Stewardship Appreciation Event Coming in November

The stewardship committee is organizing a stewardship appreciation event for Saturday November 5 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm in the parish Hall.  It is taking the form of a catered supper at the CTK hall and we want to invite all CTK parishioners and other folks that share their time and talent (volunteers) for the betterment of our parish community. Committee and sub-committee chairs have provided the names of volunteers they have worked with since last September 2010.  Invitations have gone out out by email or through Canada Post. And you may also on-line; CTK Stewardship Appreciation 2011.

We don’t want to miss anyone from the invitation list so if you have volunteered this past year but have not yet received an invitation please let us know.

Contact Dave Lareau at adm.lareau@sasktel.net or call him at 586-1363.

“We receive God’s gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly and share them joyfully”

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CTK Updates - Week of November 14, 2010 - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Peace and Blessings to You All,

I have to say, it was very nice to hear Father Antony thank, and recognize the new influx of altar servers at the Sunday Mass this past weekend. All, in all we have been quite blessed at having new people enter into various ministries that haven't done so before. God is indeed working well, and deeply within our parish community. One challenge that we have had is in finding people who are willing and able to serve in different areas and/or on more than a single weekend in a month. I know it sounds funny, but you would almost think people don't gather to celebrate the Lord's Supper with our family here at CTK on a weekly basis!

Believe me, I know from the struggles we've had with our own family that it can be a challenge to re-order and properly prioritize our lives so that there is even a fraction of space left for things like helping at the Church or worshiping with one's parish family on a regularly. Sometimes it seems as though everybody in our lives wants just one more little bit, of our time, of our gifts, of ourselves. It's easy to get annoyed at the seemingly endless requests for giving away more of our lives. We are assailed with guilt when we even begin to wonder whether our kids need to be involved in everything that interested them, or we become afraid that if we don't do this thing or that thing for this person or that person, that we will have somehow failed them, or ourselves.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately and wondering what the solution might be. A solution to the anxiety, to the worry, to the fear that we will be pulled apart if we give too much. A solution to the terrifying question at the heart of it all, "What if there isn't anything left for me?" As I said, I've been thinking about this and wondering about this and then, lo and behold, wouldn't you know it, but another story pops out of the universe and right into my lap! It's a familiar scene from the gospels, Jesus and his meeting with Simon the fisherman and how Simon struggled with many of these very same question when Jesus turned to him and said "Follow Me.";

"Lord, You Can Use My Boat" by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

"Nice boat." Simon looked up from mending his nets to see a tall man touching his boat. It was Jesus, whom he'd first met down in Judea where Simon had been listening to John the Baptizer. This Jesus was a teacher too, or so Simon had heard. Jesus was running his hands along Simon's boat, admiring the handiwork. "Very smooth," he said.

"Benjamin the boatmaker finished it last fall," said Simon. "Last boat he made before he died."

Jesus examined the planks along the side of the craft. "It looks tight," he said, "Mortise and tenon joinery. Must have taken a long time to make."

"A long time is right!" Simon put down his nets. Talking was a lot more enjoyable than mending. "Benjamin and his son took seven months. I thought they'd never finish. And he charged me a pretty penny. But then, I probably have the best boat on the lake." Simon got up and came over to the boat pulled up on the rocky beach. "You look like you know something about wood."

"I'm a carpenter like my father," Jesus said, extending his hand. "Mind if I look at the stern?" Without waiting, Jesus climbed into the boat and examined it carefully. "Benjamin built you an excellent boat," he said as he climbed out. "By the way, I'll be teaching this evening along the beach. I was wondering if you could assist me getting the crowd seated tonight. I need a helper, if you'd be so kind."

"Glad to help, Jesus." He liked to be needed, and he liked the fact that a carpenter had pronounced his boat the masterpiece Simon knew it was.

That evening, after all were seated, Simon listened; "The blind man you see healed before you is evidence of God's power among you to heal your life, set you free, and give you joy! The Kingdom of God is here," Jesus had preached. "Turn around and get your life right with God!" This Jesus taught with a firm authority, and boldness that left the self-righteous speechless and brought the common people to tears. As the sun set and the people got up to leave, Simon himself had been shaken. Here he was, a loud and profane fisherman. Was he ready for God's Kingdom and Messiah? He was a good fisherman, yes. But a good man? Not really.

No time for reflection now. Capernaum's fleet was getting ready to put out for another night of fishing. Simon and his brother Andrew pushed the boat off the beach and gave it a running start before jumping in themselves. They rowed out a few hundred feet and cast the first of many nets. They would be busy all night casting, then hauling in, casting and hauling in. Just as dawn began to streak the sky with pink, Simon and Andrew threw out their final net of the night, ready to head in, sell their catch, and get some sleep. It had been a long night, but a better catch than most this week.

"Si-mon," a voice echoed across the water. "Si-mon." Simon watched the net sink below the surface of the lake and then looked up. It was Jesus. Jesus, whose words of the Kingdom of God had challenged and gnawed at him all night as he had toiled.

"Si-mon." The call came a third time. Simon lifted his hand in recognition.

"Follow me!" The word was sharp, short, demanding. "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Fishers of men? Catching men rather than fish? What could he mean? But Jesus was calling. He was calling now!

The net was still in the water where Simon had thrown it, floats still bobbing, still there to trap some unsuspecting fish. But the fish wouldn't find its way to a breakfast table this morning, because both Simon and Andrew were over the side and swimming to shore. Dripping, they dropped to their knees before Jesus. "Simon." Simon could feel the Teacher's hand on his wet, tangled hair. "Simon, follow me."

Simon looked up. "Yes, Lord, I'll follow. Where are you going?"

"You'll see," said Jesus, pulling Simon's arm gently as a sign for him to get up. "And Simon, I'll need your boat."

His brand new boat, pride of the town fleet? What did Jesus want with the boat? Simon looked up. "Umm...Sure, you can use it," he replied slowly, "...during the day, when Andrew and I don't need it."

"I may need it more than that," Jesus insisted. "You own the boat, don't you?"

"Of course, Lord, I own it outright. It took me three years to earn enough extra to pay for it."

"And you've decided to follow me, haven't you, Simon?"

"Yes, of course, Lord."

"Then your boat needs to follow me, too," replied Jesus. "Not just you, but everything you are and own need to follow me, to be at my call whenever and wherever I need them."

Simon was ashamed. "Yes, Lord. Please take my fishing boat. Use it whenever you need it.... I really want you to. Forgive my selfishness."

"You have a house, Simon?"

"Yes, Lord, I have a house."

"I need to use that, too."

"My house?"

"Yes, your house."

"Eh, Jesus. How can I say this? My mother-in-law lives with us and she isn't very well right now. I'm not sure we should disturb her, with her fever and all."

"Your boat and your house and you must follow me, Simon."

"Yes, Lord."

"And I'll care of your mother-in-law, you'll see. Why don't you lead the way?"

"Yes, Lord," said Simon, and he and Jesus and Andrew walked up from the beach into town as the sun peeked over the hills.

Parish News

CWL RAFFLE TICKETS
Anyone interested in a book of CWL raffle tickets to purchase or sell, please call Della at 586-4469. All proceeds to CWL charities.

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES:
To help with your Christmas and Holiday planning here are the times when our parish Community will be gathering to offer worship to God and share the Eucharist which is, of course, the focus and font of all our other celebrations and traditions;

December 24: 7:00 p.m.
December 25: Midnight & 10:00 a.m. - Christmas Day; A Holy Day of Obligation
December 26: 10:00 a.m. - Sunday Mass - Feast of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
December 31: 5:00 p.m. - A Special Mass of Thanksgiving for the blessings of this past year...NOT an anticipated January 1st Mass
January 1: 10:00 a.m. - Feast of Mary, Mother of God; A Holy Day of Obligation
January 2: 10:00 a.m. - Regular Sunday Mass

As both Christmas and The Feast of Mary, Mother of God fall on Saturday's this year, and both are Holy Days of Obligation, these very important feast supersede any anticipated Masses a parish may do prior to their regular Sunday celebrations. Practically this means that for Saturday December 25th and Saturday January 1st we are unable to have our usual Saturday Evening celebrations of the Anticipated Sunday Mass. These extremely important feasts must always be celebrated in place of any regular anticipated masses in a parish.

Questions about the scheduling of Mass times for Holy Days of Obligation (like Christmas and January 1st) or Sunday Masses verses anticipated Masses in general? Our Bishops have had a lot to say on the matter and, thanks to the wonders of the internet, now you can read all about it in the comfort of your home or wherever you happen to be; CCCB on The Celebration of Christmas Masses - http://bit.ly/cgIb6T

FAITH ALIVE – 100th Anniversary History Book – 1910 – 2010 - Order yours today!
To order one of these beautiful Hardcover Pictorial History Books use the forms provided in the bulletin and submit to the parish office, or call the parish office to order your book(s).The books are $30 each. Make cheques payable to Christ the King Parish.

Living With Christ Sunday Missals Now Available;
These handy books are invaluable aids to preparing ourselves and our families to celebrate the Mass each Sunday. In them you will find the readings for every Sunday of the Liturgical year beginning with the First Sunday of Advent as well as the parts of the Mass and the most common Catholic prayers. Living with Christ Sunday Missals for Adults are $5.00 each and can be found in both entrances to our Church.

NEW! Living with Christ Sunday Missal for Young Catholics
These new missals contain all of the readings and Mass parts that our regular Sunday Missals have, but presented in an attractive and accessible manner for your young Catholics. These Living With Christ Sunday Missals for Young Catholics are $6.00 each and can be found in the main entrance to our Church.

Reminders

First Reconciliation Family Meeting - Wednesday November 17 6:30pm
This is the first of two preparation meetings for children and their families enrolled in our fall First Reconciliation Program. Meetings are in the parish Hall and will last approximately one hour.

Altar Server Practice - Wednesday November 17th 4:00pm
A chance for all servers to meet with coordinator Maggie Gilmore and our Pastor Fr. Antony and to walk through what altar serving is all about. With a new Pastor it is especially important to all servers to meet with him and learn about the different things he would like to see done at the altar. It is also a great time for our veteran servers to get to know our brand new helpers!

Mass Coordinator Training - Wednesday November 17th 7:00pm
An opportunity for new Mass coordinators to meet with Fr. Antony and to learn about new and exciting changes to this very important ministry. All persons who wish to help out in this area must attend this session.

SILENT AUCTION - November 21 & December 5, 2010
L.O.O.K. PROJECT (Linking Orphan Outreach in Kenya)
We ask for your support for L.O.O.K. by attending our Silent Auction and placing a bid on a variety of arts and crafts and baskets of products and services that have been donated by talented people and businesses in our parish. With the blessed Christmas Season approaching, this is a wonderful opportunity to bring cheer to Orphan-headed families in Kenya and to find a delightful gift for a loved one on your Christmas list. Auction Items will be on display for bidding in CHRIST THE KING PARISH HALL on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21st and SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5th, 2010. We LOOK forward to your attendance and support for our families in Kenya.

Advent Prayer Materials Available This Weekend
Advent begins in just two short weeks. Time to prepare your family to enter into this Advent season on the right foot. In both entrances to the Church you will find a variety of table prayers, wreath prayers and reflections on the readings of Advent. There is no cost for any of these materials.

Seeking Your Stories
These days, for better or worse, being a part of a faith community is largely a voluntary choice. This begs the question...why? Why Christ the King parish? What was it and/or is it that draws you to call our parish community home? Is there a particular incident that comes to mind? A person, an event, a celebration that moved you to make us a part of your family? Have you been here so long that all you know is it 'feels like home' every time you walk in the door? We would love for you to share with us your stories about why you have made Christ the King parish a part of your life. Email your stories (300 wrds or less) to ctke@accesscomm.ca. Have you heard a friend's story and found it inspiring too? Please encourage them to share it with us!

Some Inspiration

Atheism and Belief - Ron Rolheiser OMI; http://bit.ly/diSgH7

Father Barron Comments on Stephen Hawking and Tired Atheism; http://bit.ly/bSfNi2

Social media can be your friend - http://bit.ly/axYAhV

Pope Benedict Speaks Out on the Catholic Church and the Bible; http://bit.ly/9N4wJY

"Verbum Domini" - The Word of the Lord - Pope Benedict XVI's latest encyclical on the need for all Christians to better understand the Sacred Scriptures; http://bit.ly/breLZb

Pope offers guide on how 'lectio divina' meditation works; http://bit.ly/bcElXh

Prayers
How to Practice Lectio Divina A step-by-step guide to praying the Bible ; http://bit.ly/bcmWHw

Prayer Before Reading the Bible (1)
Merciful God, anoint me with your Holy Spirit.
And as I read your word, let me hear your voice speaking to me from within.
Give me wisdom to understand your message to me.
Let your word be the joy of my heart and the lamp to my feet.
Give me strength to build my life on your word.
Let it be done unto me according to your word.
May I rejoice in the blessedness of hearing your word and keeping it.
Speak Lord, your servant is listening…
Thank you Jesus… Praise you Lord..God's Word, made flesh. Amen.

Prayer Before Reading The Bible (2)
Father, anoint me with your Holy Spirit, so that as I read your eternal word, your word may
penetrate my whole being and transform me. Grant me the blessing to be a faithful disciple in
believing the Word of God and that I may be a light shining upon all who are in darkness. Amen

Sharing These Updates and Signing up
Are you enjoying having these updates, reminders, articles, videos and stories emailed to you each week? Have a friend who would love to get in on the action? You are hereby officially encouraged to share the love by forwarding this email to whomever you like, consider it a part (just a part...don't get all excited now and think you're off the hook completely) of your own efforts to evangelize and share the Good News.

Did a friend send this to you and now you're so excited about staying up to date on what's going on in our CTK family that you can't wait to sign up for yourself? The very first thing you need to do is thank that friend! Buy them a coffee, babysit their kids, take them out for dinner, maybe invite them on a cruise.

Getting yourself on the list is simple, just email (ctke@accesscomm.ca) me a request like; "Hey Eric, you're so nice and cool and the parish's updates are probably the most exciting thing I've ever found in my inbox...and you're pretty handsome too. Could you please add me to the parish email list?" Something like that. Then just sit back and enjoy weekly digital goodness from your parish who loves you.

--

Peace and God Bless,

Eric Gurash - Pastoral Assistant
Christ the King Church
3239 Garnet Street
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4S-1X8
Tel. 306 586-9020
Fax.306 584-7633
Web Site: www.christtheking.ca
CTK Parish Blog: http://christthekingparish.blogspot.com/
Follow Us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CTKRegina
Become a CTK Fan on Facebook: http://bit.ly/c8LaC9
NEW! Our CTKRegina YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/aHAeRq

"The whole earth is quiet and still,it is glad and hath rejoiced!" (Isaiah 14:7)

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CTK Updates - Week of November 7, 2010 - 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Greetings And the Blessings of Christ Be With You!

We finally did it! We have at long last had our new pastor, Father Sathiadas Antony properly and duly installed. The instructions were printed up-side down, they were all in Swedish and a few screws were loose, but we managed to 'git-er-done' with relatively few bumps and scratches. As we were unpacking the rest of his parts, just prior to Mass, we did find the following odd scrap of paper. It seems to be all that remains of the original, English instructions that came with this particular model. Still, the information it contains is quite pertinent and so I will share it with you here;

MANUFACTURER'S NOTICE:
It has come to our attention that the pastor you received was shipped with a slight defect: he is not psychic. This defect necessitates certain special procedures to ensure optimum performance of your unit.

*It is necessary to inform him of any members who are hospitalized.
*It is necessary to inform him of any members who should be added to the "shut-in" list.
*If someone you know is sick or otherwise in need of the pastor's prayers, or if you know of someone who should be included in the prayers on Sunday morning, the pastor must be told, or he won't know.
*If you are in need of a pastoral visit or some other service from the pastor, you will get best results if you ask him.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause. If these special procedures create an undue burden, please feel free to send the unit back, and one with full psychic abilities will be shipped as soon as one becomes available.

Still, the celebration this past weekend was quite wonderful and we have heard nothing but excited and positive comments about the whole thing from beginning to end. A special thanks to all of the ministers who helped with the Mass, the Lectors with their faith-filled proclaiming, the servers who were so reverent and professional, the music ministry whose combined choir truly helped the whole congregation lift heart and mind to God, the parish breakfast crew who put on such a wonderful and filling meal afterward, and all of those behind the scenes who every single weekend make CTK the best place in the world to offer God praise and thanksgiving.

A special thank-you also, to His Grace Archbishop Daniel Bohan for leading us in worship and installing our new pastor, and most especially to Father Antony himself, for putting up with us wild and crazy, yet truly loving and faith-filled nuts.

Stewardship Stories;
Each week you know I have been sharing a variety of stories relating to Stewardship and the call from God to give of ourselves for the building of the Kingdom. As last week drew to a close I was struggling to find something to share today. As I often do when stuck for ideas, I took some time to pray about it and spent even more time just waiting to see what God would provide.

Yesterday afternoon and evening I found myself at our weekly Great Adventure Bible Study where we were learning about and discussing the stories surrounding God and Abraham in the book of Genesis. At one point in the story, God, who has been promising over and over again to Abraham that he and his wife would one day give rise to a great and kingly nation, asks Abraham to give back the son, his and Sarah's only son that was to have been the fulfillment of this promise. This is the story of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac a story of faithfulness in the face of a great trial. In it, Abraham, whom we often call the 'Father of Faith' is faced with having to return to God that which God has not only given to him, but the very gift that Abraham and his wife had been waiting their entire lives for, the very gift that was to ensure that their own lives had not been lived in vain.

Just take a moment to read it...it's such an amazing tale; http://bit.ly/bAQuXj

It struck me then and resonates with me still. Throughout their relationship God is asking Abraham again and again, "Do you trust me?" Do you trust me when I say your name will be great? Do you trust me when I tell you that a land flowing with milk and honey will be yours? Do you trust me when I say that through you, all the nations of the world will be blessed?

Do you trust me...even if it looks like I am taking away what you've worked hard for, what you've earned, what is precious to you? Do you trust me even if it looks like I am breaking my promise to you?

When it comes to our role as stewards of what we have been gifted with, this very same question, this very same story must resonate within our own hearts. "Do you trust me?" God asks.

I invite you to read again and again this story of Abraham's Sacrifice of Isaac and ask yourself this question; "Are there any Isaacs in my own life, things that I hold very near and dear to my own heart, Isaacs of Time, of Talent, of Treasure, and do I trust God enough to give them away for His glory and His divine purpose?"

Parish News
CWL BAKE SALE
The CWL fundraising bake sale is Sunday, Nov. 21st. If you wish to donate baking, it can be brought to the parish hall between 3:00 and 5:00 pm on Sat, Nov. 20th or dropped off before Mass on Sunday. If you are unable to donate, please support us by purchasing baking. Call Marlene Hoffman at 586-6948 if you have any questions.

ARCHBISHOP ANNUAL APPEAL
“...and there is no limit to the blessings which God can send you – he will make sure that you will always have all you need for yourselves in every possible circumstance....” (2 Corinthians 9:8).
The call of the Commitment to the Future is a call for growth in faith – to believe in the promise extended by God through the words of Scripture. Respond in faith, knowing and trusting that God recognizes your sacrificial willingness to live the message of the Gospel. Commit to the Future.

Reminders
First Reconciliation - Parent's Information Evening Wednesday November 10, 2010 6:30 PM
The time has come once again to invite the children of our parish family in grades four and up to prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I’m sure you agree that each step of your child’s journey in faith is a time of joy and excitement and Reconciliation is no exception. Our program for First Reconciliation Preparation for this year will consist of three sessions. The first of these session will be held on Wednesday November 10th at 6:30 PM in the Hall. Please note that this first meeting is for parents only. To learn more about the preparations, the sacrament itself, or to register your child follow this link; http://www.christtheking.ca/FirstReconciliation.html

Remembrance Day - Thursday November 11, 2010
The office will be closed for this day of remembrance. We will re-open with our regular hours on Friday November 12.

First Reconciliation Enrollment - Saturday November 13 5:00pm and Sunday November 14 10:00am
The Children who wish to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time will be officially enrolled in our fall program, assured of our community's prayers and support, and presented with their workbook materials at both weekend Masses. Registered families who attended the November 10th meeting are only required to attend one of these celebrations.

First Reconciliation Family Meeting - Wednesday November 17 6:30pm
This is the first of two preparation meetings for children and their families enrolled in our fall First Reconciliation Program. Meetings are in the parish Hall and will last approximately one hour.

Seeking Your Stories
These days, for better or worse, being a part of a faith community is largely a voluntary choice. This begs the question...why? Why Christ the King parish? What was it and/or is it that draws you to call our parish community home? Is there a particular incident that comes to mind? A person, and event, a celebration that moved you to make us a part of your family? Have you been here so long that all you know is it 'feels like home' every time you walk in the door? We would love for you to share with us your stories about why you have made Christ the King parish a part of your life. Email your stories (300 wrds or less) to ctke@accesscomm.ca. Have you heard a friend's story and found it inspiring too? Please encourage them to share it with us!

Some Inspiration;
Stories of Our Great Adventure
What a story! I have heard so many Bible stories at Mass throughout the years but I've never understood them in the way I'm beginning to do so now. The foreshadowing that occurs at the beginning in Genesis is so powerful. What struck me most this week was when God asks Abraham to take his only son Isaac and offer him up as a sacrifice. Abraham was faithful to God and did as he asked. On the way, Isaac asks "where is the Lamb for the sacrifice?" and Abraham says, "God will provide the Lamb". As Abraham was about to kill his Son, God calls out to him and tells him "Stop!". There in the bushes is a ram, which he has Abraham sacrifice instead. I've heard this story many times but not until it was pointed out in the Bible Study session did I realize that it was not a lamb! The sacrificial lamb was yet to come in Jesus. Over the years we've lost the story, we don't really know what it means. I'm so glad that I'm able to understand the story and once it begins to make sense it really changes how you view God.
-Melissa Gurash The Great Adventure Bible Study at CTK

Seeking a Confessor - Ron Rolheiser OMI; http://bit.ly/a7t1F5

Touching our Loved Ones inside the Body of Christ; http://bit.ly/dlJI4j

Religious groups respond to gay bullying - CNS (Catholic News Service); http://ow.ly/1NCCx

Lest We Forget - CTK Remebers; http://bit.ly/a5kvdl

How to use Twitter for Adults - So you're still not entirely sure about this whole Twitter thing. You get its popularity, but you're also an adult who doesn't want to submit to an overwhelming firehose of tweets. Web VIP Derek Powazek explains Twitter for Adults; http://bit.ly/aqL8sb

Prayers;
November 11th is the day we in Canada remember all of those who have died fighting for freedom and peace for our country, as well as protecting the freedoms, dignity and right to secure and peaceful lives for others. It is also, fittingly, the feast day of St. Martin of Tours patron of Soldiers, Against Impoverishment, Against Poverty, and Beggars. Below you will find a prayer to St. Martin, one of St. Martin's own prayers, as well as a prayer for those who have died as a result of war and conflict;

Prayer to St. Martin of Tours
Dear well-beloved Saint, you were first a soldier like your father.
Converted to the Church, you became a soldier of Christ, a priest and then a Bishop of Tours. Lover of the poor, and model for pagans and Christians alike, protect our soldiers at all times. Make them strong, just, and charitable, always aiming at establishing peace on earth. Amen.

St. Martin's Own Prayer
Lord, if your people still have need of my services, I will not avoid the toil. Your will be done. I have fought the good fight long enough. Yet if you bid me continue to hold the battle line in defense of your camp, I will never beg to be excused from failing strength. I will do the work you entrust to me. While you command, I will fight beneath your banner. Amen

Remembrance Day Prayer
Loving and compassionate God,
we pray for all who have labored for liberty, freedom and justice;
for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice;
for those who in life and death have preserved our living.
We pray also for those who have been victimized,
the innocent victims of war,
those who have suffered as a result of conflict and strife,
and those who have been
casualties of hatred and terror.
Grant that they may rest in your peace, and that we,
through our actions, may be found worthy to inherit
the eternal treasures of your kingdom. Amen.

Peace and God Bless,

Eric Gurash - Pastoral Assistant
Christ the King Church
3239 Garnet Street
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4S-1X8
Tel. 306 586-9020
Fax.306 584-7633
Web Site: www.christtheking.ca
CTK Parish Blog: http://christthekingparish.blogspot.com/
Follow Us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CTKRegina
Become a CTK Fan on Facebook: http://bit.ly/c8LaC9
NEW! Our CTKRegina YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/aHAeRq

"The whole earth is quiet and still,it is glad and hath rejoiced!" (Isaiah 14:7)

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Thanksgiving and The Carpenter

Thanksgiving is always a wonderful time to look back on the ways God has blessed our lives and give thanks. It is also a perfect time to look at those gifts we have been given and ask ourselves, "Am I doing justice to my skills, my talents, my treasures? Am I giving back what has been given to me? Am I helping to build the kingdom with Joy in my heart, or am I stingy? Does my giftedness move me to generosity with all I have, or do I hold back, afraid there will be nothing left in the end for me?"

It is on this theme that I share with you the following;

The Carpenter

A highly skilled carpenter had grown old was ready to retire. He approached his employer-contractor and told him of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his family. He would miss the paycheck, but not the back-breaking labor...he was more than ready to retire.

The employer was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter was reluctant at first; hadn't his boss been listening to him? He was exhausted, physically, and emotionally. He hadn't come in today to be given another job, he needed to rest, it was time for him to be served for a change!

His employer was a very persistent man, not used to taking 'no' for an answer. In the end, the carpenter agreed to this proposal but secretly promised himself that he would make sure sure this was his last project...ever!

Distracted by his frustration at not being able to finally enjoy 'the good life' the carpenter didn't pay the same kind of attention to building this house as he normally might have. His heart just wasn't in the project and it was not at all up to his usual standard of work. He resorted to poor workmanship and used inferior materials. All-in-all, it was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the job was done, the carpenter called his employer and showed him the house. The employer rejoiced and patted him on the back. He was especially impressed that he had managed to complete the project in so short a time. Then he turned to the carpenter and smiled. He handed over some papers and the key to the front door saying, “You have been such a good and faithful carpenter. Your work has helped to build this company into the respected business that it is today, please accept this wonderful house, as my gift to you!”

Peace and God Bless

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Parish Ministry of Care

My name is Joan Scaglione, and I am relatively new to this ministry. Truthfully, the first time I set foot into Parkside Extendicare, and spent a couple of hours visiting the residents I felt fear, and thought, “How can I go back to this place filled with the elderly who are sick and maimed?” But God worked in my heart without me knowing and I returned to Parkside. Each person I encountered became a Christ-filled being. The vulnerable minds and frail bodies were transformed before me when I looked deeply into each person’s eyes and saw the clarity of God’s light shining back at me in full humanity and divinity. It has been a grace-filled experience, a gift, and a privilege to be present to each and every individual.

If you would like to be involved in this very special ministry, or if you would like more information about what this ministry involves, please contact the parish office.

Peace and God Bless

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