Gatherings

St. Anthony's Corner Our Shield and Defender "May you receive a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge," (Ruth 2:12). Extending His arms like wings, Christ embraces all who come to Him, sheltering them in His wounds. - First Sunday of Advent Sermon

Like a Light to the World

Apostolic Commissions: "Justice and Peace"
"Let them individually and collectively be in the forefront in promoting justice by the testimony of their human lives and their courageous initiatives. Especially in the field of public life, they should make definite choices in harmony with their faith."
(Rule of SFO, par. 15.)

TASK: To determine ways to help the poor by changing systems and by direct action.
Chairpersons: Lester Brown & Joseph Garcia
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Fall is upon us and the cold winter months are ahead of us. Many homeless who come to the Chapel are in need of warm clothing. We are in need of: coats, sweater, gloves, warm hats, scarves,
shoes, socks, blankets, food items.
Mother Teresa has said that it is easy to love the poor when you see Christ in them. Thanks for your generosity.
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FAMILY: Christian Family Movement
This is a parish/community network of small groups of families who gather monthly for social events and community service. The parents/adults meet regularly iln each others' homes to discuss family and social issues as they relate to their Christian faith. CFM enriches families, deepens faith, develops social consciousness, builds community and is FUN. Information: 862-2638 or 293-7298.
"It is necessary to go back to seeing the family as the sanctuary of life. The family is indeed sacred; it is the place in which life-the gift of God- can be properly welcomed and protected against the
many attacks to which it is exposed..."
Pope John Paul II

Miscellaneous

Update from Assisi- Fr. Phil Kelly, OFM Conv
"The work goes forward through multiple areas of expertise, each one driven to complete the work by Christmas eve, 1999.
...And the crypt where the body of Francis lies? Of course it was completely untouched. Visiting the tomb was emotional. We spent time quietly in prayer, and that is always a profound experience for me. We were on pilgrimage and that's how it felt. I thought of all those for whom I had promised to pray, and for all those affected by natural disasters. As you know, among those who were killed in the earthquake were two friars. One was a very young friar from Poland who had written to his family just before the earthquake: 'It is so beautiful here. I could spend the rest of my life here.'
Three days later he was dead. The whole visit was very moving."

**** Remember When:
I was professed at Queen of Angels on June 24, 1990 by Fr. Valentine Young. When I was two years of age I had infantile paralysis and my parents took me to Cochiti Pueblo (St. Bonaventure Church) and they put me into the habit of St. Francis. The Lord healed me and I still wear my brown clothes, etc.
My father's grandmother (Candelaria Baca Negra) came from Andelusia, Espana (Spain) with the conquistadores who settled at San Gabriel. I am a direct descendant of the Spaniards who brought the Catholic faith to New Mexico and other places.
The rest of the Baca Negra families were killed by Apache Indians at Ribera, New Mexico (north of Santa Fe). My dad was born in San Miguel del Vado in 1885 (now deceased). My mother was born at La Bajada, New Mexico six miles from Pena Blanca. She was a Third Order Franciscan at the Cathedral in Santa Fe in the '40's and '50's.
My heroes are Jesus, Mary, Joseph and St. Francis. I'm into prison ministry and I go to pray for the homebound at nursing homes, etc. That is what I do willingly as my Franciscan life. (Gospel to life, life to Gospel).
Thank you for the monthly message I get in the mail (Newsletter).
Paz y Bien,
Eva Bevington
Bernalillo, NM

In Order to Serve

"May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment." (From the Rite of Ordination of Deacons).
This month is a busy one in our parish here at St. Teresa's in Grants. The various CCD and confirmation classes are busy preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Some, such as the older children, we hope will be able to understand the meaning of the Sacrament and the second graders will be doing it for the first time.
The Confirmation class will be undergoing a reconciliation service which will end with confession for all those present. Into the middle of this I have been asked by Deacon Lujan (the Diocesan diaconal director) to prepare a short homily for the service. I'm not sure but I have the feeling this may be a test for my homiletics teacher!
Well, I don't think I've done so much research for a short talk in a long time. But I've learned many interesting things along the way. My research took me back to the the Patristic tradition, and all the
documents on Penance of all the past Ecumenical Councils up to the Church discipline of today. My appreciation for the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation has reached new heights. This Advent I can say I truely understand what a gift we have.

Librarian

Remember, the library is open after the meetings!

The following books were purchased at the Franciscan Gathering recently.

1. Christ in the 21st Century. A contemporary meditation on the Trinity and particularly the primacy of Christ in the Franciscan tradition.

2. Deeply Woven Roots. Improving the quality of life in your community.l Concrete ways for congregations and faith communities to make a difference..

3. Journey Out of the Garden. Describes one man's struggle to become the hero of his own life by following the deepest promptings of his heart. It challenges the reader to discover the courage and humility to chart his or her own individual path through life.

Do we have tapes? Yes! Tapes of the gathering were procured as well and are available at ths time. Check some out for your continuing Franciscan education. The learning never stops.
The library remains an untapped resource for further growth in Franciscan reading!