On the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, members of St. Boniface again welcomed Fr.Lopez and Deacon Curry as celebrants of the Eucharist.

Fr. Lopez reminded us the liturgical year is nearing a close with only five weeks remaining until Advent.

In the gospel message, the disciples seemed to be asking Jesus to play favorites to pick a favorite.

In his homily, Deacon Curry reminded us about being kids and yelling "shotgun" before a car trip.

He reasoned it wasn't to be of help to the driver (parent) but rather to oneup our siblings. Light shines through us, not from us. There is a desire to be noticed.

In the old west, the rider who was "shotgun" protected the stagecoach, the passengers, and the interest of the coach line. More often than not, he didn't know what he was getting himself into. Often times, neither did the apostles.

The crucified Lord is where we are; it is where we follow.

When we are living as we should, doing what we should be doing, there is joy.

The joy that Jesus promised doesn't take away sadness or disappointment. The strength of our joy is in the Lord. Mother Teresa's strength came from hours spent in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

That same opportunity is afforded to each of us here at St. Boniface and throughout the diocese. Deacon Curry encouraged each of us to spend time in Adoration.

Prior to the closing of the Eucharist, Fr. Lopez asked what the abundant life is and how we go about living it.

He introduced a brief recorded message from Bishop Corrada on the subject.

In his message, the Bishop encouraged prayer, penance, fasting and almsgiving while reflecting on our participation in the Bishop's Annual Appeal.

No refreshments followed Mass. The "busy bakers" are reminded to check their schedules and be faithful to them.

The stained glass windows have been installed. I, for one, think it was worth the wait.

Thank you to everyone who worked so diligently on the project and especially to those parishioners whose donations funded each of the eight windows.

You must come by the church and see how beautiful they are. The windows depict the Seven Sacraments and, of course, St. Boniface.

Our youth will participate in World Youth Day at Six Flags next weekend. We pray for a safe trip for them and a day filled with fun.

On Nov. 1, we celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for several of our young people.

Mass will be at 10:30 am with Bishop Corrada celebrating the bilingual liturgy and administering the Sacraments.

We are expecting a large group and encourage you to sign up if you are planning on attending.

Sign-up sheets are in the community room. No Spanish Mass is scheduled for that day.