Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This weekend we celebrate the great warriors of the Church. Throughout our history men and women of every background have fought to bring the gospel message to the people of the world. In every land the church has raised up certain individuals to demonstrate the beatitudes that Jesus identified for us as a pathway to heaven. The Saints not only lived in past times but also continue to inspire active participation in the spread of the gospel. Reflecting on their lives we see how they were advocates for the poor and marginalized, the crippled and the abandoned, inspiring purity of heart in the wise and the noble. We too are called to reflect on these principles of Christian living.
On October 31, Father Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus, will be beatified. Beatification is a step towards sainthood. I encourage you to visit the Knights’ website (www.kofc.org) to learn how he formed what is now a worldwide organization for the service of the Church. With the guiding principles of charity, unity, and fraternity, Fr. McGivney desired the Knights to strengthen the Catholic family, especially when they experienced tragedy. His is another holy American saint that we can use to intercede for our church and country. EWTN will be airing the Beatification Mass on October 31 at 8:00p.m.
We are truly blessed to have the Communion of Saints. No matter what part of history we study we can find people of all backgrounds that have exemplified the beatitudes. Some are very well known and are studied often. But remember that there are many less known men and women, young and old, and many newly raised to sainthood. A good spiritual practice is to seek them out and discover how ordinary people witnessed to the faith. This gives us great encouragement to continue our own journeys in spreading the gospel in our ordinary daily lives.
On November 2nd we will remember our faithful departed with All Souls Day. Like our study of the saints, let us recall our departed loved ones with great fondness and remember what we learned from them. How we were inspired in the faith. Showing them appreciation, let us take what we have learned and put it into practice.
We begin a new month and the temperatures are already starting to fall. I have turned the boilers on in the church, but please remember that the church is kept in the mid 60s and to please dress accordingly. Thank you for the many ways you financially support the parish. Many people have moved to online giving. If you are not aware, the online giving does have a credit card option. Due to the pandemic we have not been able to have other forms of fund raising outside of the Sunday collect. I encourage you to think about your participation in the “We Give Catholic Campaign.” Next week I will include the description of the project for which we are raising monies.
Thank you again for the many different forms of well wishes. I have been humbled by the outpouring of support. Next week I will conclude phase 1 of my treatment. I have had some difficulties this past week with side effects, but through the grace of God and many prayers I am working through them. The next phase will be more intense chemotherapy beginning late November and lasting four months. Please know of my appreciation for your patience during this time.
This election year has been like no other. Let us pray for our country, faced with many challenges and blessings. We pray that we can show the world the true understanding of the democratic process.
Christ Peace!
Fr. Workman