The Pastor's Pen

October 2, 2022, Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Time is Running Out!  The time is now to  acquire a ticket for the drawing to be held on next Sunday, October 9th at noon for the grand prize of $5000 in our Annual Summer Raffle.  Chances are 1 for $20 or 3 for $50 and  there are an additional $6000 in prizes beyond the grand prize to be awarded  so there are plenty of chances  win if you get a ticket,   No need to be present to win, be sure to fill out l you contact information carefully and  clearly on your ticket stubs.

 

The New Organ:   A recent and also  very generous gift of $15, 000 in memory of the members of  the Silva Family has brought the  funds raised for the new organ to $62,850 leaving only $6550.00 as the outstanding balance to complete the purchase. What is indeed very heartening is that an official fund raising campaign was not inaugurated for this purpose  yet the need was made known and this tremendous amount of money  has been raised thus far through 16 donations from either generous individuals or organizations. All levels of generosity are as ever  greatly appreciated and will serve to bring us closer to the full cost of this much needed new instrument. 

Blessing of Animals; October 2nd at Noon: Close to his feast day, October 4th, we remember the connection that St. Francis of Assisi felt  with all animals, acknowledging them  as brothers and sisters in the greater realm of all God’s creation. .   In memory of St. Francis, and in honor of him, God’s blessing will be imparted to any leashed dogs, and cats safely protected from them in a cat carrier. (other domestic pets are also welcome)   Owners and pets should assemble in front of the Statue of St. St. Francis located to the right of the front door of the Parish Rectory in time for the blessing at noon. 

Catholic Divorce Healing Program: Surviving Divorce.  The twelve-week program features discussions and a thirty-minute DVD presentation each week that cover topics of shock, denial, anger, grief, guilt, forgiveness, money, the courts, the kids, the ex-spouse, annulment, dating, sexuality, spirituality, remarriage or staying single and much more.  Experts in the series include some of the best and brightest teachers, counselors, and authors in Catholic media.  The DVD series also includes Catholic men and women who share their inspiring stories of divorce and recovery.  You will cry, laugh, and be encouraged.  Please join us, beginning on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at 6:30 PM in the Parish Center at Our Lady of Victory, Centerville.  The program continues Thursdays for twelve weeks.  Confidentiality will be assured.  No one can be admitted after the third session because of the need to preserve group mutual trust and congeniality.  The only cost is $27 for the Student Workbook.  Childcare is not available.  Pre-registration is required to ensure that we have enough workbooks and to ensure the program is right for you.  Please call Frank at 207-337-2076 or email at f.h.patch@gmail.com.  For more info go to https://ascensionpress.com/collections/the-catholic-divorce-survival-guide.