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

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am writing this on Election Day, so hopefully by the time you read this we will know who our next president will be. Regardless of what happens, many people will be disappointed.  I pray that respect for the rule of law is maintained and peace reigns rather than discord and violence. As Catholics we are called to witness to the peace of Christ, which is quite different from the peace politicians try to promise and always fail to deliver.  True peace is deeper and comes from an understanding of who we are as made in God’s image, but as fallen sinners we need God’s mercy.  Left to our own devices we will destroy ourselves our nation and our world.  It is only by fostering a culture open to God and respectful of His law that we can grow in grace as individuals and as a nation. Sadly, many reject God outright or merely give Him lip service.  There are even those who deliberately work against God and His Holy Church. May we proclaim Christ and his peace in and out of season. May we witness to His love which offers true reconciliation. 

Memento Mori in November
All Souls’ Day Masses - November 2
November is a month when we pray for our faithful departed in a particular way.
Book of the Names of Faithful Departed
At the Sacred Heart Shrine will be the Book of the Names of the Deceased.  Feel free to write in the book the names of loved ones who have died.  Unfortunately due to Covid regulations, we cannot put pens out for you to use, so please bring your own pen.  We will keep these people in prayer throughout the month.
Candle Memorial
This year we are adding another opportunity for a memorial of loved ones. This devotion was practiced here in the past and it was suggested to see if there would be interest again.  If you would like to purchase a memorial candle for $8, please fill out the ticket in the bulletin.  All the candles will be displayed and lit at the Sacred Heart Shrine the last week of November, ending on Friday’s 8:30am Mass on Nov. 27. This Mass will be offered for those in whose memory the candle was given.

Holy Cross Cemetery offers monthly bereavement groups an opportunity for prayer. However, even if individually or with family, it is still always appropriate to visit the cemetery this month. Make a trip and continue to pray for the faithful departed.

Special Indulgence Opportunity
There is normally a plenary indulgence attached to visiting a cemetery and praying for the dead during the first week of November.  This year that indulgence has been extended to include the whole month of November. So to receive the plenary indulgence: have a sincere desire to be detached from sin, visit a cemetery and pray for the dead, recite an Apostles’ Creed and an Our Father for the intentions of the Holy Father, go to confession and receive Holy Communion at some point this month.  For those who are unable to go out and visit the cemetery or get to Mass, you can receive the indulgence by having detachment from sin, pray Creed and Our Father for the intentions of the Holy Father, then pray for the dead with prayers of your choice (while praying with an image of Our Lord, the rosary, the Divine Chaplet, etc.), and you must have the desire to fulfill the other requirements (confession and Holy Communion) as soon as you are able.  Regarding the last two requirements, you can call the rectory to set up a pastoral visit from me.  I can hear your confession and bring you Holy Communion in order to help you receive the indulgence.


Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr