I stopped in at Congress to visit with fellow SJN parishioner, Congressman Mike McCaul, and offered my "advice" to Congress!
I’ve just returned from the East, where I went from the seat of government to the feet of our saint, and I feel blessed, on both counts! My trip to Washington started in my Congressman’s office, where I had the opportunity to complain about the gridlock in our Legislative branch, though he and I were unable to solve the debt problem that afternoon! When I stopped in at the Senate gallery to observe the opening session on Halloween, I heard both Democratic Majority and Republican Minority leaders pitch their sides of the same argument. I visited the Executive branch on one more trip through the White House to see any new photos on the walls, and finally spent a morning witnessing oral arguments before the Supreme Court, an undeniably fabulous experience with our Judicial branch. Every citizen should make this journey!
Mass at St. John Neumann's feet, literally, where I prayed for all of your intentions.
I also made a pilgrimmage to Philadelphia, where my friend and I managed to track down the Shrine of St. John Neumann in the middle of what they called a “nor ‘easter”! We loaded up on medals and relics for the future dedication and attended a beautiful Mass offered on the altar that stands over our patron saint’s incorruptible remains. . . and we were humbled in his powerful presence. I wrote out prayer petitions for all of our parishioners here and left them at the altar, so that his miracles may continue in your lives.
November brings us to the end of our liturgical year, as we prepare for Advent, and there are a few events you should consider in the weeks ahead. Next Sunday, our presenter for Between the Masses is Diocesan Director of Liturgy, Cheryl Maxwell, who will offer her insights on the church-wide conversion to a new Roman Missal at the end of the month. It should be very informative for those of you who are already struggling with the changes ahead.
Then on November 11th we commemorate Veterans’ Day with a Mass that Friday evening at 7:00pm, celebrated by our favorite “veteran” priest and former Associate Pastor, Fr. Jim Evans. There will be a wine & cheese reception afterwards in Morris Hall, and be assured, the Water into Wine ministry will be pouring plenty!
On November 17th we’ll host our Fall Film Series, featuring “Of Gods and Men,” starting at 6:30pm. This is intended to be a “Women’s Night Out,” but for those gents who really want to see this wonderful film, you will be welcomed just the same. It is the amazing story of Trappist monks living in an Algerian community in the midst of the ethnic fighting that surrounded them, and how their monastic practices helped them to overcome the fears of living there. The film will be presented with wine & chocolates, of course!
After Thanksgiving, it will be Advent, and I heartily encourage everyone in our parish to make time for the Advent Parish Mission that Fr. Bud has planned for you, December 4-7th. This is a unique opportunity for our faith community to come together four evenings in a row, Sunday through Wednesday, from 7-9pm, to celebrate the season, grow in spirituality and as a parish in unity with Christ. Please mark your calendars now and do your best to join us for the Mission.
May St. John Neumann bless us all in the weeks to come,
Nancy Biehler
Director, Adult Faith Formation
P.S. This blog contains the content of my weekly Adult Faith Formation e-newsletter sent to your inbox. If you are not receiving the weekly Adult Faith Formation e-newsletter, let me know and I will add you to the list (
nbiehler@sjnaustin.org).
Hilary Olson and Nancy Biehler have witnessed years of exciting growth during their tenures at St. John Neumann. In the first decade 0f this new millennium, we, as a Parish, have purchased and paid for 26 beautiful acres of prime real estate; we have built a Pastoral Center, an Activity Center (the Holy Family Center), and now, finally dedicated an exquisite new worship space. So we’d like to THANK YOU for participating in the life of this Parish, which we both hold so dear. . . and for putting up with us through it all!
