Single? Over 35?

Our parish cluster defines young adult ministry for those aged 18-35. Most young adult ministries define themselves for those in their '20s and '30s -- and we don't have big age barriers for those who are 35ish. It is not surprising that this ministry receives inquiries from older Catholic singles.

So, I am posting some information for those over the age of 35ish - please pass on to your friends!

There are two new Catholic singles groups in Northern NJ: One is at the Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River and the other is at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Oakland.

October 24th, 8-11 PM Reception
Church of the Presentation, Upper Saddle River
Wine, Cheese and Beer Reception; Music by Steve Lafiosca. $10/at the door. This group is for Singles over 40.
More info: socialsuzy@yahoo.com

Not In Limbo Singles is the group out of OLPH in Oakland. The group meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at the Knights of Columbus Hall and is for singles over the age of 35. Contact Pastoral Associate Phil Brady for information. October 22nd is the next gathering and will feature motivational speaker Janet Pfeiffer on "Profound Awareness." Attendees will discover the four key principles of "intentional living."

Don't forget that Immaculate Conception Single Adults in Montclair gathers its members for social and service outings throughout the year. To receive their email directly, send a note to icsa2006nj@netscape.net.

Get Carded.

...At your local library!

The Caldwell Public Library is a magnet for readers of all ages; a salon for local artists and center for community-building through partnerships of all kinds. On the national scene, it is a two-time recipient of a Big Read grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Most recently, CPL is partnering with Caldwell College and Teach for America.

So, do you see yourself as part of the solution? someone who wants to (and can!) make a difference? CPL's latest partnership event has your name written all over it!

Teach for America pledges to eliminate educational inequity; to stop the correlation between geographic community and educational quality/opportunity. TFA encourages new teachers to take challenging teaching assignments, trains them to be leaders as well as educators -- with the expectations that their experience in these challenging districts will provide a direct impetus to fostering nationwide, systemic change. Social entrepreneurship.

On Wednesday, October 15, CPL, TFA-Newark and the Business Division of Caldwell College invite you to FRONTLINE/World (PBS) Social Entrepreneurship Series Film Screening. The Screening starts at 6:30 PM in the Alumni Theater at Caldwell College.

On Wednesday, October 29th, continue the community discussion on the film at Caldwell Community Center (behind the CPL) @ 6:30 PM. The conversation will focus on social entrepreneurship illustrated by the experiences of young teachers currently working with TFA-Newark. Get inspired!

The Big Read initiative is to get lots of people reading, sharing and acting on the ideas spurred by literature. This year's Big Read is a short book with a big message: The Shawl by Cynthia Ozick. CPL's Director Karen Lembo purposely selected The Shawl for its ability to tie together the many faith communities in West Essex. While The Big Read will begin in the winter, you don't have to wait to read The Shawl. (In fact, it may spur an idea for an event or activity we can share.)

Check out the CPL website and events section.
Some events you might like:

Essex County Photo Club Exhibit/Reception 10/14
Early Morning Book Club Sat 10/18
Poetery Reading 11/6

(And check out Tasty CoCo almost across the street while you are there!)

Brother Francis

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Because of Francis' love of creation, he often comes to mind as a patron saint of ecology and of all creatures great and small. This weekend, many of our cluster parishes will honor Francis' memory by holding a "Blessing of the Animals."

Another way we connect to Francis, is in peacemaking-- to carry out "The Peace Prayer of St. Francis" -- "Make me a channel of your peace."

Yet another connection comes in God's call to Francis, "Rebuild my church." Even Francis didn't get it right the first time -- putting his energy into literally rebuilding the bricks and mortar dilapidated chapel in which he first heard God speak. And, then coming to a further realization, that God was calling him to build a church community. The community where the Gospel was told even "using words if necessary." This church of Living Stones is harder to build than the church of bricks and mortar -- primarily because we are human. But that doesn't mean that we should stop trying to be church or to live the Gospel.

Ecologist. Peacemaker. Poet. Activist. Community builder. Blessings for The Feast of St. Francis-- whoever you are!

May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord show his face to you and have compassion on you! May He turn his face to you and give you peace! Amen.

Join Us

Feed me. This blog, that is.

October 5th

Please join us for Sunday Mass, October 5th at St. Thomas More Parish, Fairfield. "Mass and...the Versailles Diner." Heart attack fries. With gravy.

October 8th

Apologies to our friend Bill McGarvey at BustedHalo. His website is a Beautiful Mess; this writer's mind is a blessed mess! Join Bill and his band at TOT hosted by St Helen's. C'mon out to Molly Maguire's on Central Ave in Clark at 7:30 PM. DOC.*

In a more thoughtful mood? "Therese, The Story of a Soul" will be presented at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Boonton at 7:30 PM. DOC.*

October 20th

Paul's back. Snatchko that is.
Paul will lead a discussion of Faithful Citizenship at St. Thomas More, Fairfield at 8PM -- following Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 7PM.
October 22nd

You loved her as the NJYAC keynote speaker: Sr. Marilyn Minter shares her ingishts on St. Paul during an evening at St. Thomas More, Fairfield @ 7:30 PM.

*Details on Calendar!