News - November 2020 RSS Feed

We mark the passing of seasons and of years through various milestones. While it remains 2020 in the Year of Our Lord, this weekend the church begins a new liturgical year with the First Sunday of Advent. This means on a practical level that subtle changes occur within the Mass itself. Although it is subtle, the readings for the Masses shift to new cycles. We will be using the readings for Year 1 (of 2) for daily Masses. While the Gospel remains the same each year, the first reading changes. On Sundays and major feasts we move into Year B (of A-B-C) where the Gospel is generally from Saint Mark, though there are some includes of John’s Gospel as well. These annual shifts of the readings enable us to read through virtually the entire Bible in the course of three years. A good reminder and point of discussion when someone says to you that we are not a Bible-based church! Read more.

With Thanksgiving this week it is a good time to think of all the blessings which come into our lives each and every day. Even in the midst of a ten-month long global pandemic, political turmoil, and economic uncertainty, we are blessed beyond measure, and it is through our prayers of gratitude that we can begin to become aware of the great need before us as we pray for healing for all of us in spirit, mind, and body, as well as for healing and peace in our homes, our streets, throughout the nation and the world. For many of us this Thanksgiving will be different than in the past. Many are afraid to travel --- even across town – to be with family and friends. Whatever you do, or cannot do, do it with a spirit of gratitude and generosity. As Christians we are infused with hope, and hope is the constant and necessary remedy for fear. Read more.

A few basic steps to help you stay focused and peaceful when life keeps throwing challenges your way.

How can we still believe in God’s Providence when we are confronted with the challenges of life?

With the number of Covid positive cases in our area increasing, it is good to know that the Governor has placed no further restrictions on gatherings, and that the church, under the direction of our bishop, is open and functioning. Thank you for observing all of the necessary protocols, even though it is not always easy to do so. We are also most grateful that the school is still able to be open, even with other schools closing around us. Prudence dictates that we remain careful and attentive, and indeed we are. Read more.

As it is Wednesday morning as I pen this missive the final results of the presidential election are as yet unsettled. I know this is leaving many people a bit on edge. Of course, by the time you read this we will have – hopefully – a settled election, and we can allow the pieces to fall in to place. Regardless of the outcome, with the two houses of Congress under control of different parties, the inertia will continue and the battle lines will continue to be a challenge. Let us continue our ardent prayers for peace. Read more.

MOTHER ANGELICA “This may be a wicked age but your lives should redeem it” (Eph. 5:16).

Happy All Saints Day! Today we celebrate what we all – hopefully – aspire to be: saints among the saints in the halls of Heaven! Tomorrow we are reminded of what we also will be – poor souls in need of purgation and preparation in order to enter the halls of Heaven. Today we celebrate and tomorrow we pray fervently for the souls of the faithful departed. In keeping with our usual custom we will celebrate an evening Mass for the families of those who have been buried from our parish since last November 2nd, we will also be live-streaming that Mass Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. It is an opportunity to remember all of our beloved dead and to pray for them. Read more.