October 2, 2016 Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Stewardship Reflection on Readings HAB 1:2-3: 2: 2-4; PS 95: 1-2, 6-9; 2 TM 1: 6-8, 13-14; LK 17: 5-10 Our First Reading from the Old Testament Book of Habbakuk is once again from someone we consider to be a minor prophet. However, Habbakuk, like other divinely-inspired writers of the Bible, captures the essence of messages and prophecies that have universal applicability not only in his time, but to us today. Habbakuk was writing more than 600 years before the birth of Christ that is more than 2,600 years before now. Yet he addresses a stewardship approach to life in ways that are significant to us today. Scholars generally agree that the overall theme of Habbakuk is trying to grow from a faith that might be termed perplexing and sometimes doubtful to a point where we place absolute trust in God. In today s reading, Habbakuk deals with the situation of when someone believes in God, but when they look at the world around them, it does not seem to match what God wants. Isn t that true of today s world as we are inundated with tragic and horrible news almost on a daily basis? Trust in God is the key for us to be good stewards, and it is at the crux of the power of faith. In his Memoirs Pope Benedict XVI said, The more I reflect on it, the more I understand that the nature of human life is that it is ever Holy Saturday, not Easter Sunday. We are still awaiting Easter; we are not standing in full light, but walking toward it full of trust. That trust is the secret! Parish Office 8755 Scarborough Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80920 www.saintgabriel.net Hours... Monday-Friday 9 am-5:00 pm Phone: (719) 528-8407 Fax: (719) 598-1696 Email: office@saintgabriel.net Parish Clergy Pastor, Fr. K irk Slattery Deacon Andre Mason Deacon Andy Dunnam Deacon Mike McGrady frkslattery@saintgabriel.net dcnamason@saintgabriel.net dcnadunnam@saintgabriel.net mmcgrady@saintgabriel.net Mass Schedule Weekend... Saturday 5:00 pm; Sunday 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm (Spanish) & 4:30 pm Weekday... Tuesday-Friday 12:15 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation Tuesday-Friday: 11:50 am-12:10 pm, Saturday: 2:30-3:30 pm, or by appointment. First Friday: 10am to noon. Eucharistic Adoration: Wednesday 10 am to 7 pm.
Fostering Hope Fostering Hope is hosting an information meeting on Tuesday, October 4th at 7pm in the St. John Vianney room at the church. Everyone is invited to attend and find out more details on how we serve and assist foster families. For more information please contact Barb Lara at 634-8588 or Barbara.lara@fosteringhopefoundation.org. Children s Choir Saint Gabriel's Music Department is welcoming the children to sing to Our Lord! The Children s Choir will open to all children in 1st to 5th grade no audition is required. This is a great opportunity for members to develop musical skills, learn about their faith and the rhythms of our liturgical year; but most importantly, PRAISE GOD! Starting September 21st, the Children's Choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 5:15 to 6:00 pm, September through May, in the Saint Cecelia Room. Please consider lifting your voice and enriching our Masses in this wonderful ministry. To register, or for more information, please contact Kathy Thomas, 528-8407, kthomas@saintgabriel.net. Register by October 19. Blessing of the Animals Join Deacon Mike for a Blessing of the Animals at 9:00am on Saturday, October 8. We ll gather our creatures, great and small, in front of the church for a special blessing, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast is Oct. 4. All animals are welcome! Senior Social Group Everyone over the age of 55 is invited to join our group. It's an opportunity to meet other senior parishoners, make new friends, and have a good time. Our lunch for October is the second Tuesday, October 11 at noon at Shangri-La Chinese Restaurant in the Union Town Center (8850 N. Union Blvd). Call Sharon at 282-1912 for more information. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Catholics For Family Peace, has produced a Domestic Violence Awareness Project Toolkit with sample intercessory prayers, Facebook and twitter posts, homilies, weekly features on saints and specific virtues connected to this issue to guide pastoral care leaders to educate Catholics to know how to recognize, respond, and refer people for help. The Toolkit can be accessed at www.catholicsforfamilypeace.org. Dinner with Bishop and Fr. Kirk In case you missed it at the silent auction, we have about 25 slots left to fill for the Dinner with the Bishop and Fr. Kirk. It's going to be held on Thursday, Oct. 13. 2016 at El Padrino's Mexicana Restaurant. We will begin with a cocktail hour and appetizers starting at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner. The cost is only $35/person includes a fountain drink or tea, does not include alcoholic drink or gratuity. The restaurant provides the food as a way to give back, so 100% of the $35 charge comes right back to St. Gabriel's. We would love to have a great turn-out. Please call Judy Gamble 719-338-1152 for more detail or go by the office to signup and pay. Visiting Priest Fr. Larry Bernard from the Franciscan Missions in New Mexico and Arizona will be with us celebrating all Masses the weekend of October 1 and 2. For over 100 years the Franciscans have ministered in the Southwest US to the Navajo Indians, Pueblos Indians and Hispanics. The friars seek to respect, preserve and integrate into our Catholic faith the beautiful customs and crafts of the three cultures. Most of missions are small and very poor. Your offering will support their ministries. Bible Study Our next bible study series will be, "Follow Me: Getting to Know Jesus through the Gospel of John". Experience the Joy of Following Christ Following Christ takes more than simply believing in him or doing what he asks of us. Jesus wants you to be more than just a believer He wants you to be his disciple and friend. Follow Me: Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John is your guide to a personal encounter with Christ. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus seeks after us. He comes to meet us and beckons us to follow him. He calls us to be his disciples, to trust him, to open ourselves to his merciful love, and to love others as he has loved us. Follow Me invites you to experience the joy of a renewed friendship with Christ. This is an 8 week study. We will begin meeting Monday, October 10 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Gabriel's. Each session lasts about 90 minutes. Cost of the session will be approximately $25. Please call Diane Littleton 282-3406 or email diane.littleton@gmail.com to let her know you are interested by October 2 to assure we have enough study sets. Thank You A special thank you to everyone for your continuous support during this years Silent Auction. We still have some items that have not been picked up by the winner, so we do not have a grand total as of yet. We have already reached last years totals all in thanks to you and your generosity. With the support of folks like yourselves, your donation is helping make a difference in the lives of so many in our community. Thank you Daughters of Mary volunteers and parishioners for manning the baskets throughout the entire 3 day process. I owe a BIG thank you to those who helped meet with businesses and get their buy-in for our cause, getting donations isn't always an easy task. Thank you to the ladies who spent hours on end putting items together, decorating the baskets and running items to and from the church. Thank you to the church staff and volunteer who support the staff, you guys went above and beyond to help get us there. It takes the hands of many to make this event happen, without your continuous help we would be nothing. There were a few items that did not receive a bid, if you interested in purchasing any, just drop by the office to view. Thank You Judy Gamble Briarfest Silent Auction Coordinator St. Gabriel the Archangel 2 Colorado Springs, CO
Calendar This Weekend Sat-Sun Fr. Larry Bernard from the Franciscan Missions in New Mexico and Arizona will be with us celebrating all Sat-Sun Sun Upcoming Activities Masses the weekend Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolate for sale in nartex. Life Chain 1-2:30 pm Mon, Oct 3 Neocatechumenal Way 7:30 pm. Tues, Oct 4 Fostering Hope Information Night 7 pm. Tues, Oct 4 Safety Readiness meeting 7 pm. Wed, Oct 5 Magnifacat Moms 9:15 to 11 am. Wed, Oct 7 K of C 4th degree Assembly Meeting 7 pm. Wed, Oct 5 Eucharistic Adoration from 10am 7pm. Pray the rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet after the 12:15 Mass. Children s hour at 2 pm. Pray the rosary at 6:15 pm. Evening Prayer and Benediction start at 6:40 pm. Thur, Oct 6 Neocatechumenal Way 7:30. Fri, Oct 7 First Friday Adoration from 10 am to noon. Fri, Oct 7 Reading/discussion group for The Diary of St. Faustina in the Library after 12:15 Mass. Sat, Oct 8 Roses for Life Save the Date Oct 11 Senior Social Group meeting at noon at Shangri-La Chinese Restaurant in the Union Town Center. Financial Trivia Did you know that over 183 families have signed up for our online giving program? More info at: www.saintgabriel.net. Returning Gods Gifts Update 2016 Parish Goal: $103,849 Total Intentions: $110,304 Percentage of Goal: 106% Total collected to date: $95626 Percentage collected: 92% For every dollar donated past the parish goal the Diocese will give ½ back to the parish. Religious Awards for Scouts All girls and boys in the Scouting programs from Kindergarten through High School can earn Religious Awards appropriate to their age and grade. The Catholic Committee on Scouting for the Diocese of Colorado Springs is hosting a retreat to help Scouts earn their Religious Awards. The retreat will be at Divine Redeemer Catholic School and Church on Saturday, October 8, 2016, from 9am until 3pm. Cost is $15 for early registration, $20 after Wednesday, October 5th. Lunch is provided. Scouts in grades K-3 must have a parent or guardian accompany them. Scouts in grades 7-12 are required to attend the retreat to earn their awards, although they may begin work on the awards, with an approved counselor before the retreat. Younger Scouts can accomplish all the work for the awards working with their parents. For more information about the retreat or about Religious Awards in general, please contact Curtis O'Connell, 719-590- 1104 or CJOCS@comcast.net. The registration form can be downloaded at http//www.co-springs-ccs.org/home/ formsdocuments/retreat Flyer 2016 Fillable.pdf Also if I can be of any assistance you can contact me Kathy Maldonado at (719) 930-6622 or at littlebitmickey@comcast.net. St. Gabriel the Archangel 3 Colorado Springs, CO
Endow Voting Information INFORMATION FROM THE COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER OFFICE The ballots will be mailed on Monday, October 17th. Most people should have them by Wednesday, October 19th or Thursday October 20th. If not, contact our office at 575-VOTE (575-8683). 24 hour secure outdoor ballot drop-off locations: This is a preferred method in reducing voter fraud! Colorado Springs: 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Rd., 80907, EPC Clerk s Office 5650 Industrial Pl., 80916, EPC Clerk s Office 8830 N. Union Blvd., 80920, EPC Clerk s Office 5550 N. Union Blvd., 80918, East Library 1175 Chapel Hills Dr., 80920, Library 21c 200 S. Cascade Ave., 80903, EPC Clerk s Office 30 S. Nevada Ave., 80903, City Administration building 3275 Akers Dr., 80922, Chuck Brown Transportation & Environmental Complex 7503 Black Forest Rd., 80908, Black Forest Park-n-Ride Calhan: 1010 Golden St., 80808, DOT Substation, Corner of 10th and Golden Ellicott: 322 S. Ellicott Hw y., 80808, School District Adm inistration building Falcon: 7030 Old Meridian Rd., 80831, Falcon Fire Departm ent Station 3 Fountain: 222 N. Santa Fe Ave., 80817, Police Departm ent, North side of building Manitou Springs: 606 Manitou Ave., 80829, City Hall building Monument: 645 Beacon Lite Rd., 80132, Tow n Hall building Respect Life Events We are called to show mercy because mercy has first been shown to us. Pope Francis, Misericordiae vultus, www.goo.gl/uwk5e4 2015. Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission. Life Chain When: Sunday, October 2nd from 1-2:30 p.m. Where: Meet at the corner of Austin Bluffs and Academy. Pick up signs near Old Chicago on the northwest corner. We will form a prayer/witness line along Academy Blvd. Witness for life! Roses for Life When: Weekend of October 8th Where: St. Gabriel Catholic Roses will be given out after all Masses. Please consider making a large or small donation. This is the main fundraiser of Pikes Peak Citizens for Life to raise money to educate the public on life issues. Checks are accepted. Respect Life Dinner Bishop s Respect Life Dinner with Cardinal Dolan at the Broadmoor Monday, Oct. 17th at 6 p.m. Register at: http:// www.diocs.org/ or contact Michele 719-659-2097. 40 Days From September 28 through November 6, you re invited to join other Christians for 40 Days for Life 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. You re also invited to stand and peacefully pray during a 40-day vigil in the public right-of-way outside Planned Parenthood on 3480 Centennial Blvd. and also to help spread the word about this important community outreach. If you d like more information and especially if you d like to volunteer to help, please contact: Michele Mason 719-659-2097. Endow is a Catholic educational program that brings women together to discover their Godgiven dignity and to understand their role in humanizing and transforming society. Endow utilizes small study groups, conferences, and retreats to cultivate faith, fellowship, and formation. Endow study groups meet weekly or bi-weekly over an eight-to-ten week period. No homework is required. To learn more about a study group on Pope John Paul II s Letter to Women here at St. Gabriel, please call Joanne Schultz at 719.661.3599 or register at http://endowgroups.org/join-a-group. St. Gabriel the Archangel 4 Colorado Springs, CO
Date Night: Strong Catholic Marriage Workshop Hello, St. Gabe's Community! We are Tim and Cami Proctor. We recently were blessed with the experience of attending the Strong Catholic Marriage Workshop offered through the Alexander House. When we began our marriage, we had the knowledge of what our purpose was as a couple. We knew all the "right answers", wrote a beautiful prayer card for our wedding favors, and people saw us as "starting out on the right track". But soon after the wedding and praying for children, the children came... and they came fast! We were knee-deep in caring for little people and stopped praying together, reading scripture, engaging in meaningful conversations, and frankly... we were tired! We simply were not prepared for how to keep our marriage as the main priority and meet each other's needs in the midst of such a demanding time. Add to that moving out of state, career changes for Tim, 4 moves in 3 years, and getting laid off. By the time the workshop was being offered, we were losing our sense of togetherness. We rarely prayed together, barely spoke beyond small talk, and were not demonstrating affection towards each other on a daily a basis. We were no longer a team, tackling life's challenges. We were somewhat alone and building up resentment toward each other. Then, by the grace of God, we were invited to the Strong Catholic Marriage Workshop. It was to be held the day before our 6th wedding anniversary. We had to go! Something had to change! Every marriage is worth saving! Julie and Greg Alexander hosted the workshop themselves and shared their own AMAZING story! It was intriguing, touching, emotional, challenging, and encouraging. In the workshop, there was so much good stuff but there were three main things that changed us. The first was confession between spouses. We each took time to recall occasions where we hurt our spouse and then face-to-face, we confessed and attempted to heal each other's wounds in that moment. It was much needed for us and incredibly healing and humbling. Next, Greg & Julie shared with us how to pray with and for each other in a new way we hadn t attempted yet. Beginning with Tim leading an Our Father and Cami leading a Hail Mary prayer, we individually and out loud, thank our Lord for our spouse as well as something specific we appreciate about them. We don't always remember every day but on the days we have remembered, it has been so healthy for us! We were encouraged to compliment each other more and we are, and it's wonderful how much of a difference that makes! Additionally, we were extremely affirmed at the workshop in our lifestyle as Catholics to have our eyes on Heaven... first and foremost. We live counter-culturally and that isn't easy. But it's worth it. Jesus never gives up on us no matter how many times we fail Him. And our marriage is to be a glimpse of Heaven... we should be able to forgive one another and move past any challenge, as a team, with gratitude for one another. And the bonus is that God-willing, our children will look forward to both marriage (if they are called to it) and Heaven! Thanks to those who sponsored us to attend this worth-while and marriage-changing workshop! God bless you and the all the marriages in our Catholic community. Please join the St. Gabriel s Ladies Ministry for a presentation on Faithful Citizenship Presented by Matt Niedzielski, President of Pikes Peak Citizens for Life When: 13 Oct 2016 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Where: St. Gabriel Catholic Church Contact Angela McGrady for more information, admcgrady@gmail.com St. Gabriel the Archangel 5 Colorado Springs, CO
Through your generous support The Outreach committee reached thousands over the last year Saint Gabriel s Outreach Committee was created to support Catholic social teaching. These teachings include the belief in human dignity, the fundamental right to life, caring for the poor and vulnerable and safeguarding God s creation. To that end, we have developed a number of programs from selling Fair Trade products to sponsoring the annual Christmas Giving Tree. But while the Outreach committee may organize and sponsor our many programs, we rely on the generosity of our parishioners to make the programs a success. And you do. The success of our many programs is a stunning example of your enthusiastic embrace of St. Gabriel s The Work of Our Hands. Here is a recap of the Outreach committee s programs over the 2015-16 fiscal year. Gabriel s Gifts: This m onthly drive is co -sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and supplies Mercy s Gate, the food pantry for families in the northern quadrant of the city. The total collected for the year was 16,488 pounds. Send Hunger Packing: Tw ice a year, our m onthly food drive is directed to a special cause. The first one is Send Hunger Packing, a program to feed children enrolled in the free and reduced meal programs in their schools. This program, sponsored by Care and Share, provides weekend meals for these children and their families. Our collection last year totaled 1513 pounds. Baby Food Drive: The second special food collection benefits Catholic Charities Life Support Center that provides emergency food and other necessities for small children whose families are in crisis. This drive netted 1087 pounds for the charity. Fair Trade Products: This program, started at the urging of the late Deacon Bob Hunter, seeks to better the lives of farmers in third world countries by insuring a fair price for their products. Our monthly sales of chocolate and coffee help make that a reality. While never intended as a fund raiser, our modest proceeds have gone to buy livestock for poor villages and back to the coffee growers to support their successful campaign to purchase their own coffee roaster. Our $600 profit last year went to their school building fund. Roses for Life: This annual October event funds local Respect Life efforts by selling roses after the masses. The effort raised $1070 last year. Thanksgiving Food Baskets: This program provides a com plete Thanksgiving dinner to fam ilies in need in our community. We generally receive the names of about 40 recipients from Mercy s Gate. Because your generosity often exceeds the number of meals we need, the additional meals are taken to area military installations for families there who need assistance. Last year, a total of 1711 pounds of food was distributed to 65 families. In addition, $640 in grocery gift cards was donated so that recipients could purchase turkeys for their Thanksgiving meal. Christmas Giving Tree: For the past several years, our Christm as Giving Tree program has benefitted the children of Sacred Heart Parish in Denver. Through this program, children receive a clothing item and a small toy or personal item for Christmas. Often, these are the only gifts the children receive. Last year you purchased 440 gifts making it possible for 220 children to receive the gifts they requested. Back to School Drive: Our annual school supply drive benefits K ids Crossing, a local organization that supports foster families. Your donations of binders, scientific calculators and more helped foster children begin the new school year with some of the tools they need to succeed. CRS Rice Bowl: This traditional Lenten program encourages participants to fast and eat sim ple meals during the season to better understand what the world s poor experience every day. The money saved by eating simple, light meals is then donated to Catholic Relief Services to help fund their many programs. Last year $ 2,675 was collected. Tithe: Our parish m akes a w eekly donation to charitable organizations through our tithe. The Outreach committee researches and suggests recipients for the tithe. Our research includes the organizations adherence to Catholic social teachings and their administrative costs. In the last year, $33,500 was given to charity. In addition, parishioners donated $24,500 to the 12 USCCB second collections. St. Gabriel the Archangel 6 Colorado Springs, CO
Weekly faith topic Flowers Paul Turner Flowers that decorate a church beautify the sacred place. Flowers please the eye and the nose, engaging our senses in the wonder of creation. Flowers may draw attention to some object or to the sacred space they occupy. If your church has a gathering area between the front door and the worship space, a large floral arrangement on a central table may greet you as you enter. Some churches keep vases of flowers near statues of beloved saints, in wall niches or on shelves. You may also see flowers adorning the altar, ambo, or font. Flowers can draw attention to themselves, but they should not distract people from the sacred objects they adorn. For example, the top of the altar should be free from flowers, lest they vie for attention with the bread and wine. If placed before the ambo, they should not obstruct anyone s view of the reader. Floral arrangements need not be restricted to the sanctuary or devotional spaces. Flowers may decorate the area where the assembly gathers. But such arrangements should not block access to the sanctuary or the aisles of the church. Some occasions call for special decorations. Advent wreaths, evergreens, palm branches, and lilies evoke the mysteries of the liturgical year. At weddings and funerals, flowers cheer the heart and comfort the soul. When arranging decorations for these events, be mindful of those already in place for the season. During Lent, for example, many churches prefer to keep the sanctuary rather bare. Real flowers always support worship of the Creator better than artificial flowers do. Copyright 2012 Resource Publications, Inc., 160 E. Virginia St. #170, San Jose, CA 95112, (408) 286-8505. Bulletin Deadline Deadline for bulletin announcements is 10 am Monday. Please send all announcements to office@saintgabriel.net. Readings for the Week of Oct 2 Monday: Gal 1:6-12/Ps 111:1-2, 7-10/Lk 10:25-37 Tuesday: Gal 1:13-24/Ps 139:1-3, 13-15/Lk 10:38-42 Wednesday: Gal 2:1-2, 7-14/Ps 117:1-2/Lk 11:1-4 Thursday: Gal 3:1-5/Lk 1:69-75/Lk 11:5-13 Friday: Gal 3:7-14/Ps 111:1-6/Lk 11:15-26 Saturday: Gal 3:22-29/Ps 105:2-7/Lk 11:27-28 Sunday: 2 Kgs 5:14-17/Ps 98:1-4/2 Tm 2:8-13/ Lk 17:11-19 Altar Flowers Altar flowers this weekend are donated by St. Gabriel Ladies Auxiliary for the unborn. Prayers If you have a request for needed prayers, strength, hope, courage or thanksgiving for yourself, family or friends, please email the Prayer Chain at ncbelanger@gmail.com. Oct 3 Oct 4 Oct 5 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 9 Tithing Recipient The recipient of today s tithe is Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Please pray for the people served by this organization. Pray for Vocations Rob Rysavy II, Candidate Bob Seydel, Candidate Andrew Swanson, Candidate Mark Thuli, Candidate Ed Wilmes, Candidate Pope Francis Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Would you like to have a loved one remembered in a special way during a Mass? Would you like to commemorate an anniversary, birthday, or other special event? Consider requesting a Mass intention! Please contact the office at office@saintgabriel.net, 528-8407 or stop by during office hours. The suggested donation for a Mass intention is $10. Mass Intentions Would you like to have a loved one remembered in a special way during a Mass? Would you like to commemorate an anniversary, birthday, or other special event? Consider requesting a Mass intention! Please contact the office at office@saintgabriel.net, 528-8407 or stop by during office hours. The suggested donation for a Mass intention is $10. Sat Oct 1 5:00 pm for: Miranda Martinez (SI) Birthday Sun Oct 2 8:30 am for: Francisca & Santiago Juarez (+) Sun Oct 2 10:30 am for: Mary Frances Harrison (SI) Sun Oct 2 12:30 pm for: Andrew Koumis (SI) Sun Oct 2 4:30 pm for: Steve Smith (+) Mon Oct 3 12:15 pm NO MASS Tues Oct 4 12:15 pm NO MASS Wed Oct 5 12:15 pm NO MASS Thur Oct 6 12:15 pm NO MASS Fri Oct 7 12:15 pm NO MASS Sat Oct 8 5:00 pm for: Manuel Merfalen (+) Sun Oct 9 8:30 am for: pro populo Sun Oct 9 10:30 am for: Mary Polosky (+) & Monica Magtoto (+) Sun Oct 9 12:30 pm for: Cornelio Madrigal (+) Sun Oct 9 4:30 pm for: Federico F. Unson (+) St. Gabriel the Archangel 7 Colorado Springs, CO