We began November with remembering our heroes - the saints! We also are called to follow them on our journey of faith.
November is also a month dedicated to our family and friends who have died. Scripture reminds us "it is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead." Our loved ones will be remembered at each mass with their names placed at the corner of the altar.
With Advent approaching, our many ministries will be trained and refreshed so they can carry out their service to the Church. On the weekend of November 7/8, training for the Lectors after mass; the weekend of 14/15, the Eucharistic Ministers; the weekend of 21/22, the Ministers of Hospitality (ushers); and on the weekend of November 28/29 the Altar Servers. I am asking you to choose one ministry, that you enjoy, to serve the Church.
The Pastoral Council has some difficult tasks to deal with this month. As part of our on-going Diocesan Plan, we need to meet in small groups to discuss our strnegths and weaknesses, as well as our plans for the next 20 years. Smokey Stover, our Parish Council Chair, will be undertaking this task. I personally find this a struggle to complete the Diocesan Plan for our Parish, but if we build, some day in the future, we will have to have completed this plan. So please bear with the process and form your small groups! The Pastoral Council will also be looking at their personal strengths at a workshop on November 11.
Don't forget your brown bags to be filled with can goods and food for the poor of our Parish and the local community. By filling the bag we carry out the Gospel message for the poor, and they will remember for a long time.
As we close November, we will celebrate mass at 10 am on Thanksgiving Day. We remember the blessings we have received during this past year. If you have food that you would like to have blessed, bring the food items to mass.
The Statue of Our Lady of Guadelupe will be arriving from Mexico at our Church on November 27th around 9pm - 10pm. This is a very big celebration for our Latino population, so come out and share with them as they celebrate Our Lady of Guadelupe. We will vigil all night. The statue will depart at 7am to another city on the way to New York City.
After our Thanksgiving, we begin the Season of Advent as we prepare for the Lord coming to us. It will be a blessed Season filled with many activities! So until next month . . .
Father Jim