TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

In last Sunday's bulletin I spoke of the loss of civility and the increasingly negative tone of so much of our conversation, especially about religion and politics. Today's observance of Respect Life Sunday brings into focus some of the most divisive issues in our society.  Whether the topic is euthanasia or capital punishment, warfare or, especially abortion, it is hard to stay focused on the moral issue when politics, economics, philosophy and cultural biases all find their way into the mix. But as disciples of the Lord and members of his church the question we must face is whether our moral judgments are shaped by our faith or by our culture. Bishop Stephen Blaire who heads the Justice and Human Development office of the US Catholic Bishops put it this way: "Catholic social teaching should inform a person's politics, not the other way around." But seriously, how often does that happen? How many even understand Catholic social teaching, much less let it shape our social and political beliefs.

There is plenty of room for legitimate debate about how best to address many of the issues of our time, from global warming to social security to health care reform and unemployment. No church or political party has all the answers when it comes to solving these problems. But when the issue is human life, it is no longer a political or doctrinal question. Life is not negotiable. It is not ours to dispose of. It is a gift, the foundation of every other gift and the basis of our common life in society.

If we could get people to agree on the fundamental value of human life, perhaps we could make progress in finding mutually acceptable approaches to other issues, for example:

• support for women with unplanned  pregnancies and for their newborn children,
• life without parole in place of capital punishment,
• a serious critique of the "just war" theory in light of today's weapons of mass destruction,
• a greater appreciation of the benefits of hospice care for the terminally ill.

These and many other ideas could help our society find creative solutions to our social problems without sacrificing the one nonnegotiable value, the gift of human life.                                     -Fr. Peter

FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS
Franciscans around the world and here in Baltimore celebrate the feast day of St. Francis on October 4. By tradition we gather on the night of October 3 to recall the death of Francis with stories, prayers, songs - and, of course, food. You are invited to join the Franciscan community for the "Transitus," or Evening Prayer service Monday, October 3 at 7 pm at St. Ambrose Church, 4502 Park Heights Avenue. Light refreshments will be served after the service.

COMMUNITY AND ARCHDIOCESE…
Bible for Beginners. Mondays, Sept 26 - Nov 28, 7:30 to 8:30 pm at St. Bernadine's Harcum Hall, 614 Mt. Holly St. Led by Monsignor Ed Miller. Bring your own bible or the church will provide one.

"Unconscious Bias in Health Care," lecture by Dr. Augustus White, Enoch Pratt Library Central Branch, October 3, 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

African-American Men's Health Conference, October 8, 8 am - 3 pm. Baltimore Convention Center. Contact CancerHealthForums.org or call 410-933-5124.

Marriage and Annulments. Regional presentations by the archdiocesan tribunal on the church's teaching on marriage, divorce and annulments. Nearest locations are Sacred Heart of Mary, Graceland Park, Nov 3, 7 - 9 pm. Our Lady of Victory, Arbutus, November 10, 7 - 9 pm.

Czech and Slovak Festival. Sunday, October 23, 12 noon - 6 pm, 2501 Putty Hill Avenue.

St. Bernadine's Gospel Extravaganza, Sunday, October 23, 4 pm. $12. Benefit concert for the Oblate Sisters of Providence, featuring St. Bernadine's Gospel Choir, Women's Day Choir, Young Adult Choir, other choirs, dancers and soloists. .

"Rejoice Again" Concert, Voices from churches throughout the Greater Metropolitan Area, Saturday, November 5, 4:00 pm at Israel Baptist Church, 1200 N. Washington St. $15 advance sale; $20 at the door.

NEW ROMAN MISSAL
The date for the new translation of the Mass prayers is November 27. Please read the insert in today's bulletin for answers to frequently asked questions about changes in the liturgy.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TOUR

Regular Sunday School classes and youth group meetings continue each Sunday morning from 9:45 to 10:45 in the lyceum. Next Sunday, October 9 the children will gather in the church where Fr. Peter will lead them on a tour of the church, pointing out the various art works and sacred furnishings in the church and the sacristy. Adults are also welcome to join the tour.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY RESUMES
Our adult Bible Study resumes today from 9:45 to 10:45 in the rectory parlor. Participants have a chance to study and reflect on the Sunday Scripture readings and their connection to our life experience. This is an ideal way for parents of Sunday School children to continue their own formation in the faith.

INVESTMENT CLUB
The Fall Investment Club begins next Sunday, October 9 and continues for ten weeks. Tickets are $10 and offer 40 chances to win cash prizes. Extra tickets are available in the church office. Please make all returns by next Sunday.

FLEA MARKET
The church will hold a flea market in the lyceum on Saturday, October 15, from 8 am to 3 pm. Tables can be purchased at $10. Call Edie at 443-527-1904 or Sherrie at 410-493-7027.

MASS INTENTIONS

FIRST FRIDAY
October 7 is the First Friday of the month. Our holy hour for vocations and world peace begins at 7:30 am and continues with Mass at 8:00.

OCTOBER ROSARY
October is the month of the holy rosary. We will pray the rosary fifteen minutes before each Mass this month. We invite you to come early and join us in prayer.

READINGS NEXT SUNDAY

GIFT OF FLOWERS

Flowers at the side altars and shrines last week were given in loving memory of the deceased members of the Comegna, Livingston and Michal families by the Comegna and Livingston families. Flowers at the statue of the Sacred Heart today are given by Vicki Goldbeck for a special intention.

PRAYER REQUESTS
Please pray for all our sick, especially Gordan Quarles, son of Myrna Collins and Freeman Pitts, Jr, son of Loretha Pitts.

BULL & OYSTER ROAST
Our Fall Bull and Oyster Roast will be held on Saturday, November 12, from 1:30 to 5:30 pm at Columbus Gardens. Tickets are $40 each or $350 for a table of ten. We are taking reservations now in the church office.