November 4, 2018
 
Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Listening Session Regarding Church Scandals
Last Sunday we had about 40-50 people at our Listening Session.  It was a time of thoughtful sharing and prayer.  I thank all those who participated and those who have spoken to me privately as well.  One of the points mentioned many times was the need for prayer, so I encourage everyone to continue their prayers for the Church.  If you have other suggestions on how we can respond as individuals or as a parish please contact me.  May God bring consolation to all victims of abuse and may He bring abundant graces upon the Church for as St. Paul says, where sin abounds, God’s grace abounds all the more.  But we need to pray for it.
 
Retreat Opportunity - 33 Days to Morning Glory
You still have time to sign up and get the materials you need! The actual day we begin is this Sunday, November 4.  I would ask that if you cannot be there on Sunday but would like to join, please call the rectory. God wants to give you the grace to spiritually grow.  There are over forty people who will be doing this with you - Join us!
 
Month of November - Praying for the Faithful Departed
This month is one dedicated in a particular way to praying for the faithful departed.  At St. Paul’s one of the ways we do this is by having a book of the names of the dead.  In front of the Sacred Heart statue (north end of church) is the book where people are encouraged to write in the names of those for whom they want to pray.  They will be remembered at all the Masses through the month.  How wonderful God is that for His faithful ones, life is changed not ended! We have the opportunity to help them with our prayers. Let’s take advantage of these graces. 
 
Advent Ad Orientem
Some may remember a year and a half ago (the Feast of the Ascension) we celebrated our Sunday Masses facing “toward the east” ( Ad Orientem).  This liturgical posture symbolizes how we are all (priest and people) looking to the Lord together.  Further, it shows how we all still await for His coming in glory at the end of time.  Advent is Latin for “coming toward.”  Advent is that season when we emphasize not only preparation for celebrating how the Lord came through His Incarnation at Christmas, but to celebrate how we prepare for His Second Coming and the new creation God promises. Since the current liturgical year is drawing to a close and Advent “turns us over” to the new liturgical year beginning December 2, it makes sense to symbolize that at Mass through facing east together.  Having consulted our Pastoral Council, I propose to celebrate all the Masses of Advent in this fashion - ad orientem.  This powerful posture can help all of us enter more deeply into the mysteries of the Mass, especially in the Advent season.  Since this is a little different and often there are misconceptions, I will be preparing teaching aids to have in the Narthex during that time (especially for visitors). As always I am open to your thoughts.  Feel free to contact me. 
 
May God bless you,
In Christ,
Fr. Pfr