Our sympathies extend to the family of George Valla whom I prayed for at Brooklyn Heights Cemetery where he is interred. May George, who was born on the feast of the Guardian Angels, find rest with all the angles and saints in the heavenly kingdom.
A couple weeks ago, Fr. Vesely gave a blessing at the 4pm Mass to a couple who were celebrating their 45th Wedding Anniversary when they were married here in our church. Fr. Vesely wasn’t aware that the “groom” was a Deacon so I wanted to congratulate Deacon Chuck & Joanie Tweddell on their anniversary and to say we are glad they were able to come back to celebrate that anniversary on the day they were married here 45 years ago. May they have many more years.
We had a couple of nice warm days this past week but it seems that may be the last of summer as we head into November this week. But as Novelist John Steinbeck said, “What good is the warmth of summer without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?” We pray that our children will be safe as they enjoy another Halloween this week and collect lots of candy. We hope they enjoy that sweetness too. st
This Friday, November 1 , is the Feast of All Saints, a holy day of obligation so Mass will be at 8:30 in the morning with our school children and at 7:00 in the even- ing. Last week the Church celebrated the feast of St. John Paul II whom we all remember so well so may he and all the saints pray for us as we remember and honor them for their holy lives. nd
Saturday,November2 ,istheFeastofAlltheFaith- ful Departed, better known as the Feast of All Souls when we remember all those who have died and who are still in the process of being transformed by God into saints. So the 4pm Mass next Saturday will be offered for all of our beloved dead and we pray that God’s purifying love may prepare them for the eternal feast of heaven. So often when speaking of the dead, especially of our loved ones, we tend to talk of them as if they are already enjoying the beautiful vision of God. But we do them a disservice if we fail to remember that they stand in need of our prayers as we hope they continue to pray for us while we admit honestly our own need for God’s mercy and purifying grace. So while we pray for them, we ask God to hasten his work of making them (and us) worthy of his kingdom where we all hope to find perfect happiness and peace.
The work in the church is moving along well and we look forward to a refreshed space to worship in. Let us remember too all those who have gone before us who have supported our parish financially and with their prayers in this very place over the last 50 years.