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.
Congratulations to Steve Luecke, who will be formally inducted into the South Bend Community Hall of Fame on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at the South Bend Century Center.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the example of the Pharisee and a tax collector praying in the temple. The Pharisee tells God how great he himself is and thanks God that he himself is so good. The tax collector on the other hand simply admits to God that he is a sinner and asks for mercy. The tax collector went home justified, but not the Pharisee. “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
In our first reading the Book of Sirach tells us: “The one who serves God willingly is heard; his/her petition reaches to heaven.” We must humbly serve God.
Hopefully as we approach death, we can be like St. Paul in today’s second reading and say: “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.”
November 2nd is All Souls Day. Please fill out a remembrance sheet and place it in the basket by the altar, where the names of our beloved dead will stay all month.
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.