Our two bells have arrived and this weekend, after the 9:00 am Sunday Mass, we will bless them. During the coming week, they will be installed in our new bell tower, ready to ring out in joy on the day that our church is dedicated! Next weekend, October 23-24, we will hold an “open house” where you will have the opportunity to go into the church and see for yourself all the progress that the construct crews have made. Come and be amazed!
The names for our new bells are: Maria Gaudens and Little Saint John. The Latin name for the big bell, Maria Gaudens, is inspired by the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) and means “Mary Rejoicing.” At the message of the Archangel Gabriel, at the moment that she conceived the Divine Lord Jesus in her womb, the Blessed Mother spoke these words of praise: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” While Mary is rejoicing at the Incarnation of Jesus Christ in her womb, all of creation rejoices with her that Salvation now dwells on earth among men. Before every Sunday Mass we will hear the big bell ring out in joy, welcoming all people to the Sacrament of our Lord’s Precious Body and Blood. Mary is always rejoicing in Jesus her Son and when we hear the big bell ring, it will remind us that our holiness is deepened every time that we rejoice in the Lord.
The little bell, Little Saint John, is not named for the pastor, but is named after Saint John the Baptist. When Saint John was in the womb of his mother, Saint Elizabeth, he danced for joy in the presence of the Lord Jesus. Every time we hear the little bell ring out in its high tone, it will remind us of Saint John who leapt for joy in the presence of the Lord!
ALL SOULS DAY is Monday, November 2nd. Four Masses have been scheduled for this day at which we pray specifically for the beloved departed of our parish and our own families. The Masses are: 6:30 am, 8:00 am and 5:30 pm in English, and 7:00 pm in Spanish.
The practice of keeping a special memorial day of prayer for all who have died in Christ is an important part of our Catholic faith and is a concrete sign to us that those who have died in the faith of Jesus Christ do share in the eternal reward of Heaven. The souls of our beloved departed need our prayers and intercession. I invite you to fill out an All Souls’ Day envelope with the names of your loved ones who have died, drop it by the parish prior to Monday, Nov. 2nd, and their names will be placed upon the altar for special remembrance. An All Souls’ Day envelope is attached to this week’s bulletin and is also included in your envelope packets.
The month of October is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. I invite you to make this a time of special grace through the praying of the Rosary each day as a family. The Rosary will be prayed 20 minutes before all of the weekend Masses throughout the month of October. Come early to the Holy Mass and join in this ancient and noble prayer.
“For A Few Dollars More”
5th Annual School Auction
Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets for this year’s auction are on sale for $35 each starting this weekend after Masses. Tickets are available through the school office Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm & after all masses the weekends of September 26th & 27th, October 10th & 11th, and 24th & 25th. Get yours before they are sold out.
2nd Year CONFIRMATION
2° año de Confirmación
October 25th Mass & Class 11am-2pm
November 1st Mass & Class 11am-2pm
November 3rd Special Class for Parents & Teens Chris Stefanick 6:30-8:30pm
Years ago, when I was in my early teens, my mother’s father, our beloved grandfather Nonno Gianni, storyteller extraordinaire, family historian, giver of “splendid” gifts (baby rabbits, lambs, chicks), died. A widower at the time, he lived with three of his daughters in the apartment in which his large family had grown. He left behind nine children, the primitive cabin in the mountains beloved by every family member, and a small savings account in joint ownership with his oldest daughter, a spinster.
Last week, I gave you an account of what the parish received, between Sunday offertory, school tuition, fundraising and other gifts. You will have noticed that, as good stewards of your generosity, we were able to set aside about $38,000 last year. What will we do with this sum? The Archdiocese, prudently asks that every parish, just like every household, keep something in reserve, for unexpected expenses, such as: the heating system breaking down; the roof needing repairs and, in our case, remodeling of our church.
Great news! Sunday, October 18th, we will hold the ceremony of the naming and blessing of our bells. As you know, church bells represent the voice of God calling His faithful people to worship. That is why we name and bless them. Come and see what the contributions of our children have helped to buy!
Then, on the weekend of October 23-24, we will hold an “open house” where you will have the opportunity to check out the progress of our church remodel. As you can see, it is going very quickly and smoothly. Come and be amazed!
The practice of keeping a special memorial day of prayer for all who have died in Christ is an important part of our Catholic faith and is a concrete sign to us that those who have died in the faith of Jesus Christ do share in the eternal reward of Heaven! The souls of our beloved departed need our prayers and intercession. I invite you to fill out an All Souls’ Day envelope with the names of your loved ones who have died, drop it by the parish prior to Monday, Nov. 2nd, and their names will be placed upon the altar for special remembrance. All Souls’ Day envelopes are in your envelope packets and will also be attached to next week’s bulletin.
