP

: T

IME

, T

ALENT

, T

REASURE

Thank you for your

generous support for our

parish! God bless you!

Your generosity helps support our parish operating expenses and our

ministries each week, so that we may serve you, our parishioners, better!

September 23, 2007

$ 10,219.85 (357 Envelopes)

Annual Pastoral Appeal

$ 806.00

Children's Envelopes

$ 7.00 (5 Envelopes)

Helping Hands

$ 179.00

ibrary

Book

C l u b

N e w s :

There's been a leak!
Now

everyone

will

know that those 3rd Thursday
sessions of the book club are
attracting new members and new
ideas for enjoyable reading. This
month we are reading "Mother
Angelica, the Remarkable Story of a
Nun." We can still find space on
our shelves for donations of
appropriate volumes. Thanks to all
who have donated already. Phone
Florence at 595-3254 or René at
584-3775 for more information.

SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES:

Our parish, along with many others in the Dio-
cese, will be involved in the Bishop's initiative
on the Eucharist. It is the Bishop's goal,
through this initiative, to help Catholics
throughout the Diocese deepen their relation-
ship to Christ as they celebrate and reflect on
the sacrament of his Body and Blood. This
initiative will begin October 7th with a six-week
faith-sharing program on the Eucharist, enti-

tled "Eucharist-Source and Summit". During this
time we will look at the history of the Eucharist,
different aspects of the Liturgy of the Word and
the Liturgy of the Eucharist, as well as Eucharis-
tic devotion. Sign-up for these groups after all
Masses this weekend. Please prayerfully con-
sider joining a group.

LEGION OF MARY: Meets every Thursday at 9 AM in the
Conference Room. If you would
like to join, contact Peggy at 585-
1597.

SHARE-A-PRAYER: If you
or someone you know
needs special prayers, let
us pray for you and your
loved ones. Phone 584-
6954 and together we will lift

our hearts to God!

Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday

Come, pray with me!

Please

consider spending even one hour
each Wednesday to be with Our
Lord in Eucharistic Adoration,
beginning after the 9 AM Mass
and concluding with Benediction
at 6:45 PM. Please sign up at the

Church entrance. Wednesdays in our
Diocese have been designated as a day
to pray for holy vocations.

Have you lost a loved one

recently? You don't have to

walk this journey alone ...

Our GriefShare sessions are on
Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM in
the Parish Library of Msgr. McCall

Hall. If you or someone you know is having a hard time coping
with the loss of a loved one, please consider coming to our
gatherings and be with those who understand. GriefShare is a
12-week Christian based bereavement group. As many
people have found out, this road is not one to be traveled
alone. If you have any questions or need any more
information, please contact Pat at 585-0945 or Claire in the
parish office, ext. 302.

Mass Intentions & Schedule of Events - Page 7

Mass Intentions

The Week Ahead

September 29, 2007
Alfonso Fusco & the Giordano Family

September 30, 2007
Ricky Beard
St. Patrick Parishioners
Francis Blondin
Josephine Harden

October 1, 2007
Raymond Murack

October 2, 2007
Marylou Moschella

October 3, 2007
Richard Klimpel
Loretta Storch

October 4, 2007
Robert Behrman

October 5, 2007
Kevin Barton

October 6, 2007
Richard Klimpel
Draksler & Zorowski Families

October 7, 2007
Helen Wondolowski
Robert Moore
St. Patrick Parishioners
Peggy Marchese

Pray for our Military

Pvt. Rose Barton, US Army, Missouri
Staff Sgt. William J. Condon, US Army, New York
Second Lt. Tara Dawe, US Army, New York
Lt. Comm. Shawn D. Fitzpatrick, USN, Virginia
Sgt. Jason A. George, US Army, Korea
Lance Corporal Jorge Granados, USMC, Florida
Sgt. Joshua Harmon, Kentucky
Staff Sgt. Matthew Hicks, U.S. Army, Missouri
Airman Ryan Hines, US Air Force
Lt. Jr. William J. Howey, III, USN, Connecticut
Sgt. Anthony Jordan, US Army Calvary, Iraq
Staff Sgt. Kevin Kinkade, US Army, Kentucky
Lance Corporal Nick Krege, USMC, Iraq
Specialist Daniel McCarley, US Army, Florida
Airman 1st Class Kevin McCarley, USAF, Germany
Ensign Christopher McDowell, USN, Iraq
Airman Theresa Newbill, US Air Force, Texas
Sgt. Scott Platzer, US Army, South America
A. B. Michael Pourteau, USAF, Texas
Pvt. Chris Reed, USMC, Iraq
Major Kristin Streukens, US Air Force
Major Scott Trapman, US Army, Fort Lewis, WA
Major Michael Trofinoff, US Army, Iraq
Staff Sgt. Saturnino Vilano, Jr., US Army, Afghanistan
Airman Christopher E. Villano, USN, Maryland
Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller, USAF, Iraq

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Sun.

8:30 AM

10:30 AM

6:30 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM

Mon.

3:15 PM
3:15 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM

Tue.

3:15 PM
3:15 PM
4:00 PM
6:30 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM

Wed.

6:45 AM
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:45 AM
3:15 PM
3:15 PM
3:15 PM
6:30 PM
6:45 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM

Thu.

8:30 AM
9:00 AM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM

Fri.

9:00 AM
3:00 PM
3:15 PM
3:15 PM
7:30 PM

Sat.

9:00 AM
3:30 PM
5:30 PM
7:00 PM

09/30/07
Coffee and Donuts (PC)
ERE: Religious Education for Children (school)
High School Youth (PC)
Junior High Youth Meeting (YR)
Al-Anon Meeting (Lib)

10/01/07
Enrichment Club: Arts & Crafts (Café)
Enrichment Club: Sports (Field)
Cub Scout Pack 465 Den Mtg. (Café, Art, PE, Gr1)
Foundations of Personal Prayer Mtg. (Lib)
Contemporary Worship Band Rehearsal (CH)
Pastor's Class (CR)

10/02/07
Enrichment Club: Model Trains (MC)
Enrichment Club: Webkinz (Comp)
Mission of St. Patrick Class (Lib)
GriefShare Meeting (Lib)
St. Patrick Players Rehearsal (PC)
Great Adventure Bible Study Program (CR)
Boy Scout Troop 465 Meeting (Café.)
Respect Life Meeting (MC)

10/03/07
Men's Bible Study (CR)
School Mass (CH)
Adult Bible Study (CR)
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (CH)
Enrichment Club: Sudoku (Gr3)
Enrichment Club: Chess (Comp)
Enrichment Club: Scrapbooking (Gr1)
Boy Scout Troop 465 Committee Meeting (Café.)
Benediction (CH)
Charismatic Prayer Group Meeting (CR)
Jubilee Committees Monthly Meeting (PC)

10/04/07
Confessions before First Friday (CH)
Legion of Mary (CR)
Children's Choir Practice (OLM)
Adult Choir Practice (OLM)
RCIA Class (CR)
St. Patrick Players Dance Rehearsal (PC)

10/05/07
Faith Sharing Group (CR)
Challenge Club Meeting (REL)
Enrichment Club: Reading Adventures (MC)
Enrichment Club: Newspaper (Café.)
Our Lady's Oratory Prayer Group (CH)

10/06/07
Junior High School Baking (Café.)
Confessions (CH)
Confessions (CH)
Knights of Columbus Roaring 20's Dinner (PC)

Sat.

4:30 PM

Sun.

7:30 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
5:30 PM

Mon.

8:00 AM

Tue.

8:00 AM

Wed.

8:00 AM
9:00 AM

Thu.

8:00 AM

Fri.

8:00 AM

Sat.

7:30 AM
4:30 PM

Sun.

7:30 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
5:30 PM

Please pray for the members of our St. Patrick Parish

family and friends who have died recently:

Barbara Granholm

Page 8 - `Round the Diocese, Plan Ahead & Saints 'N Feasts

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Diocesan Announcements

Clearwater Central Catholic High School invites you
to join the President and Director of Admissions to
discuss the value of investing in a Catholic high school
education. CCC is the place your student needs to be
because "CCC is Where Success Begins."

Oct. 16th: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, 7 PM
Oct. 17th: Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, 6:30 PM
Oct. 23rd: St. Patrick Catholic School, 7 PM
Oct. 24th: Guardian Angels Catholic School, 7 PM

Please contact Helen Lambert in the Admission Office at
531-1449, ext. 304 or Hlambert@cchs.org with questions
or for additional information.

Annulment Seminar: On October 25th at St.
Cecelia Church in Clearwater, form 7 PM to 8:30 PM,
the Marriage Tribunal of the Diocese of St.
Petersburg will present a seminar on "Annulments in
the Catholic Church." The information presentation
will be given by a judge from the Tribunal and will
provide an opportunity to explore the various grounds
for marriage nullity, dispel myths about annulments
and answer questions. If you have experienced a
failed marriage, or know someone who has, or are
just curious about the annulment process, please
consider this your personal invitation to the upcoming
seminar: "Annulments in the Catholic Church."

Thérèse of the Child Jesus

(1873-1897)

Feast Day: October 1

The story of St. Thérèse, "the Little Flower," is well
known. Born in France in 1873, she entered a cloistered
Carmelite monastery at 15, lived a simple life full of
humility and trust in God, and died of tuberculosis at age
24. In her autobiography, she tells of reading the
familiar passage in I Corinthians about the varieties of
gifts and finding there her particular vocation. After
listing the various gifts of the Spirit, St. Paul compares
the body of Christ to the human body, noting that both
are made up of many parts with various functions. Then
he defines the greatest of all gifts, love. It was this
charism that St. Thérèse claimed as her own. "O Jesus,
my love, at last I have found my calling: my call is
love." One commentator says, "She gives witness to two
outstanding virtues that are needed by all devout
Christians: a radical humility that makes us aware of
our weakness and our total dependence on God, and
secondly, complete surrender to the infinite mercy of
God in an act of perfect love."

That's a pretty good

description of total stewardship, too!

St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi (1181?-1226)

Patron Saint of Catholic Action, Ecologist

Feast Day: October 4

"Francis, go out and build up my
house, for it is falling down." St.
Francis of Assisi heard the Lord say
these words in a vision in the
crumbling chapel of San Damiano
and set to work at once. Renouncing
his father's wealth and privilege, St.
Francis embraced a life of radical
poverty that found him begging, door
to door, for the means to rebuild the
church and assist the poor. Friends

thought he was mad. But before long, his genuine love for
the poor led others to join him. These itinerant preachers
who followed St. Francis and lived the Gospel with such
simplicity and joy became the Order of Friars Minor, or
"Franciscans." The life of poverty and humility to which
Christ called St. Francis "built up" the Church in ways he
could never have imagined that first day in San Damiano.
Few of us will be called to the total poverty of St. Francis
of Assisi, but, inspired by his example, we can seek to live
more simply and be better stewards of the abundance that
is ours to share.

Guardian Angels

Feast Day: October 2

A good steward, one definition says, is

a person who receives God's gifts gratefully, cultivates
them wisely, shares them generously, and returns them
with increase to the Lord. Only the first of those four
verbs is passive; often our emphasis in stewardship is on
the more active verbs on what we do with the gifts we've
received. This feast celebrates a gift which we can only
receive with gratitude. "He has given his angels charge
over [us] to guard [us] in all our ways

," Scripture says.

On this feast of the Guardian Angels, good stewards find in
God's loving providence yet another reason to give thanks.
"Even though we are children and
have a long, very long and
dangerous way to go, with such
protectors what have we to fear?
They who keep us in all our ways
cannot be overpowered or led
astray. They are loyal, prudent, and
powerful. Why then are we afraid?
We have only to follow them, stay
close to them, and we shall dwell
under the protection of God's
heaven.

Let us remember our Sister parish - St. Francis of Assisi Church - in Gotera, El Salvador on their feast day, October 4th!

May God bless their priests, sisters, lay catechists and all their families with his mercy and love.