The parking lot directly behind the RE Building will be used for Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday, October26th. If you are attending the 5PM mass on the 26th, DO NOT park in this area unless you are planning to decorate your car and hand out candy. Parking will remain available on the Hwy 44 side of church as well as the areas along the Parish Hall and next to the Parish Offices. Additional parking by the Xavier Center is available for those attending the event. The RE building will be unlocked to allow those wishing to cut through to the Xavier Center after mass and get first dibs on the chili.
Xavier Center Closed Oct 28th & 29th
Fr. Dale’s Homily
29th Sunday in OT (Cycle B)
Gospel: Mark 10:35-45
October 19-20, 2024
“Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
A teenager in church heard this and thought, “My parents really need to hear this!” The parents heard it and thought, “My boss really needs to hear this!” The boss heard it and thought, “Our CEO really needs to hear this!” The CEO heard it and thought, “Our pastor really needs to hear this!” The pastor heard it and thought, “The archbishop really needs to hear this!” The archbishop heard it and thought, “The Pope really needs to hear this!”
In a perfect world, not one would have that response. In a perfect world it would have gone from teenager to pope immediately. However, those in authority and those under authority (most of us are both, living different roles) are human and thus very imperfect, even though redeemed. Both need to examine their posture toward authority.
Jesus teaches that authority is servanthood and its’ purpose is the good of those governed. This contradicts ancient pagan views…and much of human experience. Our readings make this apparent. The Suffering Servant justifies many. Jesus enables us to receive mercy and favor. “Son of God has not come to be served, but to serve” is our model: our way of getting God’s work done.
The challenges of being in authority is to find continuing joy in continuing sacrifice and service: such as: parents know this one well, from “diapers to college tuition”; so do teachers, coaches, government workers and political leaders, priests, deacons and pastors, just to name a few…
The challenges of being in authority are to make right decisions even when they will not please all people: such as accepting that “the buck stops here” and sometimes that place is Calvary. Another; Trusting their “view from the top” and distinguishing it from mere personal preferences.
The challenges of being in authority is to accept that “the view from the grass roots” is needed to compliment “the view from the top”, not mindless pandering to popularity.
The challenge of being under authority is to find freedom in obedience. This is especially difficult in a culture of “political correctness” where every opinion is allegedly just as good and weighty as any other opinion. Obedience is freeing when it is freely given. There is a big difference in complying or in acquiescing…
To distinguish between a truly informed conscience and mere personal preference: primacy of conscience is absolutely true (and binding) but it assumes (1) serious reflection (2) prayer and (3) open-minded listening.
To separate “principles from personalities” OR “the messenger from the message” is not easy work. Not at all. But we are to try…every day… with every person…The Gospel compels us to do this.
You and I are about to receive Jesus, who was and is Lord and King, Obedient Son and Servant. Let us ask for the grace to lead well and to follow well.
In a word, like it says on our money, “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
Hurricane Relief
The Archdiocese of Louisville has established a Relief Fund for the communities in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Funds will be used to support emergency response, and the pastoral and reconstruction efforts needed for the civic and faith communities affected. If you wish to support this effort, please send donations directly to the following:
Archdiocese of Louisville
ATTN: Hurricane Helene Relief
3940 Poplar Level Rd
Louisville, KY 40213-1463
Accountability Report
For your review, below is the Annual Accountability Report for July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024.
Catholic Services Appeal 2024
The annual Catholic Services Appeal invites area Catholics to join together in supporting the more than 100 ministries, services, and programs offered by the archdiocese. Over the last year CSA donations:
- helped to deliver Safe Environment Training to over 3100 people who work with children or youth.
- provided training and formation opportunities to those who minister to, with, and for adolescents and young adults.
- provided days of reflection, weekend retreats, and other faith sharing events to college students.
- offered 63 catechist certification classes for over 900 attendees.
- assisted parishes across the archdiocese with facility maintenance and planning.
- supported the many publications and media communications that are made available to all Catholics in the archdiocese.
In addition to these services for parishioners, the Catholic Services Appeal supports the Seminarian Education Fund, which allows seminarians to focus on their education and spiritual growth as they prepare for a life of service to God.
Last year St. Francis Xavier Parish raised over $24,000 for CSA with 105 families participating. Our goal for 2024 is $26,500. While the monetary goal is important, our focus this year is on participation. With over 800 families registered with our parish, even the smallest of donations can make an impact. To help visualize participation, each family that donates any amount to Catholic Services Appeal in 2024 will be represented by a fish or loaf image and added to the CSA poster on display in the gathering space in church. Help us to fill the basket with loaves and fishes and support the many great works of CSA.
Use the buttons below to make an on-line donation or to see full listing of works supported by CSA.
All donations made to the Seminarian Education Fund will be matched up to $65,000. Any donations by donors who did not make a gift last year and any Salt & Light donor that increases their donation will each be matched up to $50,000.
View the video from Archbishop Shelton regarding this year’s appeal HERE.
Knights of Columbus Essay Contest
Don’t miss out on your chance to enter the Knights of Columbus Catholic Citizenship Contest! This year’s topic is “What are the two most important virtues for an elected leader to possess, and why? How can you determine if the leader has these virtues?“ The contest is open to grades 8-12; essays should be 500-750 words. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners from each grade. Download the entry form below or pick up one in the gathering space of church. Essays must be received by 11/13/2024. Contact James Underwood for additional information, (502) 494-5988.
Parents! Encourage youth to become citizens grounded in their faith through creative writing!
September Pull Top Collection for Childhood Cancer Awareness
Honor Thy Children August Newsletter
Click on here to view the latest edition of the Honor Thy Children Newsletter.
Closures
The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, September 2nd, in observance of Labor Day.
Thank You Donors!
St. Francis Xavier Church was once again recognized for our participation in the Premier Blood Partners Program. In 2023 the American Red Cross collected 235 Units through SFX sponsored blood drives. This is up from 193 units in 2022 (22% increase). The next opportunity to donate here at St. Francis is Sunday, October 20th.
Crossroads Messenger
Click HERE to view the latest edition of The Crossroads Messenger.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (aka “Children’s Church”) will resume on August 25 at both 9:00 and 11:00 mass! During Mass, kids ages preK through grade 3 are invited to a special liturgy that simplifies the Sunday readings and includes interactive discussions for kids! We are so grateful for the existing volunteers that make Children’s Church possible and are seeking a few more volunteers for the 2024-25 year. If you’d like to volunteer for this important ministry, please contact Lauren Battcher at lauren.battcher@sfxmw.com.
Volleyball & Pickleball Time Change
Starting the week of August 19th, Volleyball and Pickleball sessions will move to 6:30 – 8:30PM to make room for a new Yoga class being offered in the Xavier Center those same evenings.
Join the Women’s Club!
If you are interested in joining a group of friendly, spirited ladies who enjoy working together for the good of the parish, the SFX Women’s Club is the place for you!
With events such as Bunco and the Christmas Bazaar, the Women’s Club helps fund various parish ministries and community programs and causes. The ladies participate in a variety of parish activities across the SFX campus.
General Meetings are held the first Monday of August through May at 6:30PM in the Lower Parish Hall. All women, age 18 and over, are welcome to join. Contact Ann S at (502) 777-1576 for more information.
“Raise Your Voices, Lift Your Hearts”
The SFX Music Ministry is looking for additional members for any and all masses. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to worship through song.
Adult Choir/Musician rehearsals begin Wednesday, August 14th at 6:45 in the church.
Children/Youth Choir practice starts Wednesday, September 4th from 6:15-6:45 in the church.
Contact Carrie Gary with questions or for more information: carrie.gary@sfxmw.com / (502) 931-2193.