For the past few years St. Malachy church has given a percentage of their monthly tithing to local charities, a practice of generosity and compassion. But more so, a sacred act of faith sharing our blessings out of our plenty or need, acknowledging our trust in our God who will provide regardless of the times. Thus, with the approval of the Finance Board, a ‘tithe’ or ten percent of the Dollar Collection taken up at Sacred Heart Masses will go toward an outreach program, whether local or outside of our area. Each month a different outreach program will be chosen, whose charitable work is aligned with our Catholic-Christian values. So many parishioners have generously tithed with the resources they have for the upkeep and continued mission of our Catholic faith within our parish community; thus, our humble efforts to give a certain percentage for the sake of others who are in need—whom we will never know—is an act of trust in our Savior who simply said, “Follow me.” Within St. John, St. Malachy, and Sacred Heart communities, bound together as one parish, the generous spirit of individuals and families remains an act of faith, a trust in the providence of our God within our personal lives and that of all creation. A percentage from our October ‘Dollar Collections’ at Sacred Heart will go to Catholic Charities, designated to aid their outreach to the families affected by the recent and devastating hurricanes in North Carolina and Florida. A brief background of Catholic Charities USA, a branch of Catholic outreach we recognize locally in their counseling efforts of individuals, couples and families: Since 1910, Catholic Charities has created hope for individuals and families facing the hardships of poverty. With a network that spans nationwide, we are one of the leading organizations fighting the battle against poverty. Last year, Catholic Charities agencies were able to: Provide nourishment and serve 44 million meals to children, families, and individuals in need. Offer shelter and secure emergency housing for over 400,000 people without a place to call home. Deliver relief by responding to 59 disasters, bringing immediate aid and renewed hope to communities in distress. If you have any suggestions please call the office; for questions. Most importantly, thank you for sharing your faith and presence within our Sunday Eucharist and parish activities. Last week the priests—active and retired—attended a four day conference directed by the Liturgist for the Diocese of LaCrosse. His presentations on the different aspects of the Mass were enlightening and challenging, always brought across with a bit of self effacing humor. He discussed everything from approaching the doors of the church in anticipation of the Eucharist, the Sign of the Cross to the final procession of the Mass. He and his wife have eight children and attend a small rural parish. As the diocesan liturgist, taking his responsibilities seriously, he would try to awaken a sense of holiness in his children as they attend Mass. After one such Sunday Mass, as the family was returning home in their van, he asked each of them what was the most special part of the Eucharist. His youngest boy pipes up, “Donuts and juice afterwards!” We each have our own path to the presence of God. “But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant. . . .For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." Consideration can be given for those who serve in some capacity for the Sunday Eucharist, (whether as an Altar Server, ushering, greeting at the doors, cantering, singing in the choir, sacristan, playing a musical instrument, Eucharistic Minister, Communion to the Homebound, bringing up the bread and wine). And alongside service during the Eucharist, teaching for Religious Ed. Class, helping with RCIA and sharing as a sponsor, leading scripture study or an adult education class, preparing and serving parish meals especially at funeral luncheons, and quietly as a “prayer warrior.” All such service within the church community provides the grace to serve in the general milieu whether for a service organization, aiding a neighbor, volunteering for a community activity, serving at a shelter or food pantry/soup kitchen, seeking to help clean-up following a natural disaster. As Dr. Martin Luther King and Gandhi describe ‘service’: “If you want to be important-wonderful. If you want to be recognized-wonderful. If you want to be great-wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness. . . .Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve.” “Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy.” God Bless, Fr. Tim FYI: God’s love surround you, God’s Spirit guide you, God’s whisper cheer you, God’s peace calm you, God’s shield protect you, God’s wisdom arm you, wherever God may lead you.