Brothers and Sisters in Christ –
The month of November began with two days of remembrance on the Church’s liturgical calendar. On 01 November we celebrated the Solemnity of All Saints, a day when we reflect upon the lives of our ancestors in the faith who led exemplary Christian lives. In his Angelus remarks on that day, Pope Francis reflected on holiness and told the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square that “holiness is a gift of God, which we’ve received at baptism. And if we let it grow, it can completely change our lives.”
In my home parish there are statues of various saints. As a child, I’d stand in front of each and pray that the saints would help me become a better person. I’d hear stories about the lives of the saints in school and was awed by the likes of St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe who traded places in the concentration camp in Auschwitz in order to spare the life of a husband and father, St. Damien of Molokai who cared for lepers, and St. Teresa of Kolkata who we all remember humbly caring for the poor and calling the world to respond with kindness, love, and generosity to our brothers and sisters in need.
Holiness, which is the hallmark of the saints, is what we’re called to strive for each day. We’re invited to turn away from the sins of exclusivity, arrogance, and judgment that harms us and the community. Our vocation is to cultivate attitudes and behaviors that allows the Lord to come alive in us, transform us, and inspire the way we live.
On 02 November we remembered our dead on the Feast of All Souls. I began the day calling to mind family members and friends who’re enjoying eternal life. I ended the day praying with my fellow religious for our annual All Souls Day Mass and visit to the community cemetery. As I walked about the graves of my fellow religious, and realized that one day I’ll be resting in that very place, I read off to myself the names of so many priests and Brothers that have been a part of my life. I remembered Br. Chet Ziemba, Fr. Jerry Wilson, and Br. James Edwin Gormley who lived with us in the seminary and were examples of faithful religious. I prayed for Fr. David Scheidler and Fr. Andy Sebesta who died at a young age after battling illnesses. I reflected on their examples of holiness and asked them to pray for me as I continue to strive and work at being a good and faithful Christian and religious priest.
I invite you to spend some time this month praying to your favorite saint, or reading about the lives of our ancestors in the faith whose holiness we venerate. I encourage you to call to mind the names of your loved ones who are now with God. As you mention their names, ask them to pray for you. And remember that “to live in the hearts of those left behind is not to die.” May all of our faithful departed, now resting in peace, remain alive in our hearts now and forever!
A few announcements:
THANK YOU for the birthday greetings. You made my day, and I was uplifted by your prayers, kindness, and good wishes. If anyone finds the “Fountain of Youth,” please let me know!
The Annual Bishop’s Appeal is nearing the end. A big THANK YOU to all who have donated. We’re almost at our goal!
Parish Assessment: $13,026.82.
Collected to Date (11/3): $11,390.00
Balance: $1,636.82
As I’ve been saying, if we don’t meet our goal the difference will need to be taken from the parish savings. Please consider a donation and help St. A’s meet our assessment. Pledge cards can be found on the table in the vestibule, or you can place a check in the collection basket with “Bishop’s Appeal” written on the memo line, or donations can be made through the diocesan website (https://diocesefwsb.org/aba).
Calling our youth … it would be awesome to have you involved in Mass as an altar server (4th grade and older), lector, cross bearer, usher, a greeter at Mass, a helper with Coffee and, a member of the Gospel Choir, or any other ministry you can think of. Please share your gifts and talents with the St. A’s family! See Fr. John to talk about your interests.
Parish Website … is being updated. Please check out our progress (www.SaintAugustineParish.org). A big thanks to Mark Herro who helped with the design and transition. And Ron Metoyer who is going to provide guidance and support moving ahead.
Looking ahead … On Thursday, November 23 we celebrate Thanksgiving. At 9:30 a.m. we will have our parish Mass thanking God for the blessings of this year, our family, friends, parish community, and our country.
On Thursday, December 7 we celebrate the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a holy day of obligation, Mass will be celebrated at 6:00 p.m.
On Sunday, December 24 we will only have one Mass at 10:30 a.m. for the 4th Sunday of Advent.
Our Christmas Eve, Masses will be at 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The 4:00 Mass will have the Children’s Pageant and the Gospel Choir will sing at the 9:00 Mass.
On Christmas Day, Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.
St. Augustine, pray for us!
Fr. John, C.S.C.
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