Pastor's Corner: November 10, 2019

From the Pastor’s Desk:                                                                                                    
November 10, 2019
 
     As we near the end of the liturgical year, we begin to reflect more deeply upon the end of time in general, or, more specifically, the end of our own ''time'' in death. The Catholic Church dedicates the entire month of November to praying in a special way for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. “The Holy Souls (also called the Faithful Departed) are members of the Church who await the purification of their souls before joining the saints in heaven for all eternity. Specifically, they are referred to as the Church Suffering (the saints in heaven are the Church Triumphant, and the faithful on earth are the Church Militant). The poor souls in purgatory cannot pray for themselves or do anything to hasten their entrance into heaven, but we can and ought to pray for them as an act of charity” (The Catholic Company).
 
     In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus’ own words about resurrection. Although resurrection is not only central to the life of Jesus but also to all Christians, it continues to be discussed over the centuries.  In his letters, Paul preaches at length about the significance of resurrection, for example the 1 ^st Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 15. Over the years, many have struggled and continue to misunderstand resurrection. So, what is our belief about resurrection? How does this central element of our faith influence our lives? How is our life different from those who do not believe in resurrection? How are we different because of that promise? We are called to proclaim the paschal mystery- the suffering, death, and ultimately a new life in the Risen Lord.  
 
     This weekend we enjoy the fun of St. Luke’s Annual Festival. Thanks to our Festival Team, so many supportive parishioners, people of good will and businesses, as we are very excited to present with Ascension St. Vincent’s, this tremendous time of joy for families and fun community building event. I pray that God will bless us with good weather, a safe weekend, and a wonderful time for all who will come to join and support us. The festival changes some of the dynamics of our regular Sunday routine. Please be aware of some parking limitations and other possible inconveniences that we need to embrace. I ask for your patience and cooperation as we try to offer alternatives, including mobile transportation– to and from alternative parking locations- to help and assure the success of this wonderful event. See you on the grounds of the Festival!
 
     On Monday, November 11 ^th, our nation celebrates Veterans Day. This day calls for prayers for those who have served our country in the Armed Services. “On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month of the year 1918, an armistice was signed, ending the "war to end all wars." November 11 ^th was set aside as Armistice Day in the United States to remember the sacrifices that men and women made during the war in order to ensure a lasting peace. In 1938 Congress voted Armistice Day as a legal holiday, but World War II began the following year. Armistice Day was still observed after the end of the Second World War. In 1953 townspeople in Emporia, Kansas called the holiday Veterans Day in gratitude to the veterans in their town. Soon after, Congress passed a bill renaming the national holiday to Veterans Day” (The Catholic Culture).
 
     Today, we express our gratitude and bow our heads in respect for so many men and women who served our country in the three-fold purpose of Veterans Day: remembering those who fought and died, celebrating all veterans, and promoting an enduring peace.
 
     I wish you a blessed week! Let’s enjoy the festival fun and grow together as people of the Resurrection.
 
With prayers, Fr. Andy