Dear Parishioners:
It’s hard to believe that October is coming to an end! So now we anticipate the month of November. It is a month in which especially remember the dead as it is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. The Church commemorates all her faithful children who have departed from this life, but have not yet attained the joys of heaven. St. Paul warns us that we must not be ignorant concerning the dead, nor sorrowful, "even as others who have no hope ... For the Lord Himself shall come down from heaven ... and the dead who are in Christ shall rise.”
The Church has always taught us to pray for those who have gone into eternity. Even in the Old Testament prayers and alms were offered for the souls of the dead by those who thought "well and religiously concerning the resurrection." It was believed that "they who had fallen asleep with godliness had great grace laid up for them" and that "it is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins."
The month of November begins with the great Solemnity of All Saints Day on Friday, November 1st. It is a holy day of obligation and we have four masses at OLM: 5:00pm Vigil, 7:30am, 9:00am School Mass and 7:00pm. On this great feast we celebrate all those who have attained heaven who we call saints both known and unknown, Pope Francis suggests: “The Feast of All Saints, then, is not celebrated only in honor of those who have reached the goal and attained to heaven. It is also for the many simple and hidden people whom we may know, and who, through everyday holiness, help God to carry the world forward.”
We also mark the solemn commemoration of the dead on All Souls Day, November 2nd. In a very special way we remember all those who have died and in particular we pray for the souls in Purgatory. We will have two All Souls Day Masses at OLM on Saturday, November 2nd, at 8:30am and 12:00pm. You are invited to join us for these solemn Masses. Also please know we honor all our beloved dead throughout the month of November. Your All Souls envelopes with the names of your own beloved deceased family and friends are remembered at Masses in November.
On Sunday, November 3rd we remember in particular all our fellow OLM parishioners who have died over the last year. Their grieving families are to join us at this special Mass of Remembrance. As we pledge our prayers for our beloved dead, we are reminded of the words of Saint John Chrysostom in the 4th Century: “Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.” Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI teaches: “We commemorate all of the faithful departed, who have ‘gone before us marked with the sign of faith and... who sleep in Christ’ (Eucharistic Prayer I). It is very important that we Christians live a relationship of the truth of the faith with the deceased and that we view death and the afterlife in the light of Revelation.“
The Our Faith, Our Future Parish Capital Campaign has begun with a great and enthusiastic response. Many parishioners have attended our campaign receptions to learn more about this vital effort for our parish and diocese. I thank the many volunteers who have been helping and also the many parishioners who have pledged such generous gifts thus far. There are more campaign receptions scheduled this week. I urge everyone to attend and learn more about the campaign.
We’ve inherited a great legacy of faith and sacrifice in this wonderful parish of Our Lady of Mercy. The witness of those who came before us calls us today to continue in the same spirit of sacrifice and faith. Please pray for the success of the campaign, attend a reception, and consider making a sacrificial gift for Our Faith and Our Future.
Please note next weekend is Daylight Saving Time and clocks fall back one hour. So next Saturday the 5pm Mass falls back to 4pm start time and Confessions to 3pm until April 4th! Next Sunday set your clocks back and enjoy the extra hour of sleep!! See you at Devotions! Be well. Do good. God Bless. Go Pats! Oremus pro invicem!