Since the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated on October 7. October is called the Month of the Rosary. Try it, you might like it!
The Parochial Council is in the process of reorganization. We are looking for new members. The Council usually meets the second Sunday of the month at 12:15 PM in the foyer to discuss the happenings in the parish and to suggest new ideas. The Council advises me in all matters dealing with the parish. If you are interested in participating in the Council or have questions about it, please see me or one of the Council members, who are listed on the front of this Bulletin or just come to the next meeting.
In our first reading today, the Prophet Habakkuk has a strong prayer, a lament in reality. He sees violence all around and cries out for God’s intervention. God answers his prayer by saying simply live by faith and God’s plan will eventually come in its good time. Today that seems to be God’s answer to us about the violence around us.
Jesus talks about the same thing in today’s Gospel. If we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we can move mountains. He tells us to work at building up his kingdom day in and day out. Sometimes we see results, sometimes we don’t. “When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” God brings the work to fulfillment!
In our second reading St. Paul tells Timothy and us: “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control….bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.”
Our Responsorial Psalm tells us to hear his voice and harden not our hearts.
On Friday we celebrate Saint Pope John XXIII. Good Pope John was elected in 1958 at the age of 78. To the surprise of many he opened the Church to the modern world by convoking the Second Vatican Council in 1958. It ran from 1962-1965. He died in 1963. St. Pope John XXIII pray for us!
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Venerable Father Tolton Prayer: Father in Heaven, the Venerable Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.