Week of
SEPTEMBER 27, 2009: THE TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 
Please visit here for GENERAL INFORMATION:
NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS:
Genesis 2:18-24
Hebrews 2:9-11
Mark 10:2-16

In today’s Gospel we see a literary device that Jesus uses on occasion: hyperbole - exaggeration to drive home a point.  Jesus says, “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off...”  Does Jesus really mean for someone to literally cut off their hand if it causes sin?  No, but he is clearly making the point that we are to avoid sin.  I believe this means that when faced with temptation, we are to do all we can to resist giving into the temptation and sinning.  Why is Jesus so strong on avoiding sin?  He knows that sin can damage our relationship with God and with others.  Sin is not just breaking a law or commandment, it is putting something between us and God; it usually hurts another person.  Let us take some time this week to reflect on how seriously we take the words of Jesus to avoid sin and embrace his love. 

WEDDING: Last Saturday, Sept. 19, I had the pleasure of celebrating the wedding of Terrence Sullivan, FSU class of 1999, and Erin Olson.  Please keep T.J. and Erin in your prayers as they begin their married life.

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES: All of our Liturgical Ministries are open to students.  If you wish to serve as a Reader, Eucharistic Minister, Musician or Usher, please either see me or fill out one of the Ministry Cards found in the back of Chapel and return it to me.  We will have training for all of our Ministries. 

CONFIRMATION: If you have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation and would like to consider being Confirmed this year, please let me know.  We will be forming our Confirmation Preparation Program Class soon.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults): If you are not Catholic and would like to consider becoming one, please let me know.  We will be beginning our RCIA Program soon.  You are under no obligation to become a Catholic just because you begin the Program: you have the final choice to make at the end of the Program.  If you are a Catholic who would like to learn more about your faith, you are welcome to join us as well.

FOOD AND CLOTHING DONATIONS: There is a table in the back of the Chapel for food donations for the needy of our community. When you are shopping, consider getting a nonperishable food item and bring it with you to Mass to place in our food basket. If you have any old clothing that is clean and in good condition that you wish to donate, please bring it to the Osborne Newman Center and place it in the downstairs lounge. These are two ways we can serve those in need in our area.

Last Sunday’s Collection amounted to $209.85. Thank you for your generous support of Catholic Campus Ministry and its programs. 

**UPCOMING EVENTS**

DEMONSTRATION MASS: Have you ever wondered why we celebrate the Mass the way that we do?  Do you have questions about Mass or Eucharist?  If so, please join us this Tuesday, Sept. 29th, at 7:30 PM in the Osborne Newman Center for a “Demonstration” Mass.  I will celebrate Mass and explain, as we go along, the importance of each part of Mass and what each part means.