This week I will be gone for a SILENT retreat at Mundelein. I will be leaving after morning Masses and will return sometime Sat., Oct. 8.
But In October we do have a number of events and activities coming up that I wanted to give a reminder about:
Sun., Oct. 9 – Is our FALL DINNER at St. Patrick’s in Hampton
Sun., Oct. 16 – Is our TURKEY DINNER at St. Mary’s in Ackley
Also, a reminder about some TALKS that I will be giving in the community.
In an attempt to engage also the broader public community, I will be offering a couple of Adult Faith Formation talks in more public venues in October:
- Tuesdays, Oct. 11 and Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Rustic Brew, HAMPTON
And the same talks,
- Saturdays, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29 at 8:30 a.m. at the Ackley Civic Center, featuring coffee beverages from Chairish Life.
These talks in October will be touching on the topic of Halloween:
Talk 1 – Exorcisms Ghosts and Demons:
Most of what people know about these things is what they learn from horror movies. I would talk about what does Catholic Christianity ACTUALLY teach and say about these things, instead of what Hollywood teaches.
Talk 2 – A (Christian?) History of Halloween:
Exploring the roots and history of Halloween: Is Halloween merely pagan and evil? Are there any Christian roots and themes to Halloween? Should Christians celebrate Halloween?
Join us as we explore these and other questions around this holiday.
I will offer these talks in SPANISH AFTER the Spanish Masses (talks at approx. 7 p.m.) on Sundays, Oct. 16 and Oct. 23
Besides these talks, we plan to have a table representing our churches at the downtown “Trunk or Treat” in Ackley on Thurs., Oct. 27 and at the “Halloween Howl” in Hampton on Sat., Oct. 29.
In addition to candy, we will also be giving out SAINT PRAYER CARDS, as a way to teach and remind people about the Saints during Halloween (to put the “Hallow” in “Halloween”).
We will also be inviting people to our “Saint Garden” that we will be making. More information to come on this!
Lastly, October will culminate with the celebration of the Holy Day of ALL SAINTS DAY – from which “Halloween” gets its name.
Masses for that will be:
Mon., Oct. 31 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Ackley
Tues., Nov. 1 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Hampton
Peace,
– Fr. Kevin
