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!

Festivals Galore!

Holy day/holiday. An abundant meal. Joy and merrymaking.
We adopt "festival" when we gather in an extraordinary way.

Here are some ways to make your weekend extra-ordinary.

Thurs 9/25: Cafe Iguana, Fundraiser for Delaware Opportunities Inc. Support efforts to rebuild flood-devastated homes in Delaware County NY. Info on calendar.

Thurs 9/25-Sun 9/29: Reel Jersey Film Festival, Rutherford
Attend Friday evening's Weird NJ Party and Midnight Show; get a free ticket for Saturday!

Sun 9/28:

St Thomas More Picnic, Fairfield
Last of the cluster picnics; Eucharistic Feast outdoors at Noon; BBQ on the great lawn follows.

Morristown Festival on the Green
Hang with our friends from Morris Catholic Young Adults; Booth 56 on South Park St.

Genesis Farm Festival at St Al's, Caldwell
Support the Dominican Sisters and their care for Creation. 2-5PM.

TOT New York Style
Join our friends at St Paul the Apostle NYC for Fr Ron Franco's look at the lessons of St Paul brought to the political scene. At PJ Clarke's, Lincoln Square @ 6:30 PM.

Word. Life. Mission.

It's Catechetical Sunday!

This weekend we acknowledge those "who serve our parishes by bringing the Word of God into the hearts of others."

All our parishes have dedicated catechists preparing our youngest community members to receive sacraments, better understand the teachings of our Catholic faith and to experience faith in community.

Do you believe that sharing your faith with others is important? Do you have a natural ability to teach or share information and ideas? Are you willing to learn more about your own faith as you prepare to teach others?

If so, consider being a catechist!

All the parishes in our cluster seek new catechists or those who want to learn the ropes by teaming up with another catechist or being an aide.

In particular, OLBS needs day program catechists for its after school program held on Monday and Tuesday. Contact Cathy Gibbons (olbscg@verizon.net) for more information. Being a catechist is also a great way for college students in educational disciplines to experience a classroom setting or to round out their schedules with community service.

Our cluster parishes also seek volunteers in their faith formation efforts. Please contact the catechetical directors for further information:

Bill Schutte: Notre Dame (ndparish@aol.com)
Cabrina Kinslow: STM (stmparish@verizon.net)
Sr Justine Pinto and Ed Karpinski: St. Al's (info@staloysiuscaldwell.org)

Remember

Let us take some time today to be reverent as we remember the events of September 11, 2001.

In NYC, the memorial service begins at 8:40 AM and includes the reading of the names of those who died. I take time to remember Jack Charles Aron, Luigi Calvi, John Griffin, Fr. Mychal Judge and Simon Weiser.

In West Essex, all communities are invited to gather at the 9/11 Memorial Monument at Verona Town Square on Bloomfield Avenue at 7PM for a period of silent remembrance and tribute. Everyone will then walk together for an Interfaith Taize Prayer Service at Our Lady of the Lake Church.

The National September 11 Memorial and Museum site has information on how you can add your name and message to the structural beams as well as an ongoing compendium of 9/11 stories and tributes.

Mass and...PICNICS!

Our communities call us to gather at the Table of the Lord...and then to enjoy each other's company at festive picnic tables!

Although the 7PM Sunday Mass at STM resumes this weekend, we will resume our "Mass and..." on the first Sunday of October so everyone may savor this time as part of their parish communities.

Sunday, 9/7: Notre Dame kicks off the Picnic Season with an outdoor Mass on the front lawn at Noon. The Picnic follows 'round back with something for everybody.

Sunday, 9/14: St Al's Picnic starts at 1PM -- following the Noon Mass. You'll need a ticket: $5/pp or $15/family. Lots of family fun!

Sunday, 9/28: The month ends with STM's outdoor Mass on their great lawn, followed by a picnic. Last year the quintessential Italian ices from Lyndhurst Pastry Shop were a great treat. Can't promise for this year, but show up and find out!