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. CATHOLIC CALENDARS: Calendars for 2008 indicating the special holy days and saints of the Catholic Church are available for your home or workplace. This year they are on the theme of Christian stewardship. NEW BEGINNINGS: “NEW BEGINNINGS” is a group of divorced and separated people that meet every Thursday at 7:00 PM at St. Peter’s Church, Plattsburgh in the Upper Room. The first meeting will take place on Thursday, October 18th. For more information contact St. Peter’s Rectory at 563-1692. PARENTS ALERT: A new children's movie released to theatres on December 7th called THE GOLDEN COMPASS. It is based on the trilogy of children books titled His Dark Materials and written by Phillip Pullman, an atheist. The movie has been dumbed down in order to fool kids and their parents in the hope that they will buy his books in which the children kill God. Nicole Kidman stars in the movie. Critics of Pullman's books point to the strong anti-religion and anti-God themes they incorporate. Pullman said: "My books are about killing God." PRAYER FOR VISITING A CEMETERY All powerful God, whose mercy is never withheld from those who call upon you in hope, look kindly on your servants, who departed this life confessing your name, and number them among your saints for ever more. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen WAYS TO EXPRESS GRATITUDE During Thanksgiving season, we will talk a lot about gratitude. But how do we foster that? The following approaches seem to generate thankfulness. Many of these focus on children, but can work for just about anyone.  As soon as toddlers can speak, teach them to say "Please" and "Thank you."  Make it a habit of saying "Thank you" when appropriate.  Encourage kids to write thank-you notes to those who give them gifts.  Set an example of sharing.  Give generously of your time, money and service to other families.  Have prayer times where everyone is asked to say, "Thank you, Lord, for _____."  When something good happens have everyone gather for a prayer of thanks.  When bad things happen, don't forget to be thankful for whatever good God may bring out of it.  Remember that the word "Eucharist" means thanksgiving, and at Mass we are giving God thanks for making us His sons and daughters.  Be thankful yourself, in all circumstances, good and bad. In all things, being grateful for thankfulness is a cause of joy and an antidote for disappointment.