Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ,
His Church, and All People
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Candles for the Faithful Departed
Like we did last year candles are available to show our prayers for the faithful departed.  The cost is $8.  The candle will have the name(s) of the person (people) one is remembering.  The candles will be on display at the Sacred Heart Shrine on Nov. 20 after the 4:30 Mass when we will bless the candles and light them.  They will remain lit throughout the following week, and then on Friday November 26, the 8:30 Mass will be offered specifically for those remembered by the candles. To purchase a candle, fill out the form printed in the bulletin and either drop it off at the rectory or place it in the collection basket in an envelope marked “Memorial Candle.”
 
Requiescant in Pace
In this month of November, as the liturgical year draws to a close, we remember and pray for the faithful departed.  In addition to purchasing remembrance candles, I invite all of us to pray at home with our families for those who have died.  Teaching our children to stay connected with the past is part of handing on our Catholic Tradition.  Encouraging the real connection we still have with our elder brothers and sisters in the faith is very important.  Making a special trip to the cemetery or including special prayers after meals for those who have died are good practices for this month. 
 
You will notice that after all the Masses for this month we will pray for the holy souls in Purgatory.  Feel free to take home the prayer cards for personal use. 
 
Synod on Synodality
The Holy Father has called for an extensive period of focusing on “synodality” within the Church. There is a diocesan phase or listening and participation which will prepare bishops for a synod in Rome next year.  Check out this website for more info.  There will be updates from our bishop as well moving forward.
https://www.synod.va/en.html
 
“By walking together, and together reflecting on the journey made, the Church will be able to learn from what it will experience which processes can help it to live communion, to achieve participation, to open itself to mission.” - Pope Francis
 
We Got a Couple but Need Some More
Since I have included the request for volunteers the past couple weeks, we have had a couple responses, which is great!  But we could use a few more - Don’t be afraid! Each of us has gifts that God can use for the upbuilding of the church.  Perhaps He is calling you to be an usher or lector at Mass.  Maybe you would like to join our wonderful sacristans that help prepare the vessels for Mass and also clean up afterwards.  Perhaps you are partial to laundry?  Volunteers are needed to help launder the altar linens.  For younger folks, serving at the altar is a possibility.  We are in need of money counters to track the collections (the commitment for this would not be every week, but monthly) that come in from our generous parishioners.  Keep praying on it and call the rectory for more details. 
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr