Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

Some beautiful autumnal weather has finally settled upon us. The children in the school, as well as everywhere else, are gearing up for the Halloween festivities. We kick that off with Trunk-or-Treat on Thursday this week. This always seems to attract a good crowd and is a great deal of fun for all involved.

Today is World Mission Sunday. We observe this day by remembering our own Baptismal commitment to bear the Gospel to all the world. The collection this weekend for the Society of the Propagation of the Faith supports the work and mission of the church, providing for priests, religious, and lay leaders who evangelize and serve the vulnerable in some of the most remote areas of the world. Many of them live in very difficult conditions, and are often threatened by those who are hostile to their work and mission. Our financial support of them and their work is essential, but the prayers of all are also needed to assist in the success of their work and help to keep them safe from harm. Consider offering your Rosary today for the work of the missions. Thank you for your support.

This last full week of October is also a reminder that the parish 50/50 drawing is being held on Saturday, November 4th during the school’s 60th Anniversary Gala. Tickets have been mailed, but they are also on sale in the Narthex after all Masses this weekend, and next.

Early November also brings the Solemnity of All Saint’s Day on November 1st. We will have a vigil Mass on the 31st at 7pm and Masses at 9am and 5pm on the day of. The next day is All Souls Day. Mass will be offered at 9am and a memorial Mass for the recently deceased members of the parish will be celebrated that evening at 7pm. All are invited to attend.

With the beginning of the Year of the Eucharist, Bishop O’Connell is writing a series of reflections on the Eucharist. Please check the bulletin for the list of publication
dates.

We are recruiting children from the fourth grade and up who would like to become altar servers. Please make contact with Eileen in the parish office. Likewise, we are always looking for new lectors, ministers of Holy Communion, and screen operators.

The Mass Book, covering Masses from the First Sunday of Advent 2022 though Ordinary Time 2023 opens on November 4. Please check the bulletin for full details.

Overall, things seem to be going well. The Fall Faith Formation programs are all in full swing now. Nancy Arkin and her team have things running very smoothly.

Enjoy the week -- blessings to all,
Fr. Garry