Zacchaeus, the short, wealthy chief tax collector, was one of the most despised men in his community. Often corrupt and greedy, the tax collectors in Israel worked for the oppressive Roman regime, not only collecting taxes, but also adding their own fees to the total. Yet, Zacchaeus encountered Jesus and became a changed man. He was spiritually changed, and immediately righted the wrong he’d done to his fellow citizens. This is the power an encounter with Christ can have on all of us.

Con Người đến để tìm và cứu những gì đã mất.

On behalf of Fr. Eugene, Our Blessed Mother and myself—thank you to everyone who joined in this year’s Rosary Rally for the 99th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima. It was a success due to all who came forth to help in a number of ways that were a blessing for this event, and especially by praying! A special Thank You to Father Callanan for leading us in prayer.

Our modern culture frowns upon weakness and vulnerability. The world tells us that to get ahead we must be strong, competent, and self-sufficient. This view is in stark contrast to our readings today, which calls us to embrace our weakness, recognize our inherent poverty, and allow God to transform us.

This November, we will be providing Thanksgiving funds for 165 families with residences, 26 homeless families and 102 homeless single adults. We are asking for your support again to assure adequate funding to provide for our neighbors in need. Please make your donation by using the special green envelopes included in your monthly envelope package, or the blue envelopes in the pews, being sure to check the box next to “Christian Service Center”. Thank you very much!

During our Religious Education school year (September to May), we dismiss the elementary school children immediately after Father's homily during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass. They gather in a separate room to learn about God at a level that is appropriate for their age group. If you would like to volunteer for this ministry to our young children, or if you have any questions, please contact Arcie Reza in the Religious Education Office by calling (626) 446-1625.

Persistence in prayer is a theme Jesus returns to again and again. In today’s Gospel reading we hear about a widow keeps coming back to the judge to demand justice. Finally, because of her persistence, the judge gives in to her demand. More than a lesson about nagging, this is a lesson the echoes the words of Jesus from other passages: if an indifferent judge can be persuaded to response through persistent appeals, how much more so will our loving Father respond to his children?

Next, week, we will celebrate World Mission Sunday. This year’s theme is “Mercy Changes the World”. Pope Francis invites the entire Church to support the young mission dioceses in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Latin America and Europe, where priests, religious and lay leaders serve some of the poorest of the poor. Please keep the Missions in your prayers and be as generous in next week’s as your personal finances allow.

“Have an attitude of gratitude” is one of those catchphrases fit for bumper stickers and children’s books. Yet, for Christians, this is more than a catchphrase. It is a basic command of Christian life. Notice in today’s Gospel reading the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus. All ten turned to Jesus in faith with their request. However, after they are healed, only one of the ten returns to thank him for answering their prayer. What lesson should we take from the story?

We wish to extend a very heartfelt thanks to Raul and Mary Gonzalez, two members of our Night Adoration group, who come to visit Our Lord in a very special way on the First Friday of each month. Raul noted that the chairs in our Adoration Chapel were in need of recovering and he volunteered do the work himself. Last weekend, Raul, along with Mary, covered not only the chairs in the Chapel, but the ones in our choir area as well! They donated their time, the labor and the materials. God bless you both!.

It’s not too late to register for our Family Catechesis program. If your child is at least 6 years of age and needs the sacrament of Baptism, please call the Office of Religious Education at (626) 446-1625 to register.