ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held throughout the year every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6 am to 9 pm at St. John’s Church Adoration Chapel downstairs. JOB OPENING: The Knights of Columbus is seeking a Field Agent for a career opportunity representing their insurance program. Offered is a complete benefits package with this full-time position. In order to qualify, one must be eligible for membership in the Knights of Columbus. For further information, please contact Stephen Duso, FICF, General Agent at (518) 566-8147. RESOURCEFUL STEWARDING: Today’s Gospel parable is not easy to understand. Jesus was exhorting His disciples to rely on God’s mercy and power to save, but also to be as clever and as diligent as the steward in securing their future in the reign of God. If the manager provided for his future by his clever manipulation of wealth, “how much more” will disciples do the same by using wealth to build the reign of God. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REGISTRATION: Religious Education classes begin on October 11 for registered children. Parents of children in Grades 6-7 will meet in St. James Parish Center this Sunday, September 30th at 2:00 pm. The first year of Confirmation preparation for students enrolled in grades 8 and higher will begin classes on Sunday, October 14th. MASS TIMES: Parishioners who are travelling may call 1-800-MASSTIMES (1-800-627-7846) for the location and schedule of Masses in Catholic Churches throughout the USA. THE POOR AT OUR DOORSTEP: Every one of us is the rich person in today’s Gospel. There is always someone poorer than we at our doorstep. Today’s Gospel calls us to invite one another into our homes and into our hearts, so that we look at each poor person as “one of us” and not “one of them.” Ultimately, we are compelled to witness the suffering with others intimately. Reaching out to others is building up the Body of Christ. BIRTHDAY THANKS: Father Deno is tremendously appreciative of all those who in one way or other remembered his birthday. A few of the changes he witnessed in these 75 years were: The Nazi Holocaust, Second World War and other wars Blacks were declared Human beings by the US Supreme Court Abortion was declared a personal choice by the US Supreme Court The Baltimore Catechism was the basis of the Catholic faith The language of the Mass changed from Latin to English Most Catholic parishes had one or two young assistant Pastors A birthday is a day and time when we begin anew. We plan the journey for the road ahead, but, at 75 it must not be too far ahead. In my 75 years of life and nearly 49 as a priest one theme rings true. It is the virtue of HOPE. Hope is the quality of relating positively with all the events of life. It is the remedy for despair. While I and thousands have come to me with feelings of confusion and loss and even anger, the spirit of hope conquers these. Hope is not a misguided pie in the sky Hope keeps us firmly grounded when the winds blow in all directions. Hope intertwined with religious faith and love brings smiles on each of our faces. Hope is not only the desire for what might be, but our expectation of getting it as well. We must keep the candle burning.