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On this glorious weekend, we celebrate All Saints Day. We pray in the Creed that we believe in the communion of saints. This is the doctrine that all human souls live beyond the grave through the grace of God. There are those who have lived virtuous lives sometimes after a painful, sinful life, but are redeemed by the blood of the Lord and now reign with him in heaven. We believe that these saints can intercede for us on earth in our struggle against sin. There are countless saints of all nationalities and professions, young and old, male and female.
We are all called to be saints. This is not something that happens so much after we die, but is a process that is important during our lives! Every sinner has a future and every saint has a past! Many saints in the kingdom of God were once notorious sinners. The reform of their lives through the grace of God gives us encouragement in our own struggles with sin and selfishness. When we study history, we find that during the darkest times, God raised up men and women of outstanding character to fight the evils of cruelty and injustice. Our time is such a time, when we need men and women to care for the most vulnerable, to speak words of truth, proclaim the love of God and to remain loyal to Jesus Christ above all, the Lord who proclaims love of God and love of neighbor, the Lord who is willing to die on the cross for us.
During these very challenging days of national elections and the aftermath to follow, let us turn to our Lord and remain faithful and true to Him. May all the saints intercede for us and for our nation during these challenging times.
The Bishop has requested that throughout the diocese there be opportunities in all parishes for Eucharistic Adoration on November 2nd—All Souls Day, the day before Election Day. Because many of our parish buildings are polling places, we will have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Mary Church from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on November 2nd and 3rd. The door to access St. Mary‘s will be on North Beaver Street, the side where there is the handicapped accessible ramp, across the street from The Parish Center. That will be the only door to access St. Mary’s. We request that you respect all of the Covid-19 restrictions by wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart.
I am happy to announced that beginning on November 4th, the Adoration Chapel at St. Mary’s will reopen from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The last day for Adoration at St. Joseph the Worker will be Sunday, November 1st.
I am fully aware that many of you are concerned about the election and the fallout following the election. Please realize that you are not alone. We have full confidence in our Lord to take care of us. If we remain true to Him, he will always be true to us. We will get through these challenging times together. I recommend that you heed the words of our Lord who said, “Do not be afraid,” and, on the righ
t, these words of wisdom from St. Francis de Sales.
God love you,
