Your servant in Our Blessed Lord, Fr. Michael. Striving to know, love, and serve God in all others. October 29, 2017

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1 Striving to know, love, and serve God in all others. What is stated in today s Gospel reading is the only thing to preach. Well, almost anyway. Other than this, we remember what is stated in John s Gospel: These things have been written down so that you may come to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that by believing in him we have life in his name. These two things teach us everything we need to know. There is nothing else. Everything else points to these two things. Every homily, every rule, every law points to Jesus Christ himself, and Jesus tells us that loving God and others is the center of the law. The center of the law is a person a person I am called to love a person who calls us to love God and others. There is no teaching that excludes from, no exception of, or no excusing myself or anyone else from this commandment to love. We are called to be relational. The interesting point in this is that human beings seem to be wired for connectivity. Today more than ever, we do things to stay in touch. We text, we blog, we connect constantly on social media, post on YouTube. And yet, it seems that we have never been more lonely, more disconnected. We have never been less cordial or understood less the importance of being face to face. As connected as we are, we are still isolated from one another. We live in a world that has largely separated itself from God, certainly from Christ. But the commandment we receive from Jesus today is one that requires this connection. In a sense, our challenge is to live in a world that has no good reason for people to love one another. With God out of the picture, human beings become unlovable. It is the God-potential in humanity that is the most worthy of love. Without God, we are cynics, we fight, we draw lines in the sand against one another, we are truly lost. The answer to this is that we must proclaim our God-potential in all that we are. We cannot be the same as those others who come here once a week (or every day) and then return to being the same as all the rest who live apart from Christ. In all that we do, we are Christ s first. We come here to be nourished and to learn Christ : to know him, to love him, and in so doing, gain all that there is for us. Christ is truly our life; without him our complaints will never cease, and we will not only fail to love one another, but we will appear unlovable even to ourselves. Life without Christ is a meaningless terror, an anxiety-ridden nightmare. So in all that we do, may we proclaim the love he is and the love he has called us to, and in so doing, may his promises be fulfilled, and may we attain the fullness of life and the completeness of joy. Your servant in Our Blessed Lord, Fr. Michael St. Mary s Church 95 North Main Street Canandaigua, NY October 29, 2017 St. Bridget s Church 15 Church Street Bloomfield, NY 14469

2 Page Page Two Two St. St. Mary s Benedict Church Roman / St. Catholic Bridget s Parish Church October 29, 2017 DAY MASS INTENTION EVENTS Sunday, October 29 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Monday, October 30 Weekday Tuesday, October 31 Weekday Wednesday, November 1 All Saints Thursday, November 2 The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed Friday, November 3 Weekday St Martin de Porres, Religious Saturday, November 4 St Charles Borromeo, Bishop Sunday, November 5 Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30 a.m. (SM) Amanda McLouth by Linda Nussbaumer 9:00 a.m. (SM) Sarah Capriotti by Shirley & John Romano 9:30 a.m. (SB) Joan & Phil DeMott by Steven & Dawn DeMott 11:30 a.m. (SM) Teresa Voci by her daughter 6:45 a.m. (SM) Word and Communion Service 8:00 a.m. (SB) Angelina Eazzetta and John J. Gizzi by Angi Saler no 9:00 a.m. (SM) Frances Musolino by St Vincent de Paul Society 6:45 a.m. (SM) Kevin Dailey by Beverly & John Taylor 9:00 a.m. (SM) William Sherry by Patrick & Linda Burns 5:30 p.m. (SM) JoAnne (Lacognato) Berg by Joe Vitalone 6:45 a.m. (SM) Richard T. Reed by Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kelsey & family 8:00 a.m. (SB) William & Mary Sullivan by bequest 9:00 a.m. (SM) George & Genevieve Rogalski by the Coron family 12:10 p.m. (SM) Nick Valvano, Sr. by Bob McDonald 6:45 a.m. (SM) Poor Souls 9:00 a.m. (SM) Joe Ceravolo by Bob & Maura Moore 6:45 a.m. (SM) Joe Valvano by Tom & Margaret Marafioti 8:00 a.m. (SB) Word and Communion Service 9:00 a.m. (SM) Anthony LeGrette by Lar & Laurie Humphrey 8:00 a.m. (SM) JoAnne (Lacognato) Berg by Anne Catalfamo & family 2:00 p.m. (SM) Marriage of Thomas Diakogiannis & Danielle Ventimiglia 5:00 p.m. (SM) Joseph M. Valvano by Suzanne Corona 7:30 a.m. (SM) Deceased Members of the Gelinas Family by the Gelinas family 9:00 a.m. (SM) Mr. & Mrs. Raffaele Voci by their daughter 9:30 a.m. (SB) Richard G. Pshock by Joe & Teresa Berley 11:30 a.m. (SM) Deceased Members of the Campagna Family by the Campagna family 4:00 p.m. (SM) The People of St. Benedict Parish (SM) Blood Pressure Clinic in Dougherty Hall after all Masses 9:00 a.m. (SM) RCIA Dismissal Admission into the Catechumenate 9:00 a.m. (SM) Pre-K Nursery in Pre-K Room in Dougherty Hall 10:00 a.m. (SM) K of C 5th Sunday Rosary in Halloran Chapel 2:00 p.m. (SM) Ambassadors of Mercy donations sorting in Dougherty Hall 7:00 p.m. (SM) Pre-GIFT Catechist/Volunteer Meeting in Dougherty Hall 10:00 a.m. (SM) Prayer Shawl in the Yellow House 1:30 p.m. (SM) St. Vincent de Paul Meeting in Dougherty Hall 5:30 p.m. (SB) Confessions at St. Bridget s 6:00 p.m. (SM) Social Ministry Meeting in Dougherty Hall 6:00 p.m. (SB) Yoga Class in the Church Hall 7:00 p.m. (SM) Evening Prayer for All Souls Day in Church, followed by a reception in Dougherty Hall 7:15 a.m. (SM) Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in Church 6:00 p.m. (SM) Holy Hour & Benediction in Halloran Chapel 8:30 a.m. (SM) Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary in Church 3:30 p.m. (SM) Confessions in Church 6:00 p.m. (SMS) PTO Meat Raffle in the Gym 10:30 a.m. (SB) Coffee Hour in the Church Hall 4:00 p.m. (SM) G.I.F.T. in Church Events listed as SM take place at St. Mary s, those listed as SB take place at St. Bridget s, and those listed as SMS take place at St. Mary s School Today s Responsorial Psalm I love you, Lord, my strength. Psalm 18 Altar Memorials This week, the Bread and Wine at St. Mary s will be offered in loving memory of Dorothy Furfure, requested by her daughter, Barbara. The Sanctuary Lamp at St. Mary s will burn in loving memory of Teresa Voci, requested by her daughter. The Sanctuary Lamp at St. Bridget s will burn in loving memory of Colleen Marianacci, requested by her family. III. Thomas Diakogiannis & Danielle Ventimiglia II. Paul Glover & Danielle Pease Best Wishes! Evan Joseph Dobreski Guiliana Marie Carissimo Congratulations! 2018 MASS BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT: The Parish Administration Center doors will open at 9:00 a.m. sharp on Monday, November 6th, for those who wish to get Masses for the 2018 year. Forms will be available to fill out upon your arrival with your Intention, Requested by, and Date Requested, should those help you. As in the past, requests are limited to two intentions per year per deceased individual in a family at St. Mary s; however, additional Masses can be said at St. Bridget s, or in Kalama. It s a good idea to have alternate dates listed in the event your particular day or time is not available. The normal donation is $10.00 per Mass BREAD & WINE AND/OR SANCTUARY LAMP REQUESTS: The forms for these requests will also be available starting Monday, November 6th. Bread & Wine is $15 for a week and the Sanctuary Lamp is $5 for the week selected.

3 Question of the Week: Jesus has told us to love God and our neighbor. How do I live out these commandments in my own life? Scripture Reflection: This week s readings remind us that above all else, God calls us to love. Knowing: Our source and capacity to love another is God. In today s Gospel, Jesus points out the close connection between loving God and loving our neighbor: the second is like the first. We don't divide our attentions between God and humans; they flow from one to another. In the same way that we choose to care and respect for our neighbor, we should also care and respect ourselves. Love for self means that we don't do anything in word or action that would diminish our dignity, limit our capacity for personal growth, or dim the inner beauty of who we are. The great commands to love God and our neighbor are the foundation of our kingdom community (CCC , 1878, 2055, , 2196). Kid s Corner Sharing the Gospel When you have a choice to make, think about what God wants. Make sure your choices are good and that they help other people. When you follow God's example, you will be ready to love other people. With God's help, you can be gentle, forgiving, and kind. Prayer God, help me to love you and other people more and more every day. Loving: We love God by opening ourselves to the divine Presence, by opening our hearts to God in faithful prayer, by opening our minds to God's word in the Scriptures. We love our neighbor by opening ourselves to the Word made flesh in our neighbor's need, by opening our hearts to family closeness, by opening our minds to what another can teach us. We love ourselves by opening ourselves to the good others see in us, by opening our hearts to taking care of our need to be healthy and holy, by opening our minds to creative growth. Because it is God who gives us the strength to love others, take some time this week to reflect on how this strength has grown in you, and give God thanks. You might also examine where this strength needs to grow in you, and ask for God's grace. Serving: A neighbor is anyone who comes into our lives, not simply the person who lives next door. We express our love of God in how we love our neighbor. This week, investigate the treatment of refugees or other immigrants in our area. What difficulties do they experience? What can you do to love these people who are our neighbors? How is God calling you to reach out to those that are facing great trials, such as a terminal illness, an unexpected pregnancy, or financial difficulties?

4 Page Four St. Benedict Roman Catholic Parish October 29, 2017 All Saints Day is November 1st. Please plan on joining us for one of our Holy Day Masses: Tuesday, October 31: (SM) Anticipation Mass, 5:30pm Wednesday, November 1: (SB) 8am; and (SM) 6:45am, 9am, & 12:10pm All Souls Day is November 2nd. In addition to our regular Masses, we invite you to a special liturgy of Evening Prayer at 7pm during which we remember all those who have died within the last year. St. Vincent de Paul Society, 3rd Quarter Results A very busy but fruitful 3rd quarter was experienced by the SVDP Society s members in serving Christ s poor and those in crisis in Ontario County (July, August & September). In the Food Voucher Room: 336 food vouchers totaling $7,425 were given to 852 clients and $703 in bus passes were given to 195 clients. In the Clothing Room: 1,455 families with 3,850 clients were given 9,009 items of clothing, 2,455 household items and 532 toys. There were 4 care packages given to the homeless and recently released from prison. In the Parish Administration Center: $2 in bus passes, $340 in gas cards and $90 in food vouchers were given to those who came that were in financial crisis. In Home Visitation Program: 32 families with 78 clients received a total of $$7, to alleviate their financial crisis centering around rent, mortgage, utility, prescription, car repairs and household items purchased. Funding for the IHV program came from the United Way, donations from parishioners and residents of Ontario County and the 2nd Walk For The Poor held Sept. 16th all totaling $8, The Society is very grateful to Bishop Matano who celebrated Mass at St. Mary s on September 10 recognizing the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul. Approximately 125 parishioners and SVDP Society members of all three conferences attended the luncheon following the Mass. The 2nd Walk for the Poor held on September 16 attracted 35 participants in the walk and raised $3,000, up 56% from the walk last year that raised $1,925. The Society and those poor and suffering who were helped are very grateful to the parishioners, Society members, and the residents of Ontario County who supported this very important fundraiser. Your continued support is very much needed because the actual number of those in crisis being served is doubled that which was expected. Please makes checks payable to SVDP Society In Home Visitation and drop them off at the Parish Administration Center or mail to St. Vincent de Paul Society St. Benedict Conference, 120 N. Main St., Canandaigua, NY Again, your generosity is very much appreciated. The members of St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Benedict Conference will hold their November meeting on Wednesday, November 1 at 1:30 p.m. in Dougherty Hall. We welcome you to attend our meetings. Nocturnal Adoration Society Let us not refuse the time to go to meet him in adoration, in contemplation full of faith, and open to making amends for the serious offenses and crimes of the world (St. John Paul II). Please be with us to deepen your joy of a loving, personal relationship with Jesus. We pray the Office of the Blessed Sacrament, which includes exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, psalms, spiritual readings, prayers, and silent adoration. Everyone is welcome on Friday, November 3 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in St. Mary s Church adoration chapel. We meet on the first Friday each month. Help Needed for Upcoming Events! We are looking for volunteers and donations of pies for the Election Day Dinner on November 7 and for volunteers for the Thanksgiving Lunch on November 15. If you are able to help for either event, please contact Amy Corron at Amy.Corron@dor.org or , ext. 11 or put your name on the sign up sheets found at the entrances of Church. St Benedict s Parish Support for October 21 & 22 Sincere thanks for your support of the parish and its ministries! Attendance... 1,259 Weekly Offertory Income*... $16,649 Weekly Needs... $18,520 Overage (Shortage)... $(1,871) Year To Date Offertory Income*... $318,486 Year To Date Need... $322,132 Year To Date Overage (Shortage)... $3,646 *Regular Sunday Collection ELECTRONIC GIVING PROGRAM St. Benedict s is pleased to offer this safe and convenient option for you to contribute your Sunday offering to the Church automatically through your checking or savings account. Please contact the business office at Catholic Ministries Appeal Update To date, $41,258 (25.72%) of our $160,417 CMA goal has been pledged. Of that amount, $36,908 has been paid. Are You Being Called to Service? During the next two months the Blessing Room is preparing for both our Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for roughly 140 families. We are in need tea and coffee, and condiments such as mayonnaise, pickles, olives, and mustard to help fill out the baskets. We are also looking for gently used toys to help families with Christmas giving for their children. Toys may be left in the back of St. Bridget s Church. Please call Sandi Knopf with any questions. CCIA Food Cupboard Wish List for the Weeks of Oct 28 & 29: Pork & beans, pasta, peanut butter, cereal, tuna Personal care/hygiene items are always welcome. Next Weekend: Coins for Kalama Collection At Masses on November 4-5, we will be making our annual Coins for Kalama collection. Metal water buckets will be in the sanctuary to accept your donation of coins (and quiet money) to benefit our missionary work in Kenya. Bottles are still available at the entrances of both churches. On the first weekend of November, you can put your donations in the buckets, either as you enter church or at the offertory time. KnightLine The Knights of Columbus (K of C) Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest is now in progress for all Catholic students, grades 8 12 in public, private or parochial schools. The contest opens the doors of young minds, enabling the entrants to be creative, thoughtful and introspective in their work. This year s theme is Going to the Peripheries. Students essays are to discuss the role of the Catholic Church going to the peripheries, selecting one of the following ideas to complete their essay: a) Describe the work of one widely known current Catholic who went to the periphery; b) Describe the work of one widely known historical Catholic who went to the periphery; c) Describe the work of one person in your life, who helps alleviate human suffering. Entry forms and instruction sheets are available from Principal Deutsch, Andrew Uttaro of the Youth Ministry, and Brian Moser. Essays are judged on content, grammar, and style. Gift cards will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each grade. Deadline for submissions is Tuesday, November 21. For more details, please contact Brian Moser at (585) or bmoser2012@gmail.com.

5 Page Five St. Benedict Roman Catholic Parish October 29, 2017 ST. BENEDICT PARISH ADMIN CENTER: 95 N Main St., Canandaigua, NY (585) Fax (585) Parish Emergency Number: (585) cstmaryc@dor.org Parish Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday Closed Daily from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. NEW PARISHIONERS: Welcome to our Parish Family! We are so glad you are here! Please let us know you are here so that we can minister to your needs. Speak with a hospitality member, or call or the parish office. BAPTISMS Visit our website to fill out our baptismal request form or contact Deacon Claude so he can discuss with you the steps to baptism for your children. HOLY MATRIMONY Engaged couples should contact the parish at least 6 months prior to desired wedding date. Marriage Preparation is required. Please call or Deacon Claude. BECOMING CATHOLIC (R.C.I.A.) Call or Nick Laskowski. PARISH COUNCIL Chairperson: Melanie Soberon Council Members: Brent Hall (Vice Chairperson), Bill DiBacco (Secretary), Brian Carl, Caryl Favro, Paula Foster, Donna Mathis, Chris Neubecker, Natalie Ruppel, Clare DeMarco, Andy Yudichak, Bob Cownie, Sara M. Bodine, and Laura Barone Ex officio members: Fr. Clifford Dorkenoo, Dawn Burdick, Ann Marie Deutsch, Deacon Claude Lester, Andrew Uttaro, Nick Laskowski, and Amy Corron St. Mary s Church 95 N. Main St., Canandaigua, NY St. Bridget s Church 15 Church Street, Bloomfield, NY Father Michael Costik, Parochial Administrator.... x34..fr.michael.costik@dor.org Father Clifford Dorkenoo, Parochial Vicar...x12...Fr.Clifford.Dorkenoo@dor.org Father Kevin Murphy, Senior Priest Deacon Claude Lester, Social Ministry and Sacramental Minister...x15...Claude.Lester@dor.org Dawn Burdick, Pastoral Associate, G.I.F.T. Coordinator...x39.Dawn.Burdick@dor.org Nick Laskowski, Faith Form. Coordinator.x37. Nick.Laskowski@dor.org Andrew Uttaro, Y outh Ministry Coord..x41..Andrew.Uttaro@dor.org Maureen Horrocks, Receptionist... x10...maureen.horrocks@dor.org Amy Corron, Bulletin Editor, Parish Life Coord. x 11 Amy.Corron@dor.org Anthony DiPrima, Financial Director...x25....Tony.Diprima@dor.org Patricia Simmons, Business Manager...x13..Pat.Simmons@dor.org Helen Vallee, Asst. to Business Mgr...x Helen.Vallee@dor.org Rich Clayton, Joe Schrader & Laurent Paré, and Ed Rex Maintenance.... x18....rich.clayton@dor.org Cemeteries x 33 St Mary s School 16 E. Gibson St., Canandaigua, NY (585) Ann Marie Deutsch, Principal...x16 Ann.Marie.Deutsch@dor.org Pam Negley, Donna Kamholtz, SMS Sec... x 17...smcdcs@dor.org A Nell Adams William Aikins Baby Anthony B Marty Badger Sheryl Barry William Batson Shirley Bement Albert Benivegna Alicen Bentley Anna Bomwell Mary Lou Bonk Jeanette Bouquin- Boesler Dennis Bowler Shannon Breen Richard Brocklebank Bob Bucceri Kristy Buella Evelyn Bugg Renee Burin Sara Burns Lucille Burrill Virginia Buskus C David Capone Pramod Carpenter Douglas Carr Mario Carruba Avery Lynn Casella Jodee Case-Rizzo Ben Cassarino Dennis Walter Castle Cheryl Cecere Michelle Cleaves Lois Clovis Ginny Coniss Mark Conover Terrence Constable Todd Cook Matthew Coons Please Pray for Our Sick and Their Caregivers Charlene Cowell Carol Creswell Pauline Crosier Bruce Currier Travis Curtis D Joe D Agostino Brenda D Angelo Bernice Delforte David Delmonte Karen DeSeyn Teresa DiLella Kevin Dillon Sue Dobies Mike Doran E Jeanne Erdle Jim Erdle, Sr. F Caryl Favro Nicole Favro John & Joan Fleming Anne Fiorentino Marilyn Fisher Nicky Forgione, Jr. Diane Fudalik G Ian Galek Christopher Gallagher Deborah Genovese Robert Genovese Andrew German Kathy Gilbert Elodie Graham Suzanne Greenwood Audree Greiner Anne Griffith Lacey Pietropaolo Gulick H Barb Haight Sue Hall James Hamilton Al Harter Jim Harvey Joyce Hatcher Liz Hedger Jennifer Hefner Mike Heise Noelle Henning Connor Hicks Mary Hollis Ted Horrocks Bennett Hudson I John Inness J Adam Jemmott Dawn Jensen Eric Johnson Jeff Johnson Jerry Johnston Patt Jones K Chris Keely Christine Kimmerly Nancy Kolb Robert Kubiak Jr. L Phil Lahue Natalie Lawler Nicholas LeGrett Kitty Loeper Mary Jane Lortscher Lorraine Lowden James and Liz Lowe Hope Lowman Baby Lucas Joseph Lynch Teresa Lynch M Bob Mack Mary Malinowski Claire Maney Michael Mapes Jim Marianacci Alicia Marney Esther Martin John Martin Jay Mayeu Janet McCloud Elli McDermott Robert McGlynn Shelby McGlynn Barbara & James McKee Terry McKenna Genevieve McWilliams Liz Michaels Art Miller Caty Miller Cindy Miller Karen Miller Ron Milton Ken Moore Virginia Lee Mosely Carolyn Muldoon Terry Mullaly Dianne Murphey Fr. Kevin Murphy N Lauren Nevil Gordon Nicholson O Mary O Brien P Susan Paoli Ed Pasciak Cindy Peck Tony Pelusio Jeanetta Pharis Frank Pontera Q Buddy Quayle R Joe Rafter Ann Recker Barbara Redman Shannon Reeves Rick Revier Tom Revier Wendy Rex Ryder Thomas Rexford S Pam Sage Cori Sandoe Beverly Savage Finn Schafran Joan, Donald, & Charles Scheibener Regina Schmitt Barbara Schram Rita Schuster Deb Scorse Charles Scott Phyllis Scott Ann Scoville Peter Seiler Justin Serbent Kelly Shannon Eugene Sharp Fidel Shaw William Shaw Scott Shinkle Family Laurie Skinner Cindy Skrypek John Skrypek James Smith Mary & Ralph Smith Morgan Smithling Tom Socha Barb Spohn Karen Spychalski Patricia Stauffer James Sullivan Natalie Swift T Sandra Tambe Steve Tempest Abby Terhune Nancy Barnett Tighe Ethel Toner V John Valeska Angela Vallachi Michael Vallachi Jonathan Vanderwall Janet VanGelder Cheryle Vine Annette Vitalone W Lloyd Wade The Walczak Family John Warmuth Barbara Wasson Ed Watson Sophie Watson Marie Webster Tim Welch Abbe Widmark-Crowell Curt & Betty Working Virginia Wyffels

6 Page Six St. Benedict Roman Catholic Parish October 29, 2017 OUR KALAMA STORY CONTINUES Dawn Burdick, our Pastoral Associate, and three young adults have been visiting our parish development project in Kenya. Below, we share two notes sent by Dawn. We invite you to a KALAMA UPDATE gathering on Thursday, November 9 at 6:00 p.m. in Dougherty Hall. The gathering will begin with a shared meal (bring a favorite dish of homemade goodies to share with others), followed by a presentation by the four on their pilgrimage. This promises to be a most wonderful evening. The event is open to everyone, whether you have been a long-time supporter of the project or are just interested in seeing and hearing about the difference that one (individual or parish) can make in the lives of an entire community. So we have a sense of how many tables and chairs to set up, please contact Deacon Claude with your RSVP. October 18, 2017 Just wanted to let you know we did arrive safely late last night (for those who may not know, I am in Kenya with three young adults). We stayed in a guesthouse run by the diocese last night as it was close to the airport and better to not drive further than you need to at night. Today has been a whirlwind including starting with a flat tire (my second in Kenya!) a baby elephant orphanage, a cake cutting and feeding ceremony (wait for those pictures!) and presenting soccer balls and Rosaries to 200 students at Fr Dominic's school (I won't tell you which they were more excited about) after a long, somewhat nerve wracking drive. Everyone we have met today has been overwhelmingly gracious and caring, every single person. Dominic is so loving, and only wants us to see the best of Kenya. We have been having great but difficult conversations about government and politics, both US and Kenyan, refugees, education and even plastic bags. All these things we're hoping to capture and bring back with us to share. Tomorrow we go for the first of three days to the village of Kalama, returning each afternoon to Machakos where we are staying. I understand we are making the long journey down to the river to see what the previous experience was like before the well was dug and to witness the increased pollution. I believe we will also go to the almost completed first wing of the school that our parish is helping to build. The vice rector of the minor seminary where we're staying, when talking to the boys today paraphrased the much used line about doing small things with great love. I think I t has stuck with me because our world can be scary and torn apart. And healing it seems beyond a possibility. The quote made me think about how I can't heal the world, but I can do small things. Of course I can bring a soccer ball and Rosary, a used laptop or two, but mainly I can say: you are my brother and you are my sister, how can I help? It's not my job to fix the entire world, just to love the person in front of me. Anyhow, I'm tired and are going to bed. You can see I get a bit sappy when I'm overtired, sorry. I'm writing this on my phone as I don't have a computer, so if I've made major typos, forgive me. Also feel free to forward to anyone I didn't include because of limitations to said phone. At some point I'll write again, not sure when. If you have any questions you'd like us to ask of people, send them my way and we'll happily ask. We know we are the fortunate few who are able to be here, so let us include you in this experience. October 20, 2017 I think it's Friday night, but I've lost track of days, so am not positive. We've gone to the village of Kalama for each of the last two days. Our parish's original Kalama project had three portions: clean water, education, and medical care. Fr Dominic arranged each of our three days in the village to be about one of those aspects. Yesterday was water, and so after meeting some of the people of the village, we hiked the three kilometers down a cliff and to the river, which had been the procedure for every family for several years, until we raised the money for a bore hole well. The walk was treacherous, but fun as several of the villagers joined us, sharing their memories of their youth on the same path. Dealing with monkeys and snakes, and some of the older ones remembering when there were elephants and rhinos too (they seemed to have disappeared Class of 2018 HANDS OF CHRIST AWARD Every Spring, our Diocese gives out the Hands of Christ awards to deserving High School seniors. These awards recognize the young men and women of our parishes who have distinguished themselves as faithful Christians in their homes, schools, and communities. If you know of a young man or woman who meets the following criteria please fill out this form to nominate him or her for this honor. Hands of Christ Criteria: Has consistently demonstrated a Christian attitude by word and example; has been actively involved in the parish as well as their school or community; has been a positive role model to their peers, younger children and adults; is a practicing Roman Catholic at St. Benedict Parish; is currently a High School senior Senior s Name: School: Address: Your Name: Reason for Nomination: Place in the collection basket or send to Andrew Uttaro at: St Benedict Parish, 95 N Main St, Canandaigua, Nomination deadline is November 26, by the 80s). At the river they demonstrated how they would have filled and carried containers of water and explained where they would water their animals and wash clothes. They also talked about the increased pollution from factories upstream that is both killing fish and making the water vegetation inedible. Then it was time to climb back up the mountain. It was the hardest climb I've had since the Camino and a bit more dangerous. Plus the girls and I had to do it wearing skirts! It required several breaks and I think the villagers thought we were crazy. That may be true, but we Erin, Sarah and I are the first three Americans to accomplish that task (poor David was sick and couldn't join us yesterday - thankfully he's on the mend now). After lunch about 30 of us sat in a circle and each person shared how the well has dramatically changed their life. They were overflowing with gratitude. It was very humbling. The 1 1/2 hour car ride gave us lots of time to think about what we had witnessed and experienced. Erin and David skipped dinner last night as they both were struggling with sensitive stomachs. So Sarah and I joined the three seminary priests for dinner in the rectory. We spent most of the time trying to understand and explain our two governments. You most likely know how Kenya had an election recall (elections are the 26th, the day after we leave) and you definitely know about our government situation. All three priests are from the Kamba tribe and are incredibly peace loving. They know that whoever gets elected will do some good things and also some corrupt things, all they pray for is peace. Today was about education. In addition to sponsoring several students in high school and university, our parish has taken on the challenge of building a primary school. This is extra special to me because it is a result of our observations on our last trip to Kalama. When we arrived to the site, we found the nursery students gathered to sing us a song. It was great. We first met with the (very proud) contractor who walked us through the first stage of the school, which is an administration block and two classrooms (one addition classroom will be built each of the next six years). The structure has been built and is just awaiting the metal roofing and some finishing work. Each class will hold 40 kids! There is no electricity that far out so we talked about the possibility of solar panels. Then we went across the yard to the new nursery school / mission church (also funded by our parish). The children sang some more and a little girl read a poem. Then we had a presentation on the Kenyan school system requirements and other things to consider. Finally each of the adults gathered offered thanks. One man who only spoke Kamba said that he couldn't go to school and so couldn't speak English, but now all of his grandkids will be given the opportunity of going to school. Many more moving testimonies were given - it was another overwhelming encounter. We then got in the car and drove about 25 minutes to the parish church in Kithimani where their school was having graduation. The priest there is responsible for Kalama and he invited us to come. We thought we would sit to the side, but they had chairs at the very front, facing the people, for us. We were even invited to confer the diplomas. It was incredibly awkward, but I guess it's not everyday that Americans show up in your town. We then spent time talking with Fr Patrick about the challenges of running a school and how he thinks we can continue to partner. It has been such a full few days. I've struggled a bit with the four Americans being treated like royalty everywhere we go. It seems so wrong. However I am realizing that especially after the walk to the river, the story of the people of Kalama has become my story, and have become part of their story. Tomorrow is our last day in the village and I am already sad. I can't communicate verbally with most of them, but every time we meet or part they give the biggest hugs that say more than words ever could. It turns out it's mosquito season here and I hear them flying outside my mosquito net, so it's time to turn off the light (yes mom, I'm talking my anti-malaria medicine). JOIN US for our KALAMA UPDATE gathering on Thursday, November 9 at 6:00 p.m. in Dougherty Hall. Readings for the Week of October 29, 2017 Sunday: Ex 22:20-26/Ps 18:2-4, 47, 51/1 Thes 1:5c-10/Mt 22:34-40 Monday: Rom 8:12-17/Ps 68:2, 4, 6-7ab, 20-21/ Lk 13:10-17 Tuesday: Rom 8:18-25/Ps 126:1b-6/Lk 13:18-21 Wednesday: Rv 7:2-4, 9-14/Ps 24:1bc-4ab, 5-6/1 Jn 3:1-3/Mt 5:1-12a Thursday: Wis 3:1-9/Ps 23:1-6/Rom 5:5-11 or Rom 6:3-9/Jn 6:37-40 Friday: Rom 9:1-5/Ps 147:12-15, 19-20/Lk 14:1-6 Saturday: Rom 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29/Ps 94:12-13a, 14-15, 17-18/Lk 14:1, 7-11 Next Sunday: Mal 1:14b 2:2b, 8-10/Ps 131:1-3/1 Thes 2:7b-9, 13/Mt 23:1-12

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