Last Four Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell

My Dear Parishioners,

Time is flying by, and it’s hard to believe that this is that last weekend of October and that next Sunday is November 1st. Here at our wonderful parish, the Christmas Bazaar is now only a little more than a month away. Also, we will again be having our giving tree, as well as our important food and diaper drives leading up to Christmas. These will be followed by our many preparations to get our beautiful church ready for our celebration of Christmas.

November will also bring us to a close of our Liturgical Year. As we near the end of the Liturgical Year, the Church asks us to take a moment to reflect about the “end,” and the Last Four Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell.

The Church does not want to scare us. Yet, as we know, a little fear can sometimes help, such as the fear of failing a class or losing a job that then makes us get our acts together and work harder. So, if we do feel a little scared as we reflect on the end, we should see that fear as a grace and an opportunity. That fear is really the voice of Jesus calling us to a deeper conversion. That fear is an opportunity to get our acts together in the sight of God.

Next Sunday, we will be celebrating All Saints Day. We will rejoice that Jesus counts us among those who have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.

This washing began at our Baptism. At the moment of our Baptism, we were already counted among the Communion of Saints. For that alone, we can rejoice and be glad, for our reward will be great in Heaven.

To help prepare us for our celebration of All Saints Day, I have included the Litany of the Saints in this bulletin. Please pray the Litany and continue to invoke the intercession of the Saints. They are our family and friends in Heaven. They long for the day when we will join them.

Next Monday, November 2, is that Commemoration of the Faithfully Departed. Masses for All Souls Day will be at 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

May St. Joseph, and all of God’s Holy Angels and Saints pray for us!

Fr. Michael J. Pawelko, Pastor