Dear Friends,
September, as I mentioned before, is a very busy month, and always is here. But here we are at October which is looking very full as well. This weekend we say goodbye to Father Graebe as he concludes his priestly ministry among us and prepares to transfer to Saint Andrew Parish, Newtown. We wish him every blessing and grace in his new assignment and thank him for his priestly ministry here. We know the people of Saint Andrew will be blessed by his ministry.
Next weekend, we will have the opportunity to welcome Father John Stokely to our parish family. We look forward to welcoming him as he begins his priestly ministry here. Be sure to extend our traditional warm Saint Eleanor welcome to him as you see him around the parish.
Our Confirmation candidates are actively preparing to receive Confirmation on Saturday, October 21. Bishop John McIntyre will administer the Sacrament to our candidates. They have been studying and praying, including participating in one of two retreat events just for them and their sponsors or parents. Please keep them in your kind prayers as they become fully initiated into Christ Jesus.
We have the date! The date for what? For Two Dollar Sunday. Have you heard of $2 Sunday? What is $2 Sunday? Curious? Wondering? Questions? Well, the wait is drawing to a close. The reveal is coming… Look for it the weekend of October 14-15.
This weekend is Respect Life Sunday and the beginning of Respect Life month. In the month of October the Church invites us to reflect deeply on the dignity of every human life from conception to natural death. As Catholics, disciples of the Lord Jesus, we cherish, defend, and protect all those who are most vulnerable. Today and this month we join with Catholics nationwide to celebrate the gift of life. We commit to building the Culture of Life in our country and our world.
I am grateful that our Respect Life Ministry members are present at Masses this weekend offering information, answering questions, and as hosts for our First Weekend pretzels and donuts. Don’t miss their flier in the bulletin this weekend as well. We pray fervently that all people will come to the deep knowledge and understanding that every person is made in the image and likeness of God; that every human life is sacred and inviolable; that every human life be protected and cherished from conception to natural death. “Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.”
“O Mary, conceived without sin. Pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
