Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, 

His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

All Saints Day - Holy Day of Obligation

Thursday October 31 - Vigil Mass (english) @ 6pm

Friday November 1 - Morning Mass (english) @ 8:30

Friday November 1- Evening Mass (Latin) @ 6pm - note the change from the regular 5:30 time.

Memento Mori

With All Saints Day kicking off November, the Church calls us to praise God for all the great saints of heaven (the “Church Triumphant”) who pray for us here on earth (the “Church Militant”) still battling the principalities and powers.  Part of our call is to pray for the souls in Purgatory (the “Church Suffering”) that they may share in the fullness of glory.  

We are always praying for those who have gone before us, but November is the particular time for this truly ancient Christian practice.   Praying for the dead is not just a nice devotion but is directly connected with the doctrines of our faith.   We are connected with those who have died because by grace we are connected in the Mystical Body of Christ.   Our prayers actually make a difference for them within the wisdom of God’s Providence.  

So right after we celebrate All the Saints, the Church gives us All Souls Day to remind us of this connection and to foster our deeper communion not only amongst ourselves and the saints but also those souls in Purgatory.  It happens that this November 2 is also a first Saturday, and so coincides with our First Saturday Devotion.  Please join us for Mass at 8am on Saturday November 2 and feel free to remain for the devotions afterward.

End Times!

Sometimes people ask me, “Fr., are these the end times?”   I always answer yes, of course they are.   We have been living in the “end times” since Christ Ascended into heaven.  The entire history of the church has been the Christian faithful awaiting Christ’s return, so all of it, including now is “end times.”  Whether Christ comes today, tomorrow or a thousand years from now doesn’t matter for we “do not know the time nor the hour when the Son of Man will come.”  If you are afraid of these times then my recommendation is to go to Confession (which we should be doing regularly anyway).  But have no fear!  Live your faith, receive the sacraments, serve your neighbor, and pray.  

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Pfr