Dear Friends:
As the month of October continues to unfold, we are fast approaching November, the month dedicated in the liturgical year to prayer for the dead. Of course, at every Mass, prayers of suffrage are offered for all who have died, asking God’s mercy for them and begging God to take them to himself. But in the month of November, our beloved deceased are remembered in a special way. First of all, we will have our annual Mass of Remembrance for all who died and whose funerals were celebrate in our parish churches and/or by our parish clergy since last October. This Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 6 at 7:00 PM at Christ the Redeemer Church. A simple reception will follow in the hall after the Mass. I should add that often during the entire month of November, on days when there is no obligatory celebration, I usually offer the Mass “For All the Faithful Departed” as well.
Secondly, in your envelope packets, you should have received an envelope for All Souls’ Day, November 2. If you would like your beloved dead remembered in a special way during November, you may write their names on the envelope, enclose whatever offering you wish, and drop the envelope in any collection basket or in the mail. These envelopes will be placed on the altars in both churches and those whose names are written on them will be remembered in a special way.
My letter requesting your support of the Annual Collection is now in the mail. I ask that you read it carefully as it lays out some improvements we hope to make on the properties at both St. Mary’s as well as St. Agnes’. The goal this year is a modest $70,000. The suggested offering per household is $100.00, but any gift of any size would be most appreciated. If we all make a contribution, the collection will be a success. Please make your gift by December 31 if you wish credit for income tax purposes.
Have a good week!