Following Mass on Wednesday night, Sr. Frances (left), Sr. Kelly (back row) and Sr. Marie Grace joined Father Jon and attendees of the Parish Mission for a photo.
Last week, Christ the King hosted the Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth, who facilitated our annual Parish Mission. The Capuchin Sisters, who base their lives on St. Francis of Assisi, strive to live the spirituality of Nazareth. This spirituality consists of a hidden and humble life. Through music, prayer, and a nightly presentation, the Sisters shared their spirituality with the adults of the parish. During the day, the students at the school and in our religious education program received an introduction to their way of life.
On Monday evening, Sr. Kelly said, “If we’re too busy to pray, we’re doing something wrong.” While many good-intentioned Christians are busy providing for their families and serving their communities, this hectic lifestyle can impede our relationship with Christ and even invite sin. We must create time on our calendars for quiet conversation with God to ensure our hearts and minds are open to him and the path he has planned for us. The coming season of Advent is an awesome time in the Church’s calendar, offering us time to prepare our hearts for the Savior’s birth.
Nancy Fitzpatrick, who brought a friend from a neighboring parish, expressed her gratitude for the three-night event and marveled at the holiness and calm during the peaceful evenings.
While our parish calendar offers a range of services and events for the upcoming season, like the Advent Wreath making on December 1, a Music Ministry Christmas concert on December 13, and an opportunity for charity through our Giving Tree, also consider picking up a devotional or a book on prayer such as Praying Scripture for a Change: An Introduction to Lectio Divina by Tim Gray.
SSJNC Update
S. Bonnie pictured with members of the Knit, Crochet, Pray ministry after she spoke at last week’s Young at Heart Luncheon. On the wall behind the members are some of the handcrafted comfort items. The ministry makes hats, scarves, blankets, hot pads, and even sweaters!
Father Jon introduced the Local Mission initiative to the parish in the spring. At that time, he unveiled that the Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Center in Camden would be our partnered organization and stressed two key points: There is an opportunity for all parishioners to participate, and by focusing our efforts on one organization, the effect on both communities would be more impactful. Before this partnership, approximately eight parishioners served at the Center. As of this printing, almost 40 folks are serving the needs of the Center. S. Bonnie, Director of SSJNC, is immensely grateful for the outpouring of love shown by our parishioners.
Tina Kemps feels gratitude when she enters the Center’s doors and enthusiastically states “I am happy to pull up to the Center and walk in the door.” Tina has assisted with various services and remarked that everyone she encounters exudes gratitude for our generosity and commitment to this community.
Crocheting for the last 40 years has always been a calming and peaceful hobby for Susanne Clark, co-coordinator of our Knit, Crochet, Pray ministry. At this time, she cannot go to the Center to serve. However, the K,C,P ministry, which meets bi-monthly in the parish office, affords her the opportunity to participate in the local mission and give to those in need. Collaborating on patterns and learning from each other, the ministry has created almost 100 comfort items for the neighbors. Susanne shared that while crocheting, she prays for the recipient and hopes they receive her creations as a hug from someone who cares. Picking up on Father’s statement that there is an opportunity for all, she expressed gratitude for the ability to share her God-given talents with a new community.
Members of the Hospitality ministry have organized a continuous supply of meals for the neighbors. The women of WWP supported this effort and many provided meals for the last week in October. Each Tuesday, a volunteer driver picks up the meals from the Parish Office and delivers the frozen meals. As last week’s volunteer driver Gordon Thiel, was picking up the meals, he mentioned that it is essential for anyone apprehensive about venturing into Camden to make time to visit the easy to get to the location. He also noted that the area surrounding the Center is well-kept and clean.
To learn more about the Center, check-out the bulletin board on the vestibule of the church. To provide financial support, scan the QR code in the back of this bulletin to donate to the SSJNC on December 3. Or pull a tag from this year’s Giving Tree which will be in the vestibule beginning November 30.