The Catholic Sun Digital Update for
Nov. 28 – Dec. 11
Preview edition
‘It’s all about the people’
‘Two parishes, one family’ help make Thanksgiving happen for their neighbors
By Dc. Tom Cuskey, editor
Hosting Thanksgiving at your home this year? If it’s a “yes”, then how many guests are you expecting?
Well, as you’re slaving over the hot stove, imagine what it would be like to have anywhere from 250 to 270 people come through your door, each one treated to turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, corn and dessert.
And then multiply that by two.
The parishes of Divine Mercy in Central Square and Sacred Heart in Cicero – “two parishes, one family” is their motto – have already fed at least 500 people between them this week as part of their Thanksgiving sharing program. That works out to about 70 to 80 families per parish.
‘Bringing us together as clergy in a more unified way’
Diocesan deacons adopt new clerical shirt policy
By Dc. Tom Cuskey
December 1 marks the beginning of a new liturgical year as the universal Catholic Church commences its observance of Advent. In the Diocese of Syracuse, the new year will also usher in a new practice among our deacon community. A very noticeable practice.
Your parish deacon will soon be more easily recognized as he will be wearing a grey clerical shirt with a white clergy collar insert, a ‘Roman’ collar as many Catholics have referred to it over the years. A new policy will be implemented that overall states that deacons will wear the grey clerical shirt when in performance of their duties and functions as a member of the Church’s clergy.
Giving back: Area parish supports agri-programs in Haiti, builds a brighter future
ABOVE: Farmers in Chauffard work together to fill bags with soil for planting the seedlings.
Submitted by Kate McMahon, contributing writer
The women and men walk slowly and purposefully up the path from the river. They carry buckets and cans of water as if they weigh little, not spilling a drop. The group passes a dozen farmers working in a bean field, discussing adjustments to wooden frames they’ve built to help crops and soil hold onto the steep hillside. The water carriers round a bend, reaching their destination. They set their burdens down and cluster in the shade of a protective canopy. Sunlight dapples through onto rows of tree seedlings growing in black bags.
Broome County CC leads ‘Thanks4giving’ efforts
Story and photos by Connie McKinney, contributing writer
On a recent weekday morning, two men dressed as turkeys stood outside the Vestal Walmart and collected turkey donations from shoppers.
Dante Masciarelli, left; and Andrew Tobias, both employees of Catholic Charities of Broome County; dress as turkeys to help collect turkey and other food donations collected at the agency’s annual Thanks4giving Turkey Drive.
“It feels good,” said one of the feathered fellows, Andrew Tobias. “During this time of year, helping out is what you’re supposed to do.”
Baked with love
Annual tradition continues at Blessed Sacrament School
By Eileen Jevis, staff writer
Students, staff and volunteers at Blessed Sacrament School in Syracuse celebrate Thanksgiving by giving back to others. Each year the students in grades pre-K through 6 help make over 200 pumpkin pies for the Rescue Mission’s annual Thanksgiving dinner.
The tradition started 25 years ago, when then teacher Lisa Coppola, who is now principal, learned about the Rescue Mission’s need for dessert. Knowing the purpose of the Rescue Mission to provide and care for the community, Coppola thought baking and donating pies to the organization was a wonderful way to combine their faith and service to the community while instilling in the students a sense of gratitude.
Advent reflection series
Rev. Mr. John Brusa III
Week one: Hope
The first week of Advent is meant to draw our attention to the second coming of Jesus at the end of time. The liturgy of the First Sunday of Advent invites us to “be vigilant at all times” (Lk 21:36) as we await Christ’s coming in glory and majesty. As Christians today, we live between Christ’s Ascension and Second Coming, between when he left earth, and when he will return to judge the living and the dead. What does this mean for us, we who are awaiting the Lord’s coming again? What should our attitude be as we live the Christian life in our world today, awaiting the eschaton?
Welcome to SunSpeak…
Each Digital Update from the Catholic Sun features…
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A timely column from Bishop Douglas J. Lucia.
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Ordinary Time” with Lucia Silechia, (the “Lucia” theme is purely concidental).
From time to time we will feature other columns of note. Let us know if you like the service we are providing; email us at [email protected].
The importance of gratitude
Since its early days as a republic, the United States of America has observed a National Day of Praise and Thanksgiving. It was Abraham Lincoln who in 1863 established it as a federal holiday to be observed each November. Its date varied a bit, but since 1941, it’s been set as the fourth Thursday of November. This year happens to be the latest it can occur on November 28 with the earliest date being November 22.
As we prepare for this national feast, my thoughts turn to gratitude. The Oxford Dictionary defines gratitude as, “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” On August 14, 2021, Harvard Health published an article titled, “Giving thanks can make you happier.” In it, the journal advanced the following ideas:
Trading Ordinary Times for Advent
By Lucia A. Silecchia
By Lucia A. Silecchia
Several years ago, I was standing in a checkout line behind two women deep in conversation. I couldn’t help overhearing that one was recently widowed and struggling to adjust to this new season of her life. Most of their conversation, however, was drowned out by the lilting strains of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” playing over the loudspeakers.
That moment of odd juxtaposition reminded me that, for many, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas holds a measure of sorrow.
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