Dear Parishioners,
It's been a busy week; sorry my email is late. Wednesday was the first day for Catechism, both for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and the Confirmation program. Next Thursday the homeschool group will begin their Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classes.
A reminder that the diaper drive to benefit Carenet Pregnancy Center in Barre is underway; St. Andrew's is the main collection point, but feel free to bring diapers or wipes to any of the churches and I'll transport them back to the hub.
Also, a reminder that I'm leaving the front door (main street side) of St. Andrew's unlocked so that you can make a visit during the day if you would like. I usually end up locking it about sundown.
Finally, just a reminder that tonight is the first extra adoration time asking for God's assistance and intervention in our state, especially in recognizing and valuing the sanctity of all human life.
See you soon,
Fr. Matthew
Updates and Upcomings:
Sunday, October 16th: Newman Night -- LAST CHANCE!
Held at Holy Family in Essex, from 4:00-8:00 pm, the event includes dinner, evening prayer, and two talks highlighting St. John Henry Newman. The speakers this year are Dr. Mark Clark, an absolute knockout from the Catholic University of America, and your own Fr. Matthew Rensch. To attend, make sure to RSVP by emailing [email protected] Carpooling is available; inquire with Marie in the parish office at (802) 244-7734.
Adoration Times
Thursday, October 6, 6:00 – 7:30 pm / Friday, October 7, 8:40 am – 10:00 am
Thursday, October 13, 6:00 – 7:30 pm / Friday, October 14, 8:40 am – 10:00 am
Thursday, October 20, 6:00 – 7:30 pm / Friday, October 21, 8:40 am – 10:00 am
Thursday, October 27, 6:00 – 7:30 pm / Friday, October 28, 8:40 am – 10:00 am
Thursday, November 3, 6:00 – 7:30 pm / Friday, November 4, 8:40 am – 10:00 am
Wednesday, Oct 19: VCCF Thank you Event
The Vermont Catholic Community Foundation Board of Directors invites you to attend our annual meeting celebrating seven years of growth and positive community impact.
When: October 19 @6PM - 8PM
Where: Old Lantern Inn and Barn, 3260 Greenbrush Road, Charlotte
Enjoy hearty hors d'oeuvres and beverages.
REGISTER by email: [email protected] or (802) 846-5837
Suggested donations of $10 or more will go directly to Vermont Catholic Charities' emergency aid program. Donations can be made online or at the event.
Dear Parishioners,
A shout out to the Knights of Columbus for running the parish picnic last weekend. The weather wasn't quite as basketball-permitting as I had hoped, but it was a good time nonetheless!
I wanted to share with you the full ending of Newman's sermon on miracles and obstacles of conversion. It's a great summary, example after biblical example, of how nothing but our own hearts can keep us from God and his love.
"Let us rouse ourselves, and act as reasonable men, before it is too late; let us understand, as a first truth in religion, that love of heaven is the only way to heaven. Sight will not move us; else why did Judas persist in covetousness in the very presence of Christ? why did Balaam, whose eyes were opened, remain with a closed heart? why did Satan fall, when he was a bright Archangel? Nor will reason subdue us; else why was the Gospel, in the beginning, 'to the Greeks foolishness'? Nor will excited feelings convert us; for there is one who 'heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;' yet 'hath no root in himself,' and 'dureth' only 'for a while.' Nor will self-interest prevail with us; or the rich man would have been more prudent, whose 'ground brought forth plentifully,' and would have recollected that 'that night his soul' might be 'required of him.' Let us understand that nothing {90} but the love of God can make us believe in Him or obey Him; and let us pray Him, who has 'prepared for them that love Him, such good things as pass man's understanding, to pour into our hearts such love towards Him, that we, loving Him above all things, may obtain His promises, which exceed all that we can desire.'"
the best!
God bless,
Fr. Matthew
Updates and Upcomings:
Sunday, October 16th: Newman Night
Held at Holy Family in Essex, from 4:00-8:00 pm, the event includes dinner, evening prayer, and two talks highlighting St. John Henry Newman. The speakers this year are Dr. Mark Clark, an absolute knockout from the Catholic University of America, and your own Fr. Matthew Rensch. To attend, make sure to RSVP by emailing [email protected] Carpooling is available; inquire with Marie in the parish office at (802) 244-7734.
RCIA and Religious Ed Sign-Ups
Just a note that RCIA (on Sunday afternoons) and religious ed (on Wednesdays and Thursdays) will be starting in October. Contact the rectory for more info or to sign up!
Dear Parishioners,
Don’t forget about our parish picnic this Sunday, September 25th. The Mass times have been adjusted: there will only be one Mass on Sunday, 11:00 am at St. Andrew’s.
So the Mass schedule for this weekend is as follows:
Saturday
4:00 pm St. Andrew’s
6:00 pm Our Lady of the Snows
Sunday
11:00 am St. Andrew’s
(Parish Picnic following immediately after Mass at 12:00 noon)
I look forward to seeing you there!
God bless,
Fr. Matthew
Dear Parishioners,
Don't forget about the parish picnic (and the Mass switch) this Sunday. The 11 am Mass will be at St. Andrew's with the picnic to follow at noon. More details below.
I also thought that I might put in black and white the essential key of the parable from Sunday's Gospel to help solidify the point:
The unjust steward gives away his master's belongings, and is praised for it. The key is that the steward symbolizes us giving away our goods. He symbolizes a generous giver. So the recommendation is that if we are generous with what belongs to us, God will praise and reward us for preparing for the future -- in our case, eternal life.
Still, the question could be asked, why does Jesus use such a confusing image for generosity? I think the reason is that Jesus was to suggest something about our possessions. He wants us to see that even though they are ours, in a way they belong to the Master, to God. Really, we are simply stewards of "our" possessions.
God bless,
Fr. Matthew
Updates and Upcomings:
Sunday, September 25th: Parish Picnic
The Knights of Columbus are hosting the annual parish picnic, returning after a Covid hiatus, this Sunday, starting at 12:00 noon. The Mass schedule for that day, as in the past, will be adjusted: there will be NO 9:00 am Mass at St. Andrew's, or at St. Patrick's. The only Mass that day will be at 11:00 am at St. Andrew's.
Sunday, October 16th: Newman Night
Held at Holy Family in Essex, from 4:00-8:00 pm, the event includes dinner, evening prayer, and two talks highlighting St. John Henry Newman. The speakers this year are Dr. Mark Clark, an absolute knockout from the Catholic University of America, and your own Fr. Matthew Rensch. To attend, make sure to RSVP by emailing [email protected]. Carpooling is available; inquire with Marie in the parish office at (802) 244-7734.
RCIA and Religious Ed Sign-Ups
Just a note that RCIA (on Sunday afternoons) and religious ed (on Wednesdays and Thursdays) will be starting in October. Contact the rectory for more info or to sign up!
Tuesday, Oct 25: "Restoring Our Faith" Conference
https://restoringourfaithsummit.com/
From 8:30 - 4:30
DoubleTree by Hilton, 870 Williston Road, S. Burlington
Registration fee: $50: includes continental breakfast and light lunch
Contact info: [email protected], or 923-9083