Dear Parishioners,
As Catholics we hold the month of November very dear to our hearts for a number of reasons. First, we begin with All Saints Day on November 1st, initially celebrated in the Eastern Churches. It was historically celebrated at various times in the Easter Season but finally moved to November on the Roman calendar. Because the solemnity falls on a Monday this year, there is no obligation to attend Mass. However, we will be adding an 8:30am Mass on Monday in addition to the regularly scheduled 5:30pm Mass.
On the 2nd of November we commemorate All Souls’ Day, a feast rooted in ancient Christian tradition and observed universally since the 13th century. Each priest is given special permission to offer up to three Masses. We’ll be adding a 5:30pm Mass for this special day.
November 1st through November 8th is an opportunity for us to visit a cemetery and pray for the souls in purgatory. Any member of the faithful who visits the cemetery on these days can gain a plenary indulgence for the souls in purgatory, provided that we are properly disposed. Talk about God’s generous gift of mercy and how He calls us to participate in His plan of salvation!
On November 7th at 8:30am, we will have our annual Mass of Remembrance for all those who have died this past year. Their loved ones have been invited to join us for this special liturgy. On that same day, at 6:30pm, we invite families (of all ages and sizes) to join us for our monthly family Mass.
Later this month we gather as a nation to give God thanks for the many blessings in our lives. As we make plans for the holiday, please join Saint Malachi at 9:00am on November 25th for our Partner Parish Thanksgiving Day Mass followed by a light social.
Finally, if you haven’t already obtained candles for your personal Advent wreath, please note that the First Sunday of Advent is November 28th.
Gratefully yours in Christ,
Fr. Gurnick