The Rhodes Ahead

It seems that people really love Halloween or dislike it. I would like to say that I am in it for the fun, but, I really like the decorations and the treats!

Halloween can be one of those challenging holidays for people of faith. The world often takes it the very dark and scarry side. I just wanted to remind you of some of the Catholic things we get to celebrate during this time as well.

Halloween, originally "All Hallows' Eve," is the evening before All Saints’ Day on November 1, a solemn feast day honoring all saints, known and unknown. These saints can be our family members who we love and miss - the Hispanic tradition of Dia De Muertos celebrates this beautifully. The name "Halloween" comes from "All Hallows' Eve," and this day historically serves as a preparation for celebrating the saints in heaven.

Halloween's connection to death can provide a teaching moment about Catholic beliefs in the afterlife, judgment, and the communion of saints. Emphasizing prayers for the dead, celebrating All Saints' Day, and observing All Souls' Day on November 2 are ways to focus on eternal life.

I hope your celebrations and happy and safe.

Strength in Surrender,

Kathy Rhodes

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZE0TtYgk7C_SenyYIO1SPdNJkMpsNRaqwgAOwmh7pexKrYw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Nov. 5 middle school smoothie flavor is Strawberry Extreme. Orders are due Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 6 pm. Here is the link: https://web4u.forms-db.com/view.php?id=2338815

Oct. 31 Halloween Parties 2:15, parade through courtyard at 3:10

Nov. 1 Holy Day of Obligation, Students will attend 8:15 Mass, Spirit Day

Nov. 6 Veteran's Day Mass and reception

See the attached flyer to learn about the schedule and the cost. The Sign-Up Genius link is below to sign up for the October session. You do not need to commit to every session and if the first date doesn't work out - you can still sign up for upcoming months.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4FA8AE22A5F4CE9-52471448-blooming

Blooming Girls Workshops

A sweet teenager is doing this fundraiser for SPCA and I promised I would share.

Bishop Miege Open House: November 9th

Come explore the campus and discover what makes Miege so special. Mark your calendars and join us for a day of fun, information and Miege spirit!

Registration Link:

https://bmhs-us-ks-878.app.digistorm.com/forms/open-house

Here is the link for the social (info below). https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B49ABA729AAFC1-52407791-miege

See the attached form below for registration information.

"Teach us to give and not count the cost." St. Ignatius of Loyola

We would like to invite you to make a difference and participate in nationwide Family Volunteer Day on Nov. 23, 2024. We know that there are many students out there trying to log hours for Confirmation and/or the President's Volunteer Service Award. This day serves as a wonderful opportunity to do that while also making an impact in our neighborhoods and community. There are many ways to get involved whether they be as a larger group or as an individual family. It can be as simple as raking leaves for a neighbor, making cards/writing letters to the homebound, or filling red bags for our local food pantry. More ideas can be found here! When one family volunteers and encourages others to join, the effect spreads far and wide touching the lives of many. Feel free to take pictures of your family doing service and send them our way! We'd love to post them to our social media accounts.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION – After consultation with the Holy See, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has announced that whenever the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is transferred from Sunday, December 8 to Monday, December 9, it remains a holy day of obligation, beginning this year. This is a change of past practice, whereby the obligation to attend Mass was previously lifted with the transfer of the solemnity from Sunday to Monday. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception has always been transferred to Monday when December 8 has fallen on a Sunday. But from now on, the transfer includes the obligation of the faithful to assist at Mass. The Roman Catholic Church in the United States is dedicated to the patronage of Mary under the title of her Immaculate Conception. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is therefore the patronal feast of the U.S. Church.

Couples & Cocktails Kick-off Event: Our NEW Marriage Ministry is here -- Join us on Saturday, November 9 from 7-9 pm in the MPC for a relaxing evening with your spouse! Fr. Zarse will share his vision for marriage in our parish and announce upcoming events. Enjoy fellowship, food, and fun with hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided. RSVP here by November 6. For childcare assistance, contact Erin Rodriguez.

Advent Mini Retreat: Join us for a half-day Advent retreat on Saturday, November 16, from 8 am - Noon in Meeting Rooms 1 & 2. The day will include Mass, Adoration, discussion, fellowship, and an overview of the self-guided program, Prepare Your Heart from Ave Maria Press. Optional small group on Saturday mornings. See registration link for more details. Cost is $8.25 if you register before Nov. 6. Contact Char Mies with questions.

The Marriage Course: Are you ready to invest in your relationship and strengthen your marriage? Join us for a special series of 8 sessions starting on Monday, November 18, designed for couples looking to build a deeper connection. Sessions mimic a date night atmosphere with private conversations with your spouse, food & drinks and expert insights about real marriage topics. Childcare offered! Can't join for all sessions - no problem! Videos will be sent out each week. Register here.

Music Ministry Social & Info Night: Dr. Tatiana Tessman invites any existing music ministry members or people interested in joining to attend a meet-and-greet on Saturday, October 26 after the 4:30 Mass. It will be a casual evening of hors d’oeuvres, drinks, mingling and music. Dr. Tessman will perform and then have time for everyone to share in some chorale fun. But mostly she would just like to get to know people! Click here to register.

Kneelers on Side Aisles: Starting this weekend, parishioners will have the option to kneel when receiving Holy Communion. Two kneelers will be placed on each side aisle of the church. You may proceed as usual, and if you choose to kneel, please use the kneelers. If you prefer to stand, simply do so in front of the kneeler to receive the Eucharist.

Mrs. Rockers talked to all the students about this volunteer award. These forms are in the documents menu in the miscellaneous file or here is a link to the forms:

St. Benedict Rosary Prayer Group will meet on the little playground at 3:06 each Wednesday to pray The Rosary (or at least part of it) for SHOJ school. All are welcome, even littles can come play while you pray. Please join us.

Email: kathy.rhodes@shoj.org
Website: school.SHOJ.com
Location: 21801 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS, USA
Phone: 9134225520
Facebook: facebook.com/SacredHeartCatholicSchool