Although the excitement of Homecoming may be over, CCM is busier than ever with many fun upcoming events! Discernment is well underway, and as we continue to accept applications, we encourage all interested Catholic students to come to an information session at the Newman House on October 26th at 7pm—Ministry Team members will be available to satisfy all curiosities, and any other questions can be mailed to me, Katie, at kat017@bucknell.edu. Remember, all applications are due by November 3rd!

The Community Service Team also has many events planned for November, including a Board Game Bash on November 7, the Ronald McDonald House Brunch on November 15, and the Community Harvest Thanksgiving Dinner on November 23. More information regarding these dates will be announced at all masses and through emails as the dates get closer.

The highlight of the week, however, is this Thursday's CCM Halloween Party! On October 29, our Thursday Night Dinner takes on a Halloween theme with a delicious meal, treats, pumpkin painting, bobbing for doughnuts, and cookie decorating, and promises to be tons of fun as we welcome back a special guest! Father Michael is coming to Bucknell for a visit, and in order to thank him for all that he has done for CCM, we are asking students, community members, and all friends to create an 8½” by 11” page to be put into a memory book—you can fill the page with pictures, memories, or just a thank-you! Colored paper and example pages can be found at the Newman House for inspiration—make sure to hand in your page by Tuesday, October 27th by 6pm at the House!

Hope to see you on Thursday!
Katie

Iconographer Marek Czarnecki of Seraphic Restorations in Meriden, Connecticut, has graciously given the United Sates Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) the rights to use the icon of Christ the Great High Priest during the Year for Priests.

This icon (egg tempera and gold leaf on wood panel, 28" x 22") is “based on a fifteenth century Greek prototype; here Christ is shown in Latin Rite vestments with a gold pelican over His heart, the ancient symbol of self-sacrifice. The borders contain a winding grapevine and altar prepared for the celebration of the liturgy of the Mass; in the borders are smaller icons of Melchizedek and St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney.”

Czarnecki explains: “I wrote the icon about seven years ago [for seminarians and priests] to be able to see Christ in themselves, and themselves in Christ. We often hear that the icon is called a window; in this case, it's also meant to be a mirror.” The Good Shepherd reminds the priest that he is to “lay down his life for his sheep.”

June 19, 2009 - June 19, 2010

Pope Benedict XVI has declared a “Year for Priests” beginning with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19, 2009. The year will conclude in Rome with an international gathering of priests with the Holy Father on June 19, 2010.

With the announcement of this Year for Priests, the Pope has declared St. John Vianney the Universal Patron of Priests on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of the Curé d'Ars.

Please pray for our priests that they might always be faithful to their sacred calling.

Prayer for Priests

Dear Lord,
we pray that the Blessed Mother
wrap her mantle around your priests
and through her intercession
strengthen them for their ministry.

We pray that Mary will guide your priests
to follow her own words,
“Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2:5).

May your priests have the heart of St. Joseph,
Mary's most chaste spouse.

May the Blessed Mother's own pierced heart
inspire them to embrace
all who suffer at the foot of the cross.

May your priests be holy,
filled with the fire of your love
seeking nothing but your greater glory
and the salvation of souls.
Amen.

Saint John Vianney, pray for us.