I hope you had a blessed week.
 
Following the celebration of two great feasts on our liturgical calendar, All Saints and All Souls day, we enter the month of November. Much of it is dedicated to remembering those that have gone before us. In a special way, this Sunday we remember our loved ones and friends who passed away since last November of 2018. Recalling their names, we bring their memory and commit them to the love and mercy of God. Please also, remember the priests and religious sisters who worked here at St. Clare who have died. We also remember with gratitude our veterans, for their sacrifice, who gave their lives in service for our freedom.
 
The Book of Life
Each year during November we invite you to add the names of friends and family that are deceased in our Book of Life located at the baptismal font. These people will be remembered at all Masses during the month. 
 
Mass Intentions
A beautiful way to remember a deceased loved one is by offering a Mass for their intention.  Masses are also a cherished gift to the living; to know that the Mass and prayers are being offered in their honor is a special way to let someone know you are thinking of them. If you would like a Mass, for a special intention, contact the parish office to make the arrangements.  Be assured we appreciate and welcome your continued support through daily and Sunday Mass intentions.
 
Gospel this Week
Who among us doesn’t love the story of Zacchaeus? We want to see Jesus, and there are many things that stand in the way to do so. Imagine that Jesus actually showed up at your house for dinner; how would that change the table talk? Would you feel guilty? Or excited? or Both? And, like Zacchaeus, what might you decide to change in your life after this amazing encounter?
 
Saints of this Week

• Monday – St. Charles Borromeo,bishop (1538-1584), and doctor of civil and cannon law, was a great champion of the Church redefining itself in light of the Protestant Reformation.

2019 National Vocation Awareness Week
November 3-9, is the annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these vocations. Please continue your prayers of support for current vocations from our parish as well as the new vocations. Say a prayer for those ministering in our parish. Did you know that five sisters minister in our parish community? Sr. Kathy, Sr. Rebecca, Sr. Mary Peter, Sr. Jacquie, and Sr. Val.
 
Vocation Dinner November 9
Prayer, food, inspirational talk, fellowship, and laughter are the ingredients for our annual Vocation Dinner gathering. Come and join us for the Vocation Dinner on November 9 prepared by the Knights of Columbus of our parish. Please see page 8 for details or visit: https://stclarem.org/vocations-dinner
 
The Cup and Handshake
With cold and flu season upon us I ask that you be sensitive to the needs of others and refrain from receiving the Precious Blood from the cup if you are not well. Regarding the handshake at the Sign of Peace; if someone does not extend their hand, but makes a bow, or makes a verbal expression, do not hesitate to accept, and know that it is not a personal affront or rejection. Please use the sanitizer at the entrances of the church. Thank you for your understanding.
 
Communion to the Sick and Homebound
Each week some of our parishioners, who act as ministers of the Eucharist, take Communion to the sick within our parish community, nursing homes, and to our shut-ins. This is a beautiful and rewarding experience for all who are involved in this ministry. If you know of anyone that would like a visit or if you would like to know more about this ministry and get involved, please call Sr. Rebecca at 313-647-5015.
 
Special Movie
Looking for a good movie? On Wednesday evening only, at theaters across the United States, a motion picture titled The Divine Plan will be shown. It is a movie about President Regan and St. Pope John Paul ll and how their work together brought an end to Soviet Communism.  Locally the film may be seen at the AMC Forum 30 IMAX Sterling Heights or AMC Fairlane Megastar 21 in Dearborn. Trailer: https://vimeo.com/298648430
 
Wishing you a blessed week,
Fr. Andrew