Teach Children What to Treasure POWERSOURCE. December 2017 ASK GOD:

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1 December 2017 St. Kilian Congregation 428 Forest Street Hartford, WI Dennis Vlasak, DRE ext. 406 Attendance ext. 307 Teach Children What to Treasure POWERSOURCE ASK GOD: 1. To bless your family s Christmas preparations and reflections. 2. To help your children feel satisfied with what they have. 3. To show your family the value of spiritual things rather than material things. Despite Christians efforts to honor the true meaning of Christmas, each December we must do battle with our consumer-oriented culture. The temptation to overindulge our children isn t limited to the holiday season, either. All year long, kids are bombarded by ads for musthave items. Parents often give in, either because they can or because they don t want their kids to feel deprived or left out. From a spiritual standpoint, materialism shifts our priorities and dependence from God and heavenly things to what the world offers. From a developmental standpoint, overindulged children are less able to cope with stress, often lack self-control, and are at risk for being self-centered and depressed, researchers say. As the Christmas season approaches, keep these tips in mind. Don t rely on gifts as substitutes. Children desire time with you and emotional security. Deep down, they want relationships more than things. Emphasize the importance of nonmaterial values. Prioritize spending time together as a family, whether you re engaged in experiences and activities or spending quiet time at home. Watch the example you set regarding shopping and spending. Help children explore their values. Instead of just saying no to every request, use the moment to discover what s important to kids.

2 Nurture Generous Hearts Jesus gave us the best guidance for living in a culture that overflows with materialism. In Matthew 6:33 (NLT), he challenges us to seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. When we trust Jesus to provide, we can be generous and find joy in giving to others. Helping children develop a heart of gratitude is the best cure for a sense of entitlement. Gratitude moves the focus off ourselves so we can consider other people s needs and act generously in response. Start by talking with your children about sharing. Then discuss why God wants us to be generous and how sharing our blessings with others becomes a blessing for them. Try these ideas to nurture generosity and a giving spirit this Christmas. TEACHABLE MOMENTS The Greatest Gift Beforehand, wrap a small gift for each family member. (Choose a variety of items that anyone would enjoy.) Sit in a circle and give each person one gift to hold. Say: As I read the Christmas story, pass your gift to the person on your right every time I say God, Lord, or Jesus. When I m done, I ll say amen, and you ll keep the gift you re holding at that time. Read aloud Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-38; and Luke 2:1-20. Then say amen. Have family members hold their gifts while you ask these questions: What did you have to do to receive the gift you have? What did we have to do to receive the gift of Jesus? What is most exciting to you about the Christmas story, and why? Say: Jesus is the greatest gift of all! He freely gave his life for us out of love. Because of Jesus, we ll live forever with him and so will everyone else who loves him. Hearts for Jesus Make a big stocking with the name Jesus in glitter. Let children make felt or paper hearts with their names on them and give their hearts to Jesus. (After all, that s what he wants the most at Christmas!) 12 Days of Serving As a family, come up with 12 acts of service you can perform together during December. For example, shovel snow for a neighbor, donate extra blankets to a homeless shelter, and deliver cookies and hot cocoa to homebound senior citizens. Try Tithing When children receive money for Christmas, have them use 10 percent to help someone else, whether they donate it or buy a small gift. Together, keep a journal detailing how children use that 10 percent and see how the blessings add up! Adopt a Family Purchase gifts and a holiday meal for a family in need. Then deliver everything on (or right before) Christmas Eve. You can do this anonymously. All-Night Anticipation Curl up in sleeping bags beneath your tree on Christmas Eve. Before going to sleep, talk about what Mary and Joseph experienced on the journey to Bethlehem and in the stable. Before opening gifts in the morning, emphasize that Jesus is the first and best Christmas gift. Baby Blessings Older kids can throw a baby shower (complete with birth announcements!) for Jesus and then donate items to a local crisis-pregnancy center. Anonymous Angels On Christmas morning, have family members draw names. During each of the next 12 days, angels should anonymously do something special for their person (do a chore, leave a note or drawing, make a treat, etc.). On January 6 (Epiphany), have an Angel Party and reveal your identities. Serve angel food cake and discuss what it was like to bless others and to be blessed by others. Bearing Gifts Fill lunch sacks with small treats and tape them shut. Read aloud Matthew 2:1-12 and say: After Jesus was born, wise men traveled a long way to bring him gifts. Let s pretend to be wise men and camels! Take turns being wise men who guide camels on all fours carrying a sack on their back. Then talk about what gifts the wise men gave Jesus and what gifts we can give him. Close in prayer and open your gifts. Store your treasures in heaven Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:20-21

3 MEDIA MADNESS MOVIE Title: The Star Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Rating: PG Cast: Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Kristin Chenoweth, Zachary Levi Synopsis: A brave donkey yearning for adventure teams up with some eccentric stable animals. When the new friends follow a star, they become unlikely heroes of the first Christmas. Our Take: This major Sony Pictures release includes lots of big-name talent, including a title song by Mariah Carey. Based on the trailer, the movie seems to offer more comedy and animated antics than religious insight. It is refreshing, though, to have a holiday release that actually focuses on the reason for the season Jesus. Games, Sites & Apps Anaxi In this lighthearted card game, which won a best family fun award, players make creative connections between words. The goal is to brainstorm people, places, and things that have qualities in common. Answers can be challenged. For ages 8 and up. AutismHwy.com This site, launched by the mother of an autistic boy, features fun games for children who are on the autism spectrum. It s also filled with lots of helpful information for parents, including a blog, articles, resources, events, and specialists. Users must create an account to access site material. BOOK Title: Malala s Magic Pencil Author: Malala Yousafzai Synopsis: The 20-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner, who advocates for human rights and education, offers inspiration in this new picture book. While sharing her vision for equality and opportunity, she encourages young readers to change the world. Our Take: Despite Malala s experience surviving an attempted murder, this book remains age-appropriate for kids ages 4 to 8. There s a suggestion of danger and hardship, but Malala s message about educational ideals and the goodness of people is positive. Older kids may wonder what the author endured, and the book may provide a great opportunity to discuss the basics of Christian faith versus other faiths. Leela Kids This free educational app for kids ages 3 to 15 curates podcast content based on topics and age groups. Topics range from science and space to music and animals. Kids and parents can rate and share any episode or story. Parents can hide certain age categories as desired. CULTURE & TRENDS An Eye-Opener Spending more time playing outdoors has a protective effect on children s eyesight, say researchers. Lots of exposure to outdoor light may also reduce kids chances of needing glasses for nearsightedness. (cnn.com) Moods Are Catchy Children whose friends deal with bad moods are more likely to report being in bad moods themselves, according to a new study. The opposite is true for children whose friends are generally happy. (time.com) QUICK STATS Spoiled Alert! 46% of parents say they ve gone into debt buying something their children want. (cnbc.com) Tipping the Scales The number of obese children and teens worldwide now tops 124 million. That s more than 10 times the number from four decades ago. (The Lancet) Pardon Me About half of parents say they re interrupted by their smartphones at least three times a day while talking with their kids. These interruptions contribute to negative behavior among children, research reveals. (telegraph.co.uk) This page is designed to help educate parents and isn t meant to endorse any movie, music, or product. Our prayer is that you ll make informed decisions about what your children watch, read, listen to, and play.

4 December, 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 Confirmation Retreat 3 1 st Sunday of Advent 10 2 nd Sunday of Advent St. Nicholas Our Lady of Guadalupe St. Lucy 13 7 St. Ambrose Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 14 St. John of the Cross 8 The Immaculate Conception of Mary HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION 9 First Reconciliation Celebration rd Sunday of Advent Winter Begins 24 4 th Sunday of Advent 25 The Nativity of the Lord HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION 26 St. Stephen 27 St. John the Evangelist 28 The Holy Innocents Christmas Eve 31 Christmas Day Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph New Year s Eve

5 Questions about the Catechism: A Continuing Series 22. Since the Catechism is written in a declarative and expository, rather than apologetic, style does it discourage searching and questioning? The Catechism on Confirmation 1293 In treating the rite of Confirmation, it is fitting to consider the sign of anointing and what it signifies and imprints: a spiritual seal. Anointing, in Biblical and other ancient symbolism, is rich in meaning: oil is a sign of abundance and joy; it cleanses (anointing before and after a bath) and limbers (the anointing of athletes and wrestlers); oil is a sign of healing, since it is soothing to bruises and wounds; and it makes radiant with beauty, health, and strength Anointing with oil has all these meanings in the sacramental life. The pre-baptismal anointing with the oil of catechumens signifies cleansing and strengthening; the anointing of the sick expresses healing and comfort. The post-baptismal anointing with sacred chrism in Confirmation and ordination is the sign of consecration. By Confirmation Christians, that is, those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit with which he is filled, so that their lives may give off "the aroma of Christ." 1295 By this anointing the confirmand receives the "mark," the seal of the Holy Spirit. A seal is a symbol of a person, a sign of personal authority, or ownership of an object. The Catechism sets forth the content of the faith in a comprehensive yet summary fashion and in a positive and explanatory manner. In this sense, it answers many questions about doctrine in a clear and unambiguous way. On the other hand, however, the Catechism recognizes that faith is an ongoing journey on which questions and doubts come naturally and need to be addressed at the opportune moment. The Catechism - far from preempting discussion - provides accurate information with which to carry on informed discussion. 23. Can an individual's quest for God be helped by the Catechism? While the Catechism is organized around the four traditional pillars of catechesis, it can be used as a valuable resource for the formation of catechumens in a group or for an individual. Since the Catechism does not intend to offer a methodology for catechesis or impose a single learning pattern, its content can be used in a variety of catechetical methods and settings with equal value. The Catechism has an inherent flexibility that can correspond to the particular faith journeys of all believers. [Photo] 24. Is the Catechism a spiritual book in any sense? The Catechism's spirituality rests on the foundation of Trinitarian life. The relationships among the persons of the Trinity provide the model for human relationships. Some have suggested reading Book Four (Prayer) first to put the rest of the Catechism in the context of prayer. But the frequent references to the saints and the spiritual doctors of the Church throughout the Catechism make this unnecessary. In fact, the Catechism can be read from the point of view of a spiritual journey in which what the Church believes, celebrates, lives and prays combine to yield information, formation and the hope of transformation by God's grace along the way. The centrality of the Trinity as the organizing principle of the Catechism assures its spiritual orientation.

6 First Reconciliation Parents in the School and Religious Education Program have been faithfully working each week with their sons and daughters to prepare them to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time on Saturday, December 10 th. A young person s understanding of the following concepts assists in determining if he or she is ready to celebrate the sacrament: Sin is freely choosing to do wrong. Sin hurts both the sinner and the community. Penance and Reconciliation pardons sins committed after Baptism and brings the sinner back to God and the community. Penance and Reconciliation brings an increase of spiritual strength for Christians. Followers of Christ are called to continual conversion and renewal. God s mercy is celebrated in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. To receive God s mercy we must express contrition for our sins and desire not to sin again. We do penance, such as prayers or actions, which forms good habits of virtue. The priest forgives in the name of Christ and the Church. Please pray for the children and families that they appreciate the gift of this Sacrament of Healing and continue to celebrate it often. 1 st Reconciliation Parent Instructions Books and activity papers are due Sunday, December 3. RE students can either give the books and papers to their Catechist and he or she will give them to me following class or you can drop off the books and papers in the Holy Family Room which is located at the main entrance to the school that morning or evening. Another option would be to bring them to the Parish Office at 428 Forest Street. I will be reviewing the books and papers. The children will be getting their books and activity papers back on December 9 th after they are checked. 1 st Reconciliation is scheduled for Saturday, December 9 th at 9:00 am. The Communal Penance Service will begin promptly at 9:00 am. Please arrive on time. What does the Catechism say about Penance and Reconciliation? 1430 Jesus call to conversion and penance, like that of the prophets before him, does not aim first at outward works, sackcloth and ashes, fasting and mortification, but at the conversion of the heart, interior conversion. Without this, such penances remain sterile and false; however, interior conversion urges expression in visible signs, gestures and works of penance Interior penance is a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart, an end of sin, a turning away from evil, with repugnance toward the evil actions we have committed. At the same time it entails the desire and resolution to change one s life, with hope in God s mercy and trust in the help of his grace. This conversion of heart is accompanied by a salutary pain and sadness which the Fathers called animi cruciates (affliction of spirit) and compumpunctio cordis (repentance of the heart) The human heart is heavy and hardened. God must give man a new heart. Conversion is first of all a work of the grace of God who makes our hearts return to him. God gives us the strength to begin anew.

7 ADVENT Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent (from, "ad-venire" in Latin or "to come to") is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas. This year, Advent is as short as it can be. The 4 th Sunday of Advent is December 24 th, Christmas Eve, St. Nicholas Day Candy Cane Blessing Prayer Good St. Nicholas, we honor you on this your holy feast day. We rejoice that you are the patron saint and the holy symbol of joy for many peoples of many lands. Come, great-hearted saint, and be our patron and companion as we, once again, prepare our homes and hearts for the great feast of Christmas, the birth of the Eternal Blessing, Jesus Christ. May these sweets, these candy canes, be a sign of Advent joy for us. May these candy canes, shaped just like your Bishop s staff, be for us a sign of your benevolent care. We rejoice that you are the holy bringer of gifts and that so many have been delighted through your great generosity. Help us to be as generous of heart. Wherever these candy canes are hung, on tree or wall or door, may they carry with them the bright blessing of God. May all who shall taste them experience the joy of God upon their tongues and in their hearts. We ask God, now, to bless these your brightly striped sweets in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord s birth on Christmas. The final days of Advent, from December 17 to December 24, focus particularly on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas). Advent devotions including the Advent Wreath, remind us of the meaning of the season. Traditionally, Advent wreaths are constructed of a circle of evergreen branches into which four candles are inserted, representing the four weeks of Advent, three candles are purple and one is rose. The purple candles in particular symbolize the prayer, penance, and preparatory sacrifices and good works undertaken at this time. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete Sunday is the Sunday of rejoicing, because the faithful have arrived at the midpoint of Advent, when their preparation is now half over and they are close to Christmas. The progressive lighting of the candles symbolizes the expectation and hope surrounding our Lord s first coming into the world and the anticipation of his second coming to judge the living and the dead. 4 th Sunday of Advent AN ADVENT WREATH BLESSING Our help is in the name of the Lord. Response (R/.) Who made heaven and earth. Then the Scripture, Isaiah 9: (lines 1-2 and 5-6) or Isaiah 63 (lines & 19) or Isaiah 64 (lines 2-7) is read: Reader: The Word of the Lord. R/. Thanks be to God. Lord our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: he is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples, he is the wisdom that teaches and guides us, he is the Savior of every nation. Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ s promise to bring us salvation. May he come quickly and not delay. We ask this through Christ our Lord. R/. Amen. This year Advent is as short as it possibly can be with the 4 th Sunday of Advent also being Christmas Eve. Because of this, there will not be a Mass at 11:15am on Sunday, December 24 th at St. Kilian.

8 RESPONSE DUE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 th!!

9 Was St. Nicholas Real? The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships. Saint Nicholas of Myra lived and acquired his reputation for sanctity long before the Church began its formal process of beatification. He became recognized as a saint by a kind of popular acceptance. Historians and hagiographers generally write that much of what is said about Nicholas is legend. Again, remember that at Nicholas s time there were no investigation and authentication of claimed miracles before canonization took place. Attributing miracles and wonders to a person was an ancient way of expressing people s conviction about the holiness of the person. You will still find Nicholas listed in the various dictionaries of saints, for example, Dictionary of Saints, by John Delaney (Doubleday). And you will still find Nicholas listed in the Roman Calendar on December 6. There he is assigned an optional memorial. In other words, churches and communities on that day may choose to celebrate either the liturgy in honor of Saint Nicholas or the liturgy for a weekday in Advent. Learn more about Saint Nicholas here. December RE at a Glance Dec. 2 Confirmation Retreat meet in St. Theodore Room at 9:00am Dec. 3 10:00-11:00 am - Class - 4K-Grade 7 Dec. 3 6:30-8:00 pm - Class - Grades 8-11 Dec. 10 First Reconciliation - 9:00 am in Church Dec. 10 1:00-11:00 am - Class - 4K-Grade 7 - Individual Reconciliation Grade 5 Dec. 10 6:30-8:00 pm - Class - Grades 8-11 Dec. 17 9:00 am - Children s Mass - All children should attend. Grade 4 - Gospel Procession - Students should meet their Catechist in the Gathering Space near the Sacristy before Mass. Children s Collection 10:00-11:00 am - Class - 4K-Grade 7 Dec. 17 6:30-8:00 pm - Class - Grades 8-11 Dec. 25 Merry Christmas Jan. 1 Happy New Year Jan. 7 Classes resume December 6th is the feast day of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, which appropriately falls during the Advent season. This feast day is an especially exciting one for children as they count down the days on their Advent calendars in anticipation of Christmas day. St. Nicholas of Myra is a major saint in many European and Eastern countries, and one of the old Christian traditions surrounding his feast day is for kids to leave their shoes out overnight in front of the fireplace, on the windowsill, or outside their bedroom door so that St. Nicholas can fill them with special fruits, candies, and other small gifts and treats. This tradition grew from the story of when St. Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra, threw bags of dowry money, either through a window or down a chimney, into the home of an impoverished family to rescue their daughters from being sold into slavery. This was just one of his many acts of good will and charity towards the poor, especially poor children. Ideas to include in your children s shoes or stockings are bags of chocolate candy coins, a small toy, new socks, a tangerine, and inexpensive religious items, such as a Christmas ornament, a rosary, saint bracelet, and prayer cards. You can also include candy canes which symbolize a shepherd s staff. Another cute part of this tradition is for kids to leave carrots or hay in their shoes overnight for St. Nicholas donkey to eat. St. Nicholas takes the hay and carrots for his donkey, and replaces them with small gifts and treats for the children in the morning. Yes... St. Nicholas was known to ride a donkey laden with gifts for children before he graduated to flying reindeer!

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11 Advent Waiting By D. Todd Williamson Waiting in line can be one of two experiences. See if you identify with the examples below: First Example: Waiting in Dread You re standing in line at the post office or the grocery store, waiting for your turn. You re tapping your foot and keep looking at your watch. You don t want to be in this line. Before long, you begin to think, Oh, I can t wait for this to be over! Often times, the other people in line with you feel the same way! No one speaks to anyone else. Clearly few are enjoying the experience; the impatience or irritability you feel might even be visible on your face. Such an experience of waiting in line can seem isolating, almost lonely. Second Example: Waiting in Excitement Now think about the times when you waited in line at an amusement park, to buy tickets to see your favorite baseball team, or to hear your favorite band. In these instances, the waiting is much different. People are excited and you might even be talking to some of them about the ride you re getting ready to experience, the sports team that you love, or the band you re about to hear. This second example is the kind of waiting we are called to in Advent. Waiting in Joyful Hope At Mass, after praying the Lord s Prayer, we hear... as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This prayer reminds us that during Advent, we wait in joy, in hope, and in anticipation for the wonderful event we are about to experience the feast of Christmas, the coming of Christ into our lives in new ways, the return of Christ in glory at the end of time. As the Church, we wait during Advent and look forward to celebrating the fact that God loves us so much that he sent his Son into the world to save us. This waiting is far from empty; rather, it is full of the hope that God promises us as we prepare for Christ in the feast of Christmas.

12 ADVENT AT HOME A rich and powerful season of the Church year. How Can You Celebrate Advent? 1. Advent Wreath: One of the most popular ways to celebrate Advent. 2. Advent Dinners: Make the Sundays of Advent into something special. 3. Prepare Seasonal Food: Many historically Catholic countries have traditions of preparing food for the liturgical seasons. 4. Advent Devotional Reading: There are lots of great Advent books that take you deeper into the profound theology of Advent. 5. Special Prayers: Adopt special prayers during the Advent season. 6. Advent Calendars: Another popular way to celebrate the Advent season, especially popular with children. 7. Advent Music: Make your own playlist of music appropriate for Advent which anticipates Christ s birth. Find a list of Advent music here. 8. Nativity Scenes: Nativity sets are a classic tradition and are great to display during the Advent season. 9. Attend an Advent Penance Service. 10. Christmas Tree Blessing: When you finish decorating the Christmas tree, bless it with this Christmas tree blessing from the USCCB. 11. Almsgiving: Good deeds and generosity have always been an important part of preparation for Christmas. Advent is a great time to practice spiritual and corporeal acts of mercy such as Christmas gifts for disadvantaged children, volunteering at a nursing home or soup kitchen, visiting the sick in a hospital, or simply inviting people into your home who may have no friends or family of their own to celebrate the holidays with. We often miss Advent's power because these December weeks are full of secular Christmas parties and preparations for Christmas. Each year, the busyness of this season serves to distract us from having an Advent season that truly prepares us for the celebration of Christmas, with all its meaning. An Advent Prayer Dear Lord, I sit here with my list, Lord, and I know I need help finding a balance. I am so looking forward to Christmas Day, with the family here, the company, the wonderful celebration. But, Lord, there is SO much to do! When will it all get done? How will I maintain any semblance of inner peace in this "peaceful" season? I think, Lord, that I need some balance in my life. I feel so torn between wanting to cook and fill my house with wonderful welcoming smells, and wanting to finish decorating the house. I have shopping to do, the house to clean and cards to write and mail. When? How? Help me, guide me, Lord. Help me to set priorities around doing those things that will bring me closer to you. Maybe my house really is clean enough, or maybe I can ask my family for help. Can the cards wait until a quiet afternoon after Christmas? Can my house decorations be simpler? Is there more than a little ego involved when I want so desperately to have my house "magazine perfect" for the holidays? Help me rediscover the joy of simplicity, Lord. Help me to remember what I am celebrating. Help me to find it in my heart to call out, "Come, Lord Jesus." AMEN.

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14 ST. KILIAN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3RD 7:30-8:00 PM Treat your soul to this unique experience during this busy season.

15 [Photo box] RE Happenings Saturday, December 2, 2017 Confirmation retreat Students will meet at 9:00am in the St. Theodore Room. The Retreat lasts until 8:30pm. Saturday, December 9, 2017 First Reconciliation Students who have been preparing will meet at 9:00am in Church. There will be a reception after the celebration of First Reconciliation. Parents are asked to bring a treat to share. The Parish provides drinks, plates, and napkins. Grade 9 Large Group Presentation on Confirmation Large group presentation on the Sacrament of Confirmation in the St. Theodore Room on Sunday, December 10, Grade 9 Large Group Presentation on Eucharist Large group presentation on the Sacrament of Eucharist in Church on Sunday, January7, Sunday, January 21, 2018 Grade 10 Bingo for Senior Adults of the Parish Grade 10 students will host Bingo and provide prizes and beverages for senior adults of the parish. Students arrive at 12:45pm for set up. Bingo is from 1:00-2:30pm. Students will be asked to stay for the clean-up following the event. This will take the place of their class for that evening. Sunday, February 3, 2018 Confirmation Candidate/Sponsor Day of Reflection This is a required part of the confirmation preparation process. Have your son or daughter notify their employer they need this day off. This is a wonderful opportunity for candidates and sponsors to come together to share and reflect upon their faith. Sunday, February 11, 2018 Grade 10 Visit to Washington Heights and Harthaven Decorate Valentine cookies with and for residents.

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17 [Photo box] THANKSGIVING LESSONS [Text and Photos] [Text and Photos] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted Psalm 34:18 (NIV) Evie wasn t friendly or accommodating like the other servers at the Waffle House. The day before Thanksgiving, when she charged me $1.70 for an ounce of milk for my coffee, I slapped a couple of choice labels on her too. Grumpy was my favorite. You sure aren t in much of a Thanksgiving frame of mind, my sister said. Where s all that kindness and gratitude? So I decided to change my tack. You like magazines? I asked Evie. I d brought along a couple of home decor glossies. Don t have time for picture books like some, Evie grumbled. Then she paused and took in the cover. Featured was a mouth-watering pie. A slow smile crept across Evie s face. Well, I ll be, she said. A pee-can pie. Gimme that thing. I m going to make my man a peecan pie for Turkey Day. Another server stole a glance at the photo of the pie and at Evie. Don t be thinking that magazine s yours, Evie said, jabbing the server s elbow. My friend at table five just gave it to me. I m making my Sammy one of those pies. It s his favorite, you know. Later, when Evie brought my order of scrambled eggs and bacon, she related the story of her man. They d been together for thirtyfive years. She d baked him a pecan pie when they were newlyweds, and he d raved about it ever since. But now he had end-stage lung cancer. Doctors predicted this would be his last Thanksgiving. I d been all wrong to judge Evie without knowing what made her the way she was. I d thank God for her and ask Him to give her a double helping of blessings too. Evie wasn t mean-spirited at all, Lord. She simply had a broken heart. She can be my Thanksgiving teacher if I only let her. Roberta Messner Digging Deeper: Psalm 147:3; John 14:27; 1 Peter 5:7 Excerpted with permission from Daily Guideposts 2018, copyright Guideposts. Published by Zondervan.

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