This episode, which starts at 18:18 and ends at 28:53 we are walked through the Liturgy of the Eucharist and learn more about the vessels, the scriptural connections, and the REAL PRESENCE of Jesus in the Eucharist!

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111024.cfm

The scriptures we have heard at Mass today may direct our thoughts to what is valuable in God's eyes. What do you think is valuable in God's eyes?

Is it spending time with God?

Is it showing love and mutual respect for one another?

Is it reaching out to your neighbor with kindness and compassion that is free of judgement?

What else?

Have a conversation about what is valuable. What is God seeking from us? What can you, as a family, make a commitment to "giving" to God?

Bl. Nicholas Steno was a Danish scientist born in the 17th century with the name Niels Stensen. He excelled in many areas of science including anatomy, paleontology, geology and crystallography. We have parts of our bodies named after him, including Stensen's duct, which is a salivary gland in the back of our mouth. He developed a theory of sedimentary rock, strata and fossils, became a leader in the science of Geology and created pathways for science to be able to understand the age of Earth! Blessed Nicholas converted to Catholicism after being convinced of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. He came to believe that there were some things that science could not measure. Blessed Nicholas eventually became a priest and even a bishop. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II and his feast day is December 5.

As the leaves disappear, and the world becomes a little browner as we head toward winter, head outside, look more closely at the rocks around you and see if you can find a fossil! Say a prayer to Blessed Nicholas for helping us learn so much about the world around us! For some extra family fun, try making your own fossils with toys or play with fossils in a variety of ways!

Blessed Nicholas Steno, pray for us!

As cold weather sets in, organizations who help our brothers and sisters in need are seeking pre-enjoyed and new clothing to help keep everyone warm; this is an incredibly important work of mercy in the area in which we live! Here are some hints for practicing this Work of Mercy with your family:

1. Think about clothes you don't wear often. Have they been out of your rotation for over a year? It's probably time to pass them along to someone who would make better use of them!
2. Do you have dress clothes to share? Seek out charities that offer clothes to those who are going on job interviews. It can really be life-changing for them!
3. Don't offer stained or ripped clothing. Remember that part of practicing mercy is to recognize the dignity of all. Any stained or ripped clothing should be donated to a textile recycling charity!
4. Donate for the weather season. Now is the time for cold weather donations. It is often difficult for relief organizations to store what is not in season!

It's almost Thanksgiving time! Here is a kid friendly recipe for dessert! The whole family can get in on the prep!

This year, whether at Friendsgiving or family Thanksgiving celebrations, invite participants to add to a Blessing Jar. Gather a large mason jar with a lid, some colorful slips of paper, thin ribbon cut in 8 inch strips, and writing utensils. Invite each person to write down the blessings they have witnessed over the past year. Roll up each blessing, scroll fashion and tie it with a bow before adding it to the jar. No need to read, yet, unless you choose to invite everyone to share. Tuck the jar away. Next Thanksgiving, open the jar and reflect on the blessings together. It's a nice chance to reflect, share and bring joy to your gatherings!

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester

Editor: Leslie Barkin leslie.barkin@dor.org

Email: oec@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Location: Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585-328-3210

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