Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time | St. Edward Catholic Church, Tallulah

From The Font

“...a widow was gathering sticks there...”

Widows and widowers have always had a hard time of it… In Christianity, there’s lots to know and understand about the vocation of marriage, but too little is said about how widows and widowers are to embrace “post-vocational” life…

In the ancient world, the general plan was that when the kids had moved out of the house - which typically happened closer to 15 years of age than to 20 - the empty nest couple would take on a roll of moral leadership in the extended family and continue to lead their lives as before. When one of the couple died, the other would move in with one of the children.

When Jesus showed up on the scene, the Jewish people had already been in an off-and-on war with the Roman Empire for three generations… The supply of healthy young men was low and the supply of unmarried women was high… Roman taxes and war retribution also made it all the more difficult for families to absorb their widowed parents.

The image of a lonely widow - especially one taking care of her apparently layabout son - is in a word sad… The widow of Zarephath is facing what many Americans are facing right now: a poorly managed economy, poverty, and a lack of available food at any price. Even with needs as simply as flour and oil, she can’t make ends meet.

When we meet Elijah in this story, he had just finished being the mouthpiece of God Who has just sent this drought-based famine on the world. Elijah meets the widow and he sees the effects of his prophecy. Through Elijah, God asks the poor, dying woman for even more… She is asked to give a portion of her last meal to a stranger. When she freely does, all her needs are provided for!

When Jesus points out the same behavior in a poor widow who gives from her “want” (her poverty) rather than her surplus, He calls His disciples to note the attitude. Soon, He will expect them to lay down their lives for Him…

What is expected from each of us will be different, but the attitude the Lord calls for from us is just the same as the poor widow of Zarephath.

Thoughts from Fr. Ryan

This Saturday is the feast of “Mother Cabrini” (St. Francis Cabrini, MSC) born in Italy in 1850 and foundress (in 1880) of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She brought her new order to the United States in 1887 and went on to become the first US Citizen to be canonized as a saint!

But that’s not why I’m writing about here in beautiful Tallulah… no, I’m remembering her in our bulletin because as a very young boy living in New Orleans, our beloved Charles Paschal Greco met Mother Cabrini. In fact, he met her twice. She encouraged him and told him that he would be something special if he dedicated himself to the Lord’s service.

Of course, Charlie Greco went on to become Fr. Greco and then Monsignor Greco and then the guy-who-actually-did-all-the-Archbishop’s-work Greco and finally, our Bishop, Charles P. Greco, Bishop of Alexandria.

Bishop Greco is, of course, fondly remembered by many of us for his winning personality, his gentlemanly charm, and his sincere love for the Lord and for the autistic children of St. Mary’s in Alexandria and of Our Lady’s in Shreveport. And while I think Charlie Greco would have become Bishop Greco whether or not he had met Mother Cabrini, the fact that he pushed so hard to have a hospital, an orphanage, and a parish named after her gives testimony to the impact that a single encounter with a saint can have. It also speaks to how much a word of encouragement can mean to a young person.

When I was a senior in High School, I attended daily Mass in the afternoon at 5:30p. One little old lady, in particular, never failed to talk to me after Mass and to encourage me to consider becoming a priest… Mrs. Liz Faulk is as close to a saint as I’m likely to meet. I don’t know how my life would have been different if I had met her when I was 9 years old (as Bishop Greco did with Mother Cabrini), but I know the impact she had when I was 17.

The lesson I drew from Mrs Faulk and from the story that Bishop Greco told about Mother Cabrini was simply to encourage young people to think beyond what the world offers. And, really, that’s not limited to young people! Any one of us - young or old - who puts him- or herself at the Lord’s service can accomplish remarkable works. It’s not just for nuns and priests… It’s not just for those with a pedigree or a once-in-a-generation talent… In His saints, God shows us a panoply of ways in which people of every age, health, culture, and talent can do great things and bring others to the knowledge and love of God. From Mother Cabrini (who did much more than just encourage Charlie Greco…) to Andre Bessette (whose gentle listening healed hearts and built the largest shrine to St. Joseph in the world)... from John Henry Newman (who was one of the great thinkers in modern history) to Mother Teresa (who never had much in the way of formal education)... God isn’t limited by anything so small as our personal limitations… He’s only ever limited by our willingness to know, love and serve Him!

Mass Intentions for the Coming Week

Sat 5:30p In memory of Pat Bullard/Bullard
Sun 9:00a Pro Populo for the Living & Deceased Members of our Parish
Mon NO MASS
Tue 9:00a In memory of Thomas Trichell/family
Wed 9:00a In memory of May DiTomasso
Thu 9:00a In memory of AJS “Jackie” Jumonville/family
Fri 5:30p In memory of Becky Lancaster/family
Sat 5:30p In memory of Donald Trichell/family
Sun 9:00a Pro Populo for the Living & Deceased Members of our Parish

ALTAR CANDLES this week are burning for the special intentions of Margo Corulla

Assistants at Holy Mass

Date	Servers	Lector(s)
11/6 5:30p	None Scheduled	C VanderVieren
11/7 9:00a	Henry, MaryKatherine	K Collins
11/13 5:30p	None Scheduled	L Bullard
11/14 9:00a	Chandler, Kathleen, Maura	D Ellerbee
11/20 5:30p	None Scheduled	A Farlow
11/21 9:00a	Preston, Evelyn, Courtland	Youth

Upcoming Events

Confessions every Friday & Saturday from 5p until Mass at 5:30p
Sunday Morning Catechism in the Hall after the 9:00a Mass unless otherwise indicated
Pastoral Council meeting monthly on the third Tuesday at 6p unless otherwise indicated
Nov 16 Pastoral Council Meeting– Parish Hall – 6 p.m.
Nov 17 Wednesday Evening Catechism– Parish Hall – 6 p.m.-- Topic: Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary
Nov 21 Thanksgiving Potluck - Parish Hall - following 9:30 a.m. Mass

For Your Information:

ROSARY GROUP… a group of parishioners is meeting on Monday at 5:30 p.m. to pray the Rosary. Everyone is invited to join the group. If you need additional information, please contact the Coordinator, Louise Magoun, at 318-341-2403.

MAUSOLEUM COMMITTEE… As many of you know, we’re deep into the complexities of being certified to operate a mausoleum by the Louisiana State Cemetery Board. At this point, we’d like to establish a formal committee to oversee the next stages of the project. Those interested in helping out should contact Michael Lancaster directly. Thank you!

SPECIAL SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION CLASSES….will be held for the 4 youth who will be preparing for Confirmation in the Spring and for the 4 youth who will be preparing for First Penance and First Communion. Twelve classes for Confirmation preparation will be on Sunday afternoons at 5 p.m. and First Penance and Communion will be two Wednesdays a month TBA. If you know of someone who fits in one of these classes who has not already been contacted by Father Ryan, please advise them to call and arrange to be in the classes.

ANGEL TREE… Our annual Angel Tree is getting ready to kick off at the beginning of Advent. Many, many thanks to Mrs. Dana Dukes for heading up the project. If anyone knows of families who may be in need, please let Fr. Ryan or Dana know as soon as possible. Thank you!

FOURTH QUARTER SOCIAL … Sunday, November 21 in the Church Hall following 9:30 a.m. Mass, we will have a Potluck Brunch to celebrate the Thanksgiving season. All faith family members as well as family and friends are encouraged to participate in this event!

The Fourth Quarter (Oct, Nov, Dec) Social Committee is comprised of Skeeter and Blanche Wilks, and Louise Magoun who will serve as chairs, and other members include Dorothy Dyer, Leslye Ellerbee, Carol and Jerry Ezell, Susan and Johnny Gilfoil, Sherry Lynn and Timmy Harris, Michael Lancaster, Billy and Ginny Marsh, William and Sharyn Marsh, Hannah McCartney, Sug Regan, Don Wood, Robert Wood, Edward and Margaret Yerger

EMPOWERING GOD’S CHILDREN… parish volunteers must be VIRTUS trained and go online regularly at www.virtus.org for the latest training bulletins. Any questions or issues can be reported to the office. Printed resources are available on the table at the entrance to the Church.

“Protecting our Children, Understanding and Preventing Child Sexual Abuse” includes Resources and Contact Numbers for reporting abuse.
“Protecting God’s Children, Teaching Touching Safety Quick Reference Guide”

The Diocesan Policy for the Protection of Minors and The Diocesan Code of Pastoral Conduct for Priests, Deacons, Pastoral Ministers, Administrators, Staff, and Volunteers are available in the Safe Environment section of the diocesan website at DioceseAlex.org or a copy may be requested from the Safe Environment Office (318) 445-2401.

PLEDGE TO HEAL...If you or a family member has been abused or victimized by a representative of the Catholic church or a member of the clergy, please believe in the possibility for hope and help and healing. Dr. Lee Kneipp, Clinical Psychologist, Victim Assistance Coordinator, Diocese of Alexandria encourages those persons to come forward and speak out. Dr. Kneipp is establishing support groups in the central Louisiana area for victims and family members. The focus of these groups is to further emotional and spiritual healing as an adjunct to therapy, in an atmosphere of others who understand the pain, betrayal, and fear associated with abuse. Dr. Kneipp can be reached at 318-542-9805. All calls are confidential.

PRAYER FOR HURRICANE SEASON… Our Father in Heaven through the intercession of our Lady of Prompt Succor, spare us from all harm during this Hurricane Season. Protect us and our homes from all disasters of nature. Amen. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to our help!

Stewardship Both widows in today’s readings gave all they had to the work of the Lord, one using all her remaining food to feed Elijah and the other offering her two copper coins to the temple treasury. Faithful stewards give all that is asked and trust the Lord to be faithful to His promises.

SECOND COLLECTION This weekend our second collection is our once a month Building Fund collection.

Our Return to the Lord


Weekly Budget FY 2020-21	$ 2,111
September Budget	$ 8,444
September Income	$ 8,955
September Expenses	$ 9,405
October Budget	$ 8,444
October 30/31 collection	$ 2,116
October To Date	$ 9,666

Let us Rejoice in the Lord!

Happy Birthday Randy Dukes (Nov 11), Brian Johnson (Nov 11), Bernadette McFall (Nov 12), Brian McFall (Nov 13), Cathy VanDerVieren (Nov 13)

Happy Anniversary Stephenie and Lance Marsh (Nov 6), Marie and Norman Ernst (Nov 10)

In Our Daily Prayers…

Please let us know of anyone who is ill or hospitalized and would like to receive a visit from Father. Also, help us keep our prayer list up to date by advising us of those who should be added or removed.

Our Holy Father Pope Francis and Pope-Emeritus Benedict XVI; Bishop Robert Marshall, and our Diocesan leaders, our President, Governor, Mayor and national, state and local elected representatives

Our parishioners who are sick, shut-in, or otherwise in need of our prayers: Connie and Dan Copes, Elizabeth Crothers, Mary Ernst, Monique Florence, Susan and Johnny Gilfoil, C.W. and Alyce Keene, Bill Kennedy, Charlotte Marsh and Lance and Stephenie, Ed Mills, Kathleen Mills, Sue & Mike Rome, Delia Trichell, and Don Wood

Those under full-time care: Frances Kennedy, Carol Dunning

Our friends and relatives who need our prayers: Lee Adams (Smith), Ashley Alexander (Regan), Kathryn Wood Allsopp (D Wood), Jenna Faye Allen (Florence), Pam Amacker (Gilfoil), James Arceneaux (Book), Marie Farlow Bellard, Molly Corulla, Sara Cannon (Gilfoil), Truman and Diane Collins, Jami Cook (Wilks), Carol Dipert (Rome), Tommy Dunning, Joe Farlow, Mike Farlow, April Franklin (Wilks), Thom Gilfoil, Charlotte Green, Kathy Garley Hanlon (Gilfoil), Rita Hargrave, Carroll Holmes and family (Keene), Sharon Jackson (Wilks), LaLa Lopez (Hernandez), Michelle McGuire(Gilfoil), Mona Martin-Mills (M Gilfoil), Caryn Oliver, Sue Perrilloux (D Wood), Wayne Pitre (Gilfoil), Frances Robinson (Wilks), John and Martha Rogan, Lee and Tiffney Rome, Dianne W. Roper (Murphy), Theresa and Albert Thom (Rome), Meg Keene Thomas, Elaine and James Trimble (Rome), Teresa Vidrine (Wilks), Joe Yerger

Our collegiates: Aidan Collins, Calli Ezell, Chris Hall (USMC), Nick Hall, Emmy Lu Marsh, Maddie Oliver, Bailey Rome, Carter Sullivan, Walker Sullivan, Brice Wood, Marsh Wood

Those Catholics residing at Christian Acres, Louisiana Transitional Center for Women, and our local Detention Centers and for their families and loved ones.