October, 2007 is leaving us this week never to return.  In fact, as each day passes, it is gone forever, never to return.  And each opportunity to do well passes, and is gone forever.  A new one may crop up, but the former one is gone—gone forever.  That is why we are encouraged to do the good that we can at the time it is needed.  It brings God’s grace to us and to others.  Time marches on!  And we all get older, if not wiser!

 

Tonight at 8:00 P.M., I will have Mass at McKendree University for our Catholic students.  It is always a good time to celebrate the Mass with them, as they seem to put their whole heart into the songs and prayers.  Usually, I have a young man, who is blind, as one of the lectors.  It is inspiring to see him meet the challenge with courage.

 

Thursday is the Feast of All Saints, a HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION FOR ALL CATHOLICS.  In other words, we commit a mortal sin if we fail to attend Mass on this day without a very good reason.  It is also a day to call on all of the saints in heaven, to pray for us and to intercede for us.  If we were running for office, or seeking a top job, we would want all of the good references and support that we could muster, and that our friends could muster, right?   Why is it that we can forget about the saints and angels, seeking their input and intercessions to get us through each day without sin and filled with God’s blessings?  All Saints Day calls all of us to be more conscious of our heavenly resources, to honor all of those who loved God with their whole heart, soul, and lives, to the extent that they merited the title “Saint”.  When was the last time you prayed to your patron saint?  In fact, do you know who your patron saint is?  We probably know more about our favorite sports hero, or political hero.  The saints have more power with God in heaven.

 

Friday is the Feast of the Poor Souls in Purgatory.  Again, we remember in our prayers the deceased – those of our families, our parish, the church as a whole, all of God’s people, that they may enjoy the blessings and peace of heaven, if they are not already there.  It is also during this season that many used to have special Masses said for their families or special loved ones.  If you desire to have a Mass, or Masses said for a loved one, contact the rectory to make arrangements for that day.  Some day, all of us will have passed from this life into eternity.  I hope that we are all so holy that we can go straight to heaven.  However, knowing myself, and passing judgment on some others, we are going to need some extra prayers and help to get there.  Pray for one another, alive and deceased.

 

We are fast approaching the end of our anniversary celebrations, with the Mass with the Bishop and dinner following, quickly coming up.  We asked last week that you get your reservations in for the dinner this week so that proper preparations can be made in regards to food, table arrangements, etc.  Thank you so much for your cooperation.  I hope that you will make a special effort to attend the Mass and closing celebration.

 

Pray for peace, the safety and return of our troops, and for the families affected! 

 

 

PSR classes will be held on Sunday November 18th from 9-10:15 AM. 

 

Mass times for that weekend will be Saturday at  5:30

and Sunday at 8:00 AM and the 2:00 PM Sesquicentennial Closing Mass,

 

NO 10:30 AM Mass that morning.

 

ERROR on your PSR calendars. There will be NO PSR classes on Sunday, November 11th, in honor of Veterans Day. Classes will resume the following Sunday, Nov. 18th.

 

 

ATTENTION PARENTS Pick up your copy of the series "Growing In Love" in the PSR office.