During November, we remember and honor all those who have preceded us in death. We recall especially those who have passed away this past year. It is normal to struggle with one’s faith when in the throes of grief. Death comes with trauma and questions that we can never answer satisfactorily. Why was she taken so soon? Why did he suffer so much? How will our family get through this? We come together today, and each Sunday, as a family of faith to be nourished at the table of the Word and the table of the Eucharist. May the resurrected Lord, whom we receive in the Eucharist, strengthen and comfort us as we pray for those we have lost! Thursday, the “eleventh day of the eleventh month,” was chosen for the armistice that ended the Great War in 1918. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans’ Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. As an extension of All Souls’ Day, it is very much within the Catholic keeping of November.
This weekend is the kickoff of our “Be Faithful, Be Holy, Be a Disciple of Christ” campaign. An opportunity for our councils (Pastoral and Finance) to express their gratitude to parishioners. I am in charge of the homily this whole weekend on this theme.
Next week is National Vocation Awareness Week, dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life through prayer and education. As soon as we are organized we will begin the Elijah Cup ministry.
