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Thirty-First Sunday of the Year
31 October 2010
Dear Friends in Christ,
Here are several important dates in November:
1. Monday November 1st is the Solemnity of All Saints, the annual celebration of the Church Triumphant — the great cloud of witnesses who with the angels already stand at the Throne of Grace and worship the Lamb once slain. This feast originated in the 4th century as the Feast of All Martyrs and took its present date and form in the 9th century. We will have two Masses on Monday: 7 am and 7 pm.
2. Tuesday November 2nd is the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, All Souls. On this day we pray for the Church Expectant, the souls of the righteous who have been redeemed by Christ Jesus but who need purification before they see the Face of God. This feast originated in France in the 9th century and became universal in the 13th century. We will have two Masses on Tuesday: 7 am and 7 pm.
3. The entire month of November is a time of special remembrance of those who have gone before us, marked with the sign of faith. During November it is especially fitting, if possible, to visit the graves of those we love and commend them to the mercy of the LORD. And throughout the month, a Book of Remembrance will be available at the entrance to the Lady Chapel; this is provided for you to write the names of your beloved dead, and as we each visit the book during November, let us pray for those whose names are recorded.
4. The Solemnity of Christ the King, the last LORD’S Day of the old liturgical year, will be Sunday November 21st. On that day the sacred music at Mass will be especially glorious, as we give thanks to the LORD for our redemption.
5. The Sacrament of Confirmation for nearly 80 young men and women will be administered by our Bishop Robert during an evening Mass on Monday November 22nd.
6. Advent, and the new Year of Grace, begins on Sunday November 28th. Once again we will celebrate Vespers on each Sunday of Advent, but this year we will begin at a new time: 5 pm. Please plan now on joining us for Mass and Vespers on the four Sundays of Advent to prepare for Christmas.
7. Finally, this Tuesday is Election Day. Please do your civic duty and cast a ballot informed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Father Newman