Definitely Fall

Falling leaves, cold weather and the need for our down comforter are all signs that Fall is definitely here.  No more mowing, but now we need to rake the leaves.

The last of the fall rowing races (called "Head Races" in the Fall) happens this weekend and then rowing is over until the spring.  Gabriel has started a work regimen so he doesn't get out of shape.  Not sure if Marian will join him or not?!

The Fall play has its opening night tomorrow.  It is the perennial comedy Harvey. The kids are doing a great job and I think it will be well received.

Our morning Mass did a nice job of honoring the Veterans and Bogdan and the Knights of Columbus joined in the ceremony.

Feast of All Saints and All Souls

November 1st The Feast of All Saints
On the feast of All Saints, we honor those men and women who—whether they’ve been canonized or not—have led lives of heroic virtue that set an example for all Christians.  They try to see Christ in every person and every situation. Saints tell us what matters most in life is not what we earn or own, not the job we have or the people we know. What really matters is how much we love God, others, and ourselves, and how well we show that love in all we do.

Collect Prayer from the solemnity of All Saints
Let us pray today.
     Almighty ever-living God,
     By whose gift we venerate in one Celebration
    the merits of all the Saints, bestow on us, we pray,
    through the prayers of so many intercessors,
    an abundance of the reconciliation with you
    for which we earnestly long.
    Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
    who lives and reigns with you in the unity 
    of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

November 2nd All Souls Day

Catholics believe that death can separate people who they love from them for only a while. We are still united with them in the Communion of Saints. On this feast of All Souls, and throughout the entire month of November, we recall our deceased relatives, friends, and all the faithful departed who may yet be waiting for the full joy of heaven in purgatory. We pray for them, remembering that likewise these people being purified have the power to intercede us too.

Prayer for the deceased

    Let perpetual light shine upon them, 

    with your Saints forever, for you are merciful.

    Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,

    and let perpetual light shine upon them, 
    with your Saints forever, for you are merciful. 

    Amen.

Updates from our house

October has whizzed by and here's what has been happening.

Marian has had her first Fall rowing race and placed 7th of out 10 in her first race and 2nd out of 3 in her next race.  Gabriel is also racing and doing well.  They have 2 more races for the fall season and then it's over, a much shorter season than the spring.

Anna continues to love marching band and color guard, Bogdan was finally able to see her perform in a marching band competition last week and loved it.  (I was busy with the rowers.)

Our fall production of Harvey comes up soon and we will begin Tech week and long hours at the theatre.

Gabriel is sending in his last early application (for Stanford) in this weekend.  That's his first choice so far for colleges.

Marian (I think) might be on her last days of trick or treating.  She has 2 Halloween parties, one tonight and one tomorrow.  I think if the weather agrees the kids might do trick or treating tonight, but it might rain.

She just returned from backpacking trip to Big South Fork, which she enjoyed.  Although, she said it was more hiking and less camping.  She's determined she likes camping better.

Fall break

Things we've done and are going to do...

--Camping trip to Edgar Evins State Park (only one night in the rain)
--cliff diving at the park
--final college visit trip to NC (UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke)
--making meals for the next month (beef stew, cheesy chicken, teriyaki chicken, minestrone soup, to name a few of the items on the menu)
--going to the Haunted Hollow Orchard, getting tons of Stayman Winesap apples, made 3 apple pies and canned 12 jars of applesauce
--praying in front of Planned Parenthood for an end to abortion
--working on costumes for the upcoming production of Harvey
--first race of the rowing season
--visiting Darlene, who is home now, and doing well
--dentist appointments
--Fall Festival, complete with games, booths and a spaghetti dinner

Fall break begins

The new balanced schedule and extended Fall break begins today.  2 weeks of fall vacation.  We'll attempt to go camping and then to NC to see 2 more colleges.  (the last of the college visits)

There are some normal doctor's appointments and things on my to do list (well, actually for Bogdan to do...power wash the house) and then our fall break ends with the parish Fall Festival.

Keeping many people in our prayers, lots of sickness in the world, and praying for a relief to that for many.