October 11, 2026

PRAYER – FOR EVERYDAY AND EVERYBODY

Blessing for Our Common Home
God, bless and protect this beautiful earth You have created, 
    the place we call home.
Grow Your compassion in us, as we share our lives in this world, together. 
Amen.  

QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK 

1st Reading Question: 
Isaiah speaks of the Lord’s lavish future blessings upon all nations and peoples. How should we, as believers, best prepare for God’s future blessings?    
2nd Reading Question:
Paul sees that the key to peace of mind in all of life’s circumstances is to be “empowered” by Christ Jesus. How does your faith in Jesus strengthen you?    
Gospel Question:
In the Parable of the Wedding Feast, Jesus teaches that all who are invited to God’s banquet are to be fully open and prepared. What are some spiritual exercises you practice to remain prepared for God’s work in your life?    
       
LIVE THE LITURGY - INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK

When God extends an invitation, we don’t always respond promptly. So, what’s the hold-up? Let’s examine our lives for anything that delays our RSVP. This is one party we can’t afford to miss.

©LPi

The Sunday Gospel describes the wedding banquet to which the groom’s father invited his family and friends. But the invited guests chose not to come. In frustration, the father welcomed people beyond his immediate circle, even reaching out to people on the fringes of society. And they came! Jesus’ message is clear: through him, God has given us a new understanding of who the Chosen People are. They are not only people born into the Jewish community. The chosen people include anyone who says yes to God’s call. Your challenge this week is to look at someone who is not Catholic. It might be a neighbor, someone you pass on the street or in the grocery store, a co-worker, or perhaps a person whom you consider different or wrong. Can you view the person through God’s eyes, seeing them as part of God’s chosen people? Can you name one way in which the person has said yes to God? In the coming week, commit yourself to a change of attitude or heart about this person.

© Center for Ministry Development. Published by the Pastoral Center. 

http://pastoral.center All rights reserved.

Please note the following changes to our usual schedule: 

• There will be no daily Mass this week, October 12-16. Fr. Renninger will be attending the Diocesan Priests' Convocation.

This coming month, we are displaying your favorite family recipe(s)! What is that most favorite dish that makes your family gather around the table and they can’t wait to eat it? Or that appetizer that everyone expects you to make when you and your friends/family gather? Or that dessert that doesn’t count the calories because it was made and enjoyed with love?

We would love for you to share that recipe with us, which in turn we will share with our parishioners in the form of a digital recipe cookbook! If you have a photo of your dish, that would be wonderful too!


We can’t wait to see what you contribute and what brings your family and friends together!

Learn more about what is on the ballot in Virginia at:

https://www.protectvirginia2026.org/
https://vacatholic.org/constitutionalamendments2026/

Virginia Family Services (VFS) is an accredited Substance Use and Behavioral Health Treatment Center dedicated to treating adults and children with substance use, mental health and/ or co-occurring disorders in Central Virginia.  Their mission is to strengthen families by providing effective, supportive, and therapeutic services. VFS has requested winter coats for several of their clients.  

Our Human Concerns Ministry & Knights of Columbus Council are working together to fulfill VFS’s request.   Please help keep our neighbors warm during the coming winter, by selecting a person at  VFS Winter Coats at https://bit.ly/4AqM0Vl and bring a new winter coat to any Mass on the weekend of October 31/November 1.  

Please call or email Joe Colosi at 302-383-0117 or josephcolosi@yahoo.com with questions.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Lunch and Life will take place in the Bishop Sullivan Room each of these Wednesdays. We gather at 12:00 noon and enjoy a speaker at 12:30 p.m. Bring your own lunch if you wish. Saint Mary’s provides beverages, snacks, and sweet treats. There is no charge to attend and all are welcome.
Questions? Contact Mary-Alice Whitlock in the parish office.

SCHEDULE ~ TOPICS ~ PRESENTERS

FINAL GATHERING OF THE FALL SERIES
Wednesday • Oct 14
"The Accidental Journalist – Lanie’s Story"
Patty Kruszewski, managing editor, Henrico Citizen

Learn more about program offerings:

• Grades K-6 - https://www.stmarysrichmond.org/children
• Grade 7-12 - https://www.stmarysrichmond.org/youth
• Reconciliation & Eucharist - https://www.stmarysrichmond.org/Eucharist
• Confirmation - https://www.stmarysrichmond.org/confirmation

Local Catholic high schools, Benedictine College Preparatory (all boys) and Saint Gertrude High School (all girls), will hold their annual Benedictine Schools of Richmond Open House on Wednesday, October 14th from 6:00 to 7:30pm.  Our schools provide a common Catholic culture, steeped in Benedictine values, that promotes the education of the whole person – body, mind, and spirit.  At Open House, tour our campus and hear from current students, parents, alumni and administration about all our schools have to offer.  Please register at https://www.benedictineschools.org/admissions/visit