Dear Parishioners,

 

November begins with the twin celebrations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. These two important celebrations powerfully remind us that life does not end, but it does change. Because of Jesus own death and resurrection, we have nothing to fear. All of our loved ones along with the great figures of our faith are still with us, but simply in another place, worshipping at another altar.

 

This year, because of the way the calendar falls, we have the opportunity to honor All the Saints on a Sunday, with the participation of our entire parish family. Today we honor all those great ancestors in faith who made it possible for us to be here. These great men and women show us, without a doubt, that it is possible to live exemplary lives of faith, even though it may not be easy to do so.

 

Tomorrow, we remember a far more personal day, All Souls. There, we move from the great figures of faith to our own departed loved ones who now are in God’s presence and who await our arrival. Both of these days are important and earnestly ask you not to take them lightly. Please continue to pray for all our beloved departed, and, in your charity, please also remember all those who have no one left here to pray for them.

 

Even though these two feasts begin the month, please remember that the entire month of November is dedicated to the deceased. Continue to pray for them, as they pray for us, and please stress to our young people the importance of praying and venerating them. After all, they will be responsible for praying for us when it is our turn to be called home. If we don’t teach them now, we can’t possibly expect anything from them in the future.

 

Fr. Armand