From the Pastor:
Dear Parishioners,
This week we celebrate All Saints (holy day of obligation) on Friday and the remembrance of All Souls on Saturday. Mass time will be different for these important two days. Be sure to check the bulletin for both times and locations of the Masses. Hopefully, between our three parishes, at least one of the Mass will fit your schedule.
This week the youngest among us will dress in costumes and search for candy. What they probably don’t know about Halloween is that it originated from the Catholic Church many centuries ago. It was the vigil celebration of the Saints, the holy people who are in Heaven, and thus “hallowed eve”. I really enjoy seeing children dress up… but as saints, and taking on their identity for a day, or maybe a lifetime!
All Saints is one of the most important feast days of the entire year! It is when we pause from the busyness of life to reflect in a greater way on what life here on earth is really about – getting to heaven. We celebrate the heroic, faithful lives of the Saints and the amazing joy that they now are experiencing forever. They pray and intercede for us from heaven just as they did while here on earth.
God tells us (1 Cor. 2:9) that what He has prepared for those who love Him is infinitely beyond anything we will ever experience on earth. God says that the greatness of heaven is even beyond our imagination and far beyond the greatest love we ever experienced here on earth. God also tells us that the indescribable joy of heaven never fades or diminishes, and never becomes dull or boring. What an amazing place! Why wouldn’t we sacrifice everything here in our short time on earth to experience the infinite wonder of heaven for all eternity? This is the greatest investment any person can make. The good news is that this investment is available and attainable for each of us.
This might be shocking to you, but God intends that every person, including you and me, become a saint! The Church has said from the very beginning, and restated it once again at Vatican Council II, that every person is called by God to become a saint on earth. Saints are not born but made by the combination of God’s grace, the trials and difficulties of this world, and the courageous, willing spirit of those who truly love God and neighbor. This is what life is about, not all the worldly things we get caught up in day after day.
We know that no one enters heaven without their love for God and neighbor having been purified from every aspect of unfaithfulness, selfishness, indifference, ingratitude, immodesty, lust, greed, etc. Each of these are opposed to and go against what love really is. Our love can be measured by our willingness to sacrifice for God and for our fellow human beings. That’s why the book of Revelation says that the “holy ones…keep God’s commandments”. What happens to those who die without having done this? Check back here next week for the answer.
Praying that we become saints,
Fr. Miller
This month marks my two-year anniversary of working as the Facilities Manager for our three parishes. This has been a rewarding but new type of challenging experience for me. I came from a previous profession that required problem solving and investigation, which is very helpful for maintaining the many buildings, equipment, and property of our three parishes.
The facilities of our parishes are diverse, in age, style, construction, and types of equipment. There isn’t a parish grouping in our diocese that compares to ours when it comes to facilities. Each campus has its unique qualities, both blessings and challenges. The ages of the buildings range anywhere from the late 1800’s to 2023.
Together with my team of employees and volunteers, we have been and will continue to beautify the campuses and work for the long-term integrity of its facilities. We “triage” the work that needs done and move from project to project, campus to campus as needed. Time and money are our two primary controlling factors. Thanks for your patience as I work to accomplish the many things that each campus needs. The good news is that we’re catching up on our long “to do” list.
Much of the work my team does is not seen or heard, such as gutter cleaning or roofing repairs. Another example is the disassembling and repairing of heating systems for two of our parish campuses. We strive to be good stewards of the facilities we are blessed to have. I appreciate your willingness to help with keeping our campuses clean, tending to the flowers, and cleanliness of our buildings and parish property. Again, thanks for your support and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns about items that need repaired or replaced, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Dave Scheurer