The meaning of Thanksgiving

 

    The meaning of thanksgiving has gone through numerous transitions. For most of us, it is about families being thankful for what they hold most precious.

    To gather in unity: It is refreshing when people come together to celebrate. It is also a time  for putting aside our differences as well as a time of healing.  We share our victories and struggles, we find strength  and hope.

    To teach the young: In stories retold, each generation brings purpose to the richness of their heritage/tradition. Faded pictures, or the prayer of thanksgiving before the meal all form a Thanksgiving legacy.

  To prepare the heart: In gratitude, we humbly reflect upon all the gifts (family, friends, health) that saturate our lives. By “giving thanks” we choose to extend ourselves and to give to  others less fortunate. Out of the abundance of our hearts, we are able to offer resources to help  others.

   In the Bible, the meaning of thanksgiving reflected adoration, sacrifice, praise, or an offering. Rarely was thanksgiving extended to any person or thing, except God. “These things I remember as I pour out my soul; how I used to go with multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng” (Psalm 42:4).

    The true meaning of Thanksgiving focuses upon the relationship between God and man. Thanksgiving begins with acknowledging God as faithful, earnestly giving Him thanks, in advance, for His abundant blessings. It is an attitude of the heart that reinforces an intimate relationship with God.

 

TRIVIA NIGHT—Last Call for Table Reservations
Saturday, December 1st  Doors open 6pm  Play begins 7pm

$25 per person includes beer, soda and light snacks….Trish Gazall of 102.5 is the emcee……..

Fun, surprises, attendance prizes and additional games….You can pay at the door but you need to reserve the number of seats you will need. Make reservations by contacting Diana Deeba before November 23rd (314)303-4052 or dianadeeba@att.net.  ALL proceeds will go to the parish for the repair costs.

 

Breakfast with Santa is December 9th after the 9 am children’s mass.  Tickets are $15.00 for adults. Even though children’s tickets are free, please make reservations.  Please bring a new wrapped and labeled gift to give to a needy child. Raffle tickets have been mailed to support this annual event! Your support is appreciated.

 

 

MISSING!

The teachers of Faith and Heritage classes are looking for your children. They have wonderful lessons prepared and very few children attending. Please parents, it is important to send your children through each of the grades so they will be prepared for the following year. We offer Pre-K-8th grade. Give your child this precious opportunity to learn about their faith.

Thank you,

Faith and Heritage teachers

 

 

 

Parish Envelopes:  We are in the process of ordering envelopes for 2013. If you don’t receive envelopes now and would like to , please call Toni at the rectory at 314-621-0056 or by email at : 

straymondscathedral@hotmail.com.   Likewise, if you receive envelopes now and don’t need them

because you give by online banking, please let us know. Thank you!

 

Board Meeting:  The first Board meeting was held on October 30th and the next meeting is scheduled for December 12th at 7 pm in the Lebanon room. It was a productive and informative meeting. 

 

Ladies Christmas Party:  Mark your calendars for Thursday December 6th at 7 pm at Bartalino’s Osteria off Hampton. Please contact Sandra Hutcheson by December 2nd for reservations. Hope to see you there.

 

 

Mass Intentions

12/1/12                Sat          5 pm      Deceased members of the Harfouche Family     By the celebrant

12/2/12                Sun        9 am      Gary Gazall (B)                                                                  M/M Turner Hutcheson

                                                11 am    Sarkis Webbe, Sr.                                                            Leroy Wilson

12/3/12                Mon      9 am      Special intention                                                              Ruth Ann & Phillip John Assaf

12/4/12                Tues      9 am      Richard Deeba Sr.                                                            Mark & Elanor Burns

12/5/12                Wed      9 am      Andrew & Dorothy Sudlak                                           M/M Tom McDermott & fam.

12/6/12                Thurs     9 am      Intention of Deborah Johns                                        Toni Fischer

12/7/12                Fri           9 am      Melba Kinninger                                                               Jim & Amera Cox & family

12/8/12                Sat          5 pm      Joe Farhatt                                                                         Mr. Jim Feser

12/9/12                Sun        9 am      William Koenig (A)                                                         Mamie Koenig

                                                11 am    Almaza Hitti (A)                                                                               M/M Elias Hitti & family

 

Novena schedule in preparation for Christmas:

Monday, Dec. 17-Friday Dec.21:  7 pm prayers of novena

Sat. & Sun. Dec 22, 23; Novena will be prayed at end of 5 pm mass on Sat. and end of 11 am mass on Sun.

Please make the effort to attend and prepare yourselves spiritually for the birth of our Lord and Savior!

Christmas Schedule of masses:

Mon. Dec 24: 5 pm Youth mass

10 pm Solemn mass of the birth of our Lord: Celebrated by our Shepherd Bishop Robert Shaheen

Tues. Dec. 25: 10 am Mass of the birth of our Lord

(Christmas Day)