Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Election Day Parish Prayer Schedule

Election day is a great blessing in our country since it is a gift that we can peaceably elect our leaders in our country.  Remember it is a Catholic’s duty to participate in politics in order to promote the common good based upon the dignity of the human person.  Refraining from voting is allowable but only for a grave reason. Not to give the effort to discern and vote would be a sin of omission. How one votes and for which races and candidates one votes are not dictated by Church authority, but one must discern according to Catholic teaching with a formed conscience.  This requires each person to make the reasonable effort, according to their state in life, to be informed on issues and candidates.  This requires the exercising of our intellect and will, not based upon emotion or rash judgment. 

With the blessing of elections also comes the sad reality of unreasonable division.  Differences of opinion on prudential judgments should not become excuses for animosity.  Even when the disagreement goes deeper regarding fundamental moral truths, which cannot be compromised, Catholics must not devolve into hate or despair.  We stand strong in truth and show it most clearly through our charity.  

Prayer must be our foundation.  So, this Tuesday, Election Day, the Church will be open all day. In addition, there will be two opportunities for a Holy Hour with Solemn Benediction.

November 5 Schedule:

Mass for Promoting Peace and Justice @ 7am

Holy Hour with Benediction from 12-1pm.

Holy Hour with Benediction from 7:30-8:30pm. 

I encourage everyone to stop in for a visit (perhaps before or after you vote) at least for a few minutes of prayer. Please join for Mass or either of the holy hours if you can as we pray for our country in difficult times for as even our coinage reminds us, “In God We Trust.”

Memento Mori

With All Saints Day and All Souls’ Day behind us we should not stop thanking God and praying. 

We should always keep before us the truth that our death will come so we want to be prepared. Part of that preparation is to pray for those who have gone before us. 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. Make sure to make a special visit (or a few) to a cemetery (Holy Cross is right down the road). It is a stark but beautiful reminder that our death will come, yet through our prayers for the faithful departed we grow in the virtue of Christian hope. 

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