We celebrated the funeral Mass for Joseph Mihalek this past Monday. This line which sums up his life was written in his obituary: "Joseph will be missed and remembered as a faithful and undeniably genuine man with a generous heart and the hands of a skilled craftsman.” Joe had a devotion to his patron, St. Joseph the Carpenter, not only because they shared the same name but because of Joe’s skills as a carpen- ter himself. He was a Veteran (he served in Vietnam) and his funeral was on Veteran’s Day. He died on November 1st, the feast of All Saints. Joe was married to his wife Sandy for 51 years and they had 4 children & 6 grandchildren. We trust that “his soul was pleasing to the Lord” as the book of Wisdom says and so pray that he rest in God’s peace.
The Church welcomes Jacob Berlekamp into its family as he is baptized this Sunday. His parents were married here at St. Leo’s about 3 years ago & so we are happy to join with them as they begin their family.
You will see a poster by the back doors of the church advertising a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in October of next year. Many of you have been asking about it and I can tell you that I just met with the man who owns the travel company (he spoke here a few months ago when he was selling religious items made out of olive wood which were carved in the Holy Land). We will be having a meeting either later this month or in December when specific pricing will be available. He will answer any questions you may have regarding such things as walking distances, meals, etc. I’ll be sure to advertise the meeting once we settle on a date.
We were able to procure a relic of St. Vincent de Paul from the Diocesan Archives Office so that will be placed in his shrine. Our thanks to Henninger’s for the great job they did in designing and creating these prayerful spaces. Please feel free to put canned or boxed food in the baskets at the shrine of St. Vincent de Paul as was done when the statue was in the vestibule. st
This Thursday, November 21 , the Church celebrates “Pro Orantibus” Day when we prayerfully remember those who have dedicated their lives to a religious community. We will pray for them this weekend so remember with gratitude those religious sisters and brothers who may have helped you along the road of faith.
It seems too early for snow to fall this year but while some people may dread its arrival, I really enjoy it during November & December & even January, but come February I’m anxious for it to melt and never return. Our many trees in the large yard behind the church look beautiful when snow is hanging from them and I remember Michaela running around in the yard full of snow when we first arrived here. But we do caution you to be careful in the parking lot as sometimes the snow hides the ice that may lie underneath. Not only can you break a bone if you fall, but it’s the fastest way to lose your dignity as well (I know from experience).