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OPEN HOUSE at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School: Sunday, November 9th, 11 AM – 2 PM (Mass at 10 AM) Students and families preparing for high school are invited to join us at our annual Open House. Find out more about Mercy and our: Co-educational, college-preparatory Catholic environment Challenging academic program which includes Honors and AP classes Fine arts program which includes music, drama, art, and dance 24 athletic teams with 16 varsity sports Small class sizes (Student to teacher ratio is 7:1) For more information, please contact Sandra Livsey-Martin, Director of Admissions, at 770-461-2202 or [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you on November 9th! Foreclosure and Mortgage Default Intervention Services. Catholic Charities’ Housing Counseling Program can help if you are behind in your mortgage or facing foreclosure, by assisting you in determining possible plans to save your home. Call us to schedule an appointment 770.429.2369 option 3. Looking for unique gifts, teacher gifts or stocking stuffers? Start your Christmas shopping THIS WEEKEND November 8 & 9 at Holy Trinity's FAIR TRADE SALE after the Saturday 4:00 & 5:30 PM masses and Sunday 7:15, 8:45, 10:30, 12:15, 1:45 and 5:30 masses! All proceeds benefit Catholic Relief Services Work of Human Hands Project to help a needy family in another part of our world have a brighter future! Advent Calendars, Jewelry, Children's Items, Coffee, Tea, Chocolate, and One-of-a Kind Gifts are just a few of the items available for sale starting AS LOW AS $1.50! Cash or checks accepted. Sponsored by the Holy Trinity Council of Catholic Women. For more information contact Wendy Binfield at [email protected] or 770310-0596. St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church is pleased to host “The Vatican International Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit”. In 2004, The Vatican developed an exhibition that includes an extensive assortment of photographs and historical descriptions of many of the 126 approved miracles. A period of 1500 years is covered in the exhibit, the most recent one occurring in 2001. Miracles included are from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. The Serra Club of Metro Atlanta has acquired a set of 49 exhibit panels made available to United States by the Real Presence Association. Mark your calendar, The Vatican Exhibit will be available for our viewing on Saturday, November 15 from 3:00-4:45 pm and Sunday November 16 from 8:00-8:45 am, 10:00-11:45 am and 1:00-3:00 pm. November 2, 2008—Feast of All Souls

A big thank you to all the Prism volunteers and parish volunteers who made the St. Matthew Fall Festival such a fun event! Congratulations to Casey Donegan, Suzanna Miller and Carol Sheehan for winning the Cookie Baking Contest! There was fun, food and fellowship for all who attended!

Our Lady of Victory Catholic School SAVE THE DATE…Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, 211 Kirkley Road, Tyrone, will be hosting an Open House for the 2009-20010 school year on Saturday, January 24, 2009 between 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Please make plans to attend. School tours are presently being given upon request. If you are interested in Catholic Education for your child, please contact Stephanie Johnston with our Admission Dept. at 770306-9026 Ext. 303.

St. John the Evangelist Catholic School Mark your calendar for a Meet ‘n Greet coffee at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School in Hapeville for parents of prospective students on Thursday, November 13th, from 9:00-10:00 am. Come meet the principal, tour the campus, and pick up your application packet for the 20092010 school year. Bring a friend! Please call the school 404.767.4312 for information. Jim & Michele Cowan In Concert Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 7:00 pm St. James the Apostle Catholic Church 1000 Decatur Road McDonough, Georgia 30252 Come and join us in worship and adoration of our Lord, as we gather around his glorious presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening with nationally re-knowned father and daughter musical duo. Featuring music from their new release restorer.

The Gift of Political Freedom It is one week and counting to Election Day in the United States. Many consider the ability to vote a God-given right, yet there are numerous places across the globe where free elections are only a dream. In the fifty United States of America, however, every man and woman 18 years or older has the freedom to enter into the political process through the casting of a personal vote to elect leaders and to determine public policy. Stewardship tells us that this opportunity to enter into our political system, as imperfect as it is, is a gift from God. So, first and foremost, we each should approach November 4 steeped in deep gratitude, the appropriate response towards all God-given gifts. Stewardship calls us not simply to appreciate the gift of voting, but to use it effectively to build God's reign on earth. Voting responsibly entails time and effort to research candidates and their positions as well as learn about the initiatives up for decision this year in order to bring all that to prayer and ask for God's guidance. Often times, real Christian discernment is more difficult when it comes to the policies under consideration in local initiatives or lesser known local offices, than in the choice for presidential candidates. Voting is a fundamental way to express our deep values and beliefs for how the world should be organized. Catholic Social Teaching focuses our attention on the common good, the impact on the poor and vulnerable and the promotion of human life and dignity. Evaluating the platforms and positions in light of these basic values is part of what it means to be good stewards of the gifts of time and the freedom to vote. Stewards are called not only to receive and develop God's gifts, but also to share them. We share the gift of political freedom in many ways—first and foremost in the home, teaching our youth and children about the issues and candidates and what our faith has to say about them. I was thrilled at a recent parish pot-luck dinner when a precocious five year old interrupted the conversation I was having with his father on a totally unrelated subject and asked "Who are you going to vote for, McCain or Obama?" After I got over my shock at the child's knowledge of current affairs, I thought what a testimony his question really was to his parents who I imagine have been talking to him about the world, the elections and what is happening in our country right now. We also share our gift of voting by making sure everyone has ample access to the process. Offering educational sessions on the issues from a faith perspective, providing transportation to the polls or assistance with mail-in ballots for those in our neighborhoods and churches are ways we share the gift of our electoral system. How is your parish demonstrating good stewardship of the gift of voting? Our nation faces big challenges and difficult choices lie ahead, no matter which candidates are elected. As people of faith, our hope is that all political leaders will strengthen us as a nation of peace, justice and prosperity for all. We are grateful for the opportunity we are each given to contribute to this goal through casting our votes which will be guided by knowledge and prayer. The very best way to thank the Giver is to use the gift!

Carol Guenther, The Reid Group