From The Deacon’s Desk October 31, 2021
Dear Friends:
Tomorrow we celebrate All Saints Day. This year It is not a Holy Day of Obligation because it falls on a Monday. However, it’s a wonderful day we set aside to think about those who have gone before us and have been declared by the church to be in heaven. An interesting point is that the church has declared many people to be in heaven, but the church has never declared anyone to be in hell. This gives me a great deal of hope. I think all of us do the best we can to be good Catholic Christians. None of us is perfect, that’s for sure, but I truly believe that in the human heart there is goodness. I believe God put goodness there and he will help us to attain heaven one day. Our job is to be open to the love God offers us day after day, hour after hour. It is not a Holy Day of Obligation
Our reading from Mark 12:28-34 is one of my favorites. Jesus gives us the rules by which we are called to live. The two greatest commandment: love God with everything you have and love each other as much as we love ourselves. These are guidelines Jesus gave us to help us live holy lives. I know that in this reading we can gain insight and the courage to live more like Jesus every day. Why not give it a try?
Perhaps this week we can each take a few moments and slowly, reflectively read through this Gospel. Ask your favorite saint to help you discern what the true meaning of this reading is for you. Then maybe we could try do our best to practice it and see where it leads us. I think we’ll all be surprised.
Today we also say goodbye to Fr. Jaime. It is with great sadness that the Archdiocese needs him in another parish. Over the past six and a half years, we have gone from strangers to good friends. I will miss him as I’m sure you will also. Please pray for him in his new assignment.
It is with great joy that we welcome Msgr. Richard Woy to our parish. Msgr. Woy will be our administrator until July 2022.
Please welcome him when you see him.
Peace and All Good!
Deacon Jim