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Dear Friends, I am traveling to attend a friend’s wedding, so in lieu of my usual column, I am sharing with you some words of wisdom as we enjoy the season of autumn. Blessings, Father Rob Sparking Holiness As the seasons change, a lot of us like to clean out our homes and unload some of the junk we’ve acquired over the summer. One trendy approach to decluttering is the Marie Kondo method, named after the author who popularized it. Overly simplified, it’s a process that compels you to go through your closets, your garage, your basement — all the places you collect the dreaded “stuff.” As you do so, you hold up the items and ask yourself: “Does it spark joy?” It’s a question that is bold in its simplicity. In answering, you’re supposed to go with your gut. If it’s a quick “Yes, it sparks joy,” the item should be kept. If the answer is no, it gets tossed. (Fr. Rob here—donate or recycle first!). There are people in life who will support our efforts to do God’s will. There are those who will, as Paul says, “convince, reprimand, (and) encourage,” unafraid of the reaction we give them. There are those who will shore up our defenses when the battle goes longer than we thought. The same goes for hobbies and pastimes. There are those that will ennoble our minds and bring us closer to God. And there are also those that will drain our funds and our free time, with nothing to show for it. During these autumn months, don’t just declutter your basement in preparation for the hauling out of the Christmas ornaments. Take stock of the people and pursuits that make up your life. With each one, ask yourself: “Does it spark holiness?” If the answer is yes, thank God that our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. If the answer is no, maybe it’s time to declutter.— Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS ©LPi

Dear Friends, As our Catholic Ministries Appeal is underway, I am very grateful to those who joined me in making a pledge so far! By now, I hope every registered parishioner received their letter addressing the CMA. This year’s theme, “Together We Bring Hope…and Hope does not disappoint” continues our history as a diocese in serving the poor, supporting education and formation, strengthening parish life, and bringing HOPE to those who most need it. If you haven’t made a pledge, please carefully pray about what you will do this year to support your parish of Saint Catherine of Siena or the Church of the Transfiguration. Every pledge strengthens our parishes, one another and the HOPE we bring to those who most need it most. Thank you for your support and stewardship! Soon and very soon, on Saturday, November 1st, our Music Ministries will be bringing Sarah Hart to us for a fabulous concert! Sarah Hart is the product of a musical and faith filled upbringing in Southeastern Ohio. Sarah fell in love with melody, harmony and the written word from a young age. As a child and teenager, watching the ways that music ministered to the hearts of people – not just in church, but in all settings – impacted her greatly, and set her heart on a journey. Sarah’s enthusiasm about all things creative means that her resume is extensive and varied. A GRAMMY nominated songwriter/composer, producer, recording artist, author, speaker, workshop educator, and worship leader, Sarah brings the joy of her faith into all her endeavors. Tickets for General Admission are $20 and $15 for Seniors/Students. Tickets may be purchased at https://saintcath.seatyourself.biz or use the QR code in the concert article in this bulletin. The concert begins at 7PM at Saint Catherine of Siena. Hope you can join Sarah and this special evening. Praying your October days are colorful and bring some joy into your lives! Blessings, Father Rob