Lent, which means spring, occurs as winter slowly yields to the new life of spring and then, the Church celebrates the new life of Easter. During the Easter Season, farmers plant and about the time they are done, we enter "the green season" — a time when we are called to grow in Christ. During the fall, we enter into the harvest season and the Church celebrates the promise of the second coming of Christ. Thus, the feast of Christ the King completes the Church year celebrating the day when He will gather in all of the faithful ones.

There are two feasts in the fall, which especially capture the mood of autumn: All Saints and All Souls.

As Catholics, we believe that we will be judged twice: the first judgement is individual and occurs at our death; the second judgement will occur at the end of time.

As Catholics, we also believe in the God of second chances. Because many, perhaps most, people are not perfect at death, we are not truly ready to enter into God. But in His great mercy, God finishes what was started at our Baptism; as God draws us to Himself, we are purified and cleansed and made ready for God. We call this Purgatory.

Who is with God? Who is being purified? We have no real way of knowing (short of a miracle that occurs through the intercession of the deceased). That is why these two feasts are placed back to back. On All Saints, we pray with all those who are with God. On All Souls, we pray for all those who are still on their way to God.

I mention it now, because I hope you will mark your calendar for these feast days. On All Souls Day, we especially commemorate all those who have died during this past year as well as all our deceased family and friends. Both days will have a simple morning Liturgy at 9 am and the main Parish Liturgy will be at 7 pm in the evening.

It had been several months since her baptism, but the "glow" hadn’t seemed to wear off. So a co-worker asked her how her life had changed since her baptism. Caught off guard, she hesitated. But a jack-o-lantern on a nearby desk provided the inspiration. "It’s like being a pumpkin!" she said.

When asked to explain, she replied: "Well, God picks you from the patch and brings you in and washes off all the dirt that I got from being with the other pumpkins. Then He cuts off the top and takes all the yucky stuff out of the inside: He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves a new, smiling face and places His light inside to shine for all to see!

"It’s our choice: to stay outside and rot on the vine or come inside and become something new and bright!"

Fr. Dave Howell

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Jennifer Hextall, Helen Jones, Larry Piesko, Bill Kottke, MaryAnna, Colette Bertrand, Carole, Larry Stanley, Rachel Holthus, Bob Brookins, Laura Drittler, Angela Cooney, Kathy, Donald Schommer, Sophie Martin, June Bennett, Steve, Shirley Brake, Jaylee Doremire, Brad Heinitz, Jean Killen, Steve Thuss, Joyce Fraser, Ethan Montague, Micah Zielinski, Dave Sharpy, Harold Stewart, Rosemary Duffy, Tom Johnson, Carolyn Johnson, Mary Johnson, Chuck Horka, Patti Conahan, Matt Even, Jimmy Sexton, Mel Oja, Elsie Whetter, John, Adam Weitzel, Mary Beth, Mary Lou Colgin, Joey Boyd, Merrick, Paul Duff, Kateri Sullivan-Golbiw, Mike, Linda Nagle, Bishop Povish, Joanna Bloese, Ellen Colombo, Karen, Laurie Deirlein, and Donovan.

Please remember in your prayers Pam & Mark Snyder and family in the death of their infant daughter Audrey Marie Snyder.

Your envelope packets for the full year November, 2001 to November 2002 are in the gathering area. Please pick up your packet.

Commitment Cards In your packet (the first page) you will find your commitment card, please take time and prayerfully discern what your stewardship will be for the upcoming year and fill out the card and return it in the box provided in the gathering area.

Come and join the Refoccus couples on Friday, October 26 at 7:30p.m. in the Social Hall as we officially begin this new program dedicated to enhancing and enriching our experience of marriage. Part of this evening will include a video presentation, "Loving Your Marriage" followed by a "lively" discussion on the six stages of this special relationship.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

Each weekend, a segment of the Liturgy is explained three minutes before the Liturgy begins. This column will offer further explanation and background on that segment.

THERE ARE MANY PARTS The Divine Liturgy of the Eucharist (the official name) has two primary parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. In addition, there are two secondary parts which serve as "book ends": the Opening Rites and Concluding Rites.

The second main part of the Mass is the Liturgy of the Eucharist, which itself is divided into three sections: the Preparation of the Gifts, The Eucharistic Prayer and the Communion Rite. Like the Liturgy of the Word, these sections build one on the other until we reach the high point of the whole Liturgy which is our reception of Communion. Then the Concluding Rites send us out to live the communion we have just celebrated. We have received Christ, now we take Christ back to the world — in us!

This weekend you will notice doves with the names of our Confirmation Candidates hanging above the Baptismal Font. We are asking that you keep these youth in your prayers as they begin the final steps in their journey towards Confirmation. We also have out prayer partner slips for you to take as a reminder and ask that you keep at least one of the Candidates in your daily prayers! That is what a prayer partner does, helping individuals through prayer. One is not limited to having one name though, you are welcome to pray for all those in our Parish on their journey towards any of the Sacraments (such as Baptism, and those learning and preparing to become new members of the Catholic faith through Adult Initiation)!

All 9^th grade parents are reminded of the required parent meeting during class time this evening at 5:30pm.

First Penance parents, mark your calendars for Oct. 24/25 as there is a parent meeting during the class times those two evenings for you! You may attend during your child’s class time; St. Pat’s and those in the Family program may attend any session.

I am still in need of a catechist (any High School youth need service hours?) for the Family program which meets twice a month. Please consider helping out and call me in the office.

Thanks! Mary

We are selling Little Ceasars Pizza kits to help with the cost of the National Catholic Youth Conference. If you are interested in purchasing these pizza kits, you can do so by contacting me or any sr. high youth group member all through the month of October.

This year our Haunted House will be open two nights, October 26 & 27, from 7-10pm. The cost is $10 a family or $3 for individuals. Both nights there will be a hayride and bonfire. On Friday, there will also be cider and donuts at $.25 a donut and $.15 for cider. If anyone is able to donate either item, it would be greatly appreciated. Also on Sat. October 27, Community Life is sponsoring a Halloween party for the whole family.

This Wednesday evening is a NCYC meeting from 7-9pm in the rectory basement for all participants. Please remember to bring any and all information you have gathered about Indianapolis.

The time is soon approaching when I will be gone on maternity leave. I want to thank all of you who have volunteered to help with the youth activities and meetings while I am gone. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your time and dedication to our youth. Thank you.

M.U.D (6, 7 and 8 graders)

Tuesday November 6, we will be volunteering at the Livingston Community Food Bank. A sign up sheet is in the gathering space. You can now pick up the scheduled M.U.D. activities for the school year so you can better plan your time to be involved!

Margaret Callaghan

Christmas Cards — The beautiful Right to Life Christmas cards will be sold again this year after the Masses on Nov. 3^rd and 4^th. Your purchase will support our local RTL office and the women they serve.

"Warm the Children" Needs Shoppers - Each holiday season the Ann Arbor News collects cash donations to be used to purchase coats and clothing for needy school-aged children. "Warm the Children" needs adults willing to go shopping with one or two children and their parent at the Brighton Meijer Store. The shopping requires only one and one-half hours and you can select the time. We will be starting at the end of Oct. If you are interested in this wonderful holiday service, please contact Carol McGrath (517) 546-7053.