Mission Intention for October That the Christians who are minority situations may have the strength and courage to live their faith and persevere in bearing witness to it. 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. CONFIRMATION PREPARATION CLASSES: The first year of Confirmation preparation for students for St. James Parishioners enrolled in grades 8 and higher will begin classes on Sunday, October 14th. These classes will be at the St. James Parish Center once a month during the school. Classes will be held 7:00-8:00 PM. Parents and/or sponsors may attend the classes if they wish. The CATHOLIC FAITH HANDBOOK FOR YOUTH will be the textbook for these classes. This October 14th meeting will involve registration, expectations of students, and the completion of a religious survey form to assess the present level of the knowledge, practice and the importance of the Catholic religion of each candidate for the sacrament of Confirmation. CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW EAGLE SCOUTS: The Eagle Scout Award, the Boy Scout of America’s highest award, was awarded on September 30th to Jeremy Trevail, Travis Sperle, Chris Aierle, and Jeremy Miner. The Eagle Scout Award is a performance based achievement in scouting. It is earned by a Boy Scout who serves as a Life Scout, earns a minimum of 21 merit badges, demonstrates Scout Spirit, and demonstrates leadership in the areas of service and specific skills in the troop. He must plan, develop and lead a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school or community that demonstrates both leadership and a commitment to duty. Upon approval of his plan, he must then carry it out. The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout carries with it a special significance and honor. Among world famous Eagle Scouts are: Dr. William DeVries, inventor of the artificial heart, Willie Banks,Olympian record holder, and Gerald Ford, 38th US President. IMPORTANCE OF SUNDAY WORSHIP: Pope Benedict, in his recent visit to Austria, emphasized that Sunday must be protected as a day of worship. He stated that we live in such a busy world that modern Christians need an appointment with the Lord to give them a sense of direction and help them move beyond “the bustle of everyday life”. Pope Benedict said that Sunday was “the Church’s weekly feast of creation”. He said that the first day of the week saw the dawning of creation: “Let there be light&ldots;.” “This feast of thanksgiving and joy over God’s creation” should be celebrated with gratitude and praise. Living in the North Country helps us to appreciate God’s beauty and to celebrate the Eucharist with gratitude.