October 24, 2021
Dear Ladies and Friends of TASTE,
- How providential it is that Sunday was the annual celebration of WORLD MISSION SUNDAY. Pope Francis’ message for World Mission Sunday this year reflects on the theme: “We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). He reminds us that, “as Christians, we cannot keep the Lord to ourselves,” as “we recall with gratitude all those men and women who by their testimony of life help us to renew our baptismal commitment to be generous and joyful apostles of the Gospel.” In a dark world where so much divides us, World Mission Sunday rejoices in our unity as missionaries by our Baptism to bring the light of Christ to the poor and marginalized.
- This past week, Kevin Wells exemplified World Mission Sunday through his talk entitled "Al Schwartz: An American Superhero and Future Saint." To set the stage for his talk, Kevin painted a picture of how DARK the world has become and how much we need Holy Priests, Nuns, and Laity to bring the LIGHT of Christ to this world. Kevin highlighted the heroic witness of 3 priests whom many of us know who died to self in order to fulfill their vocation: Fr. Dan Leary, Fr. Martin Flum, and Fr. Larry Swink. Finally, he "introduced" us to Fr. Aloysius Schwartz who was the founder of World Villages for Children and the Sisters of Mary. Details about Fr. Al's life are in his most recent book, "Priest and Beggar." We received a thank you note from Kevin after his talk expressing gratitude and sharing a video and his contact information. LINK
THIS WEEK AT TASTE:
- NEW TALK — This week, we welcome back Joan Watson as she gives a talk entitled "Why I Love the Unlovable Church."
TASTE SMALL GROUPS:
- THIS WEEK'S DISCUSSION — We will reflect on Kevin Wells' talk entitled "Al Schwartz: An American Superhero and Future Saint." The audio and video of this talk and Reflection Questions are included HERE. At that same link, you will find a links to his book, his website, information on World Villages for Children, related articles and videos that share more about the life of Fr. Al Schwartz.
SPECIAL REMINDERS
- LOGISTICS — For a reminder of any information associated with zoom small group, parking, masks, public health, babysitting, or registration, please view this LINK.
- PRAYER REQUESTS — Several of our TASTE sisters need our prayers. Please pray for: All our TASTE sisters, Kate Christianson, Patty Aghdam, Kay Robinson (Jennifer's D's mom), Susan Conroy, our spiritual director Fr. Larry Swink as well as all of the priests in the Baltimore and Washington Archdioceses. Based on Kevin Wells' talk, let's also specifically add Fr. Dan Leary and Fr. Martin Flum to our prayer list. Finally, we pray for Sr. Mary Michael Fox as she is working to complete her new book. New prayer requests can be sent to Joy Parker at joyparker73@gmail.com.
- TASTE DONATIONS — There are 3 ways you can donate to TASTE to help defray our costs: 1) in-person, 2) electronically on our web site, or 3) by physical mail. Checks should be made out to "TASTE" and can be mailed to: Joy Parker, 12649 W Oak Drive, Mount Airy, MD 21771. As usual, thank you so much for your generosity!
- OTHER DONATIONS — In past years, we routinely collected donations for the Sisters of the Servants of the Lord. We would like to begin that again. While they would gladly accept any donation, their community is particularly happy to receive: Mozzarella cheese, Peanut Butter, Gluten Free Flour, Coffee, Sugar, Toilet Paper, Tissues, and any other non-perishable food.
Blessings,
Joy, Michele, Carolyn, and Karen
Jesus, I trust in You!
