The Changing of Seasons
The weather may still feel like summer but Autumn begins this weekend. The changing of seasons is a powerful metaphor often used to describe the journey of life and faith. Each season—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—symbolizes different phases and experiences we go through. Autumn signifies change and letting go. It’s a season of harvest but also of decline, teaching us about the beauty of transformation and the importance of releasing what no longer serves us. This can be a time of reflection and gratitude in our spiritual journey.
There is an appointed time for everything,
and a time for every affair under the heavens.
time to give birth, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.
Ecclesiastes 3
Parker Palmer often reflects on autumn as a season rich with meaning. He describes it as a time of both beauty and decline, where the vibrant colors of the leaves remind us of the natural cycle of life and death. In his writings, Palmer emphasizes the paradox of autumn: it is a season of harvest and abundance, yet also a time of letting go and preparing for the dormancy of winter.
He suggests that autumn teaches us about acceptance and the importance of embracing change. The falling leaves symbolize the release of what is no longer needed, making way for new growth in the future. Palmer encourages us to see the beauty in this process and to find peace in the transitions of our own lives.
In essence, autumn is a metaphor for the cycles of life, reminding us to appreciate the present moment and to trust in the natural progression of our personal and spiritual journeys.
Fall Family Activities that Celebrate God's Creation from Sadlier Religion:
Appreciate the Autumn
Consider the beauty of autumn: the cooler air, the foliage, the wonderful fruits and vegetables of the season. With your family, design a wreath or similar decoration that you can hang on your door, place in your family prayer space, or display at your parish church. Share the beauty of God’s season by designing something beautiful for your community to enjoy, to honor God’s creation, and remind others to appreciate the wonder of God’s natural world.
Leaf Sort
Take a walk through your yard, visit a community hiking trail, or simply walk through your neighborhood instead of driving to complete a local errand. Bring a small bag along and collect leaves of different varieties with your child. Ask you collect leaves, ask your child “Why do you think this one is red instead of green?” or “Can you find a leaf that is smaller than this one?” Encourage conversation and questioning. If your child asks questions about leaves that you cannot answer, look up the answers together. Finally, spread the leaves out and sort them. You might want to group them by color, size, shape, texture, type of leaf, number of points, or orientation of the veins. Even though all the leaves you collected together are leaves, each one is so unique. Wonder together about the beauty and diversity of God’s creation.
Put it to Rest
In fall, the Earth prepares for the slumber of winter. Genesis 8:22 reminds us that all of God’s creation experiences the cycles of life. Use the fall as an opportunity to talk about cycles; you might want to discuss the change of seasons, the growth of seedlings into harvested fruits, or the life and death of Jesus. Pick an old habit or behavior that you would like to put to rest. Maybe television has encroached upon family dinners and baseball practice has displaced family prayer time. Make a family pledge to end a habit and replace it with something new, to renew your faith and celebrate the beautiful life that God has given you.
Enjoy the Harvest
The fall is a time of harvest, of gathering the fruits of labor, of reaping the benefits of hard work. Take a trip to your local market, farm, or orchard. Discuss the different types of fruits and vegetables that you see and remark on the beauty of Gods creation. Together, thank God for the beauty and abundance of the harvest. Pray the Harvest Prayer:
Lord, thank you for this plenty,
For the harvest great and small,
For the beauty of this season,
For the wonder that is fall.
Join us for Mass this weekend
in person at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
Have you heard of Richard Goodall, a custodian from Terre Haute, Indiana, who gained recognition on "America's Got Talent"? His story emphasizes the importance of humility, service, and the impact one can have on others through simple acts of kindness. Goodall's experience parallels biblical teachings on humility and the value of serving others without seeking recognition. Join Sr. Marla as she reflects on this weekend's scripture readings.
FAMILIES
WEEKLY BULLETIN
(click to read)
PARISH LYCEUM
The Parish Lyceum will feature a variety of topics, guidelines, and relevant information to nurture the PIESS of our lives – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social.
WELCOME TO THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF OUR FAMILY OF FAITH
RECENT LOSS IN OUR PARISH FAMILY
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ruby and Res
It looks like these two could get into some good trouble.
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