Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Catholic writer Sara Park McLaughlin wrote that, “Sometimes we treat God more like a celestial Santa Claus than an omniscient, omnipotent, loving Father who knows more about us and our needs than we do. Or perhaps we treat God like the ultimate fire fighter-someone we only call when there is a big emergency and usually as a last resort.”

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is always appropriate to find ways to be grateful to God from Whom all blessings flow! Thanksgiving Day is one such day that even our secular culture focuses on giving thanks. How and to whom secular folk give thanks is a topic for another Pastor’s Notes. For practicing Catholics, this day most certainly includes giving thanks to God for His countless blessings in our life. To that end, we will have two morning Masses (6:30am and 8:30am) on Thanksgiving day. Holy Mass is the best way to thank God who has given us everything.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

You may have noticed the large banner in the sanctuary with the image of St. Bernadette and a list of our parishioners who have died this past year. We also have the Book of Remembrance where you are welcome to write the names of your loved ones that you would like to be remembered at Holy Mass. What you may not know is why we remember the dead in November.

Traditionally, November is the month where the Catholic Church remembers all those who have died. We celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1st. This is a very special day in the Church calendar where we honor all Saints. The Catholic Church celebrates All Souls Day on November 2nd. This day is dedicated to praying for those who have died.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

May the Peace and Mercy of Our Lord pierce your heart!

For the past several months, a team of dedicated parishioners have been working quietly behind the scenes to bring about the newest addition to our parish and school community. It all began about two years ago when man shared with me that he found our parish to be a peaceful place where people come and experience God’s mercy, love, and healing. This experience of Our Lord’s mercy touched his heart and motivated him to want to do something about it. He felt called to find a way to promote the Divine Mercy of Our Lord right here at our parish.