Dear Friends,
Last weekend we welcomed Jude Arkesh Ragel, a first Theology seminarian at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary studying here for the Archdiocese of Colombo, Sri Lanka, to talk on the annual Seminary Appeal. Jude is only three months here in the US and is assigned to Saint Eleanor on Thursdays for his Apostolate experience. It has been a pleasure to get to know him and we are grateful for his work here among us.
On Thursdays, he is joined by John Luke Helbling, a pre-Theology II student studying for the Diocese of Arlington. We are grateful for his presence and work here among us. They are both gaining experience in parish and school ministry while here.
Thank you for your prayers for all our seminarians and for your financial support of Saint Charles which is so vitally needed to provide formation and training for our future priests, deacons, and lay leaders. By the way, did you notice the several familiar faces in the video and/or the brochures for the Appeal? Father Giardini, Deacon Jack and Kitty Hasson, Laura Connor all make guest appearances on the video. Quite a spotlight on Saint Eleanor. Thank you for your generosity!!
And of course, this week we arrive at Thanksgiving Day. This national day dedicated to giving thanks to God reminds us that we are the recipients of countless blessings and graces and the very gift of life from a loving, merciful, and compassionate Father God. Despite the conflicts and challenges that surround us in this moment of history, we know that God never abandons us. He desires to draw us ever more closely to Himself and give us the grace and strength to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, offering our lives in sacrifice to Him. We will once again bless bread at the Thanksgiving Day Mass (9 AM) and distribute it at the end of Mass for use with your Thanksgiving Day meal.
I have been told that the refurbishment of our confessionals is almost complete. We are looking forward to having them available again as we celebrant God’s abundant mercy in the truly awesome Sacrament of Penance.
This weekend we are celebrating the feast of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. We acknowledge and proclaim Jesus as our King and our Lord. The One whose throne is His Cross, and His crown is of thorns. The One who is risen from the dead and ascended into heaven. The Son of God, the Son of Mary, the conqueror over sin and death. All praise, glory, honor, and worship be His now and forever. May we never cease to worship Jesus in body, mind, and soul for He is our life.
May you and your loved ones be blessed and graced in every way this Thanksgiving Day and every day as you love the Lord “…with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. …and your neighbor as yourself.”
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
