A Month to Remember and Renew Our Hope

Dear Parishioners,

November invites us to slow down, remember, and place our hope once again in Christ. The Church, in her wisdom, sets this month before us as a time to pray for the dead, give thanks for the living, and prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord.

We begin with All Saints Day on November 1 (not a holy day of obligation this year), celebrating all who now share in God’s glory. Their lives remind us that holiness is not beyond our reach—it is the fruit of daily fidelity to God’s grace. The following day, All Souls Day, draws our hearts to those who have gone before us. In praying for the dead, we live out the beautiful mystery of the Communion of Saints—that bond of love uniting heaven, earth, and those being purified for glory.

From November 2–8, we observe National Vocation Awareness Week, praying that God will raise up new laborers for His harvest. May our young people hear and respond generously to His call in priesthood, religious life, or other paths of discipleship.

On November 8/9, the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica reminds us of our unity with the universal Church and the Pope, the successor of St. Peter. Soon after, on Veterans Day (November 11), we pause to honor and pray for those who have served our nation with courage and sacrifice, asking God to bless them and their families.

The World Day of the Poor follows on Sunday, November 16, with the theme “You are my hope.” Our parish will take up the Peru Ministry Collection that same weekend—an opportunity to share Christ’s love and bring hope to those in need.

We close the liturgical year with the Solemnity of Christ the King on November 24, proclaiming that Christ reigns not by force but by mercy and truth. A few days later, on Thanksgiving (November 27), we gather in gratitude for God’s countless blessings and for the gift of our parish family.

Finally, on November 30, we begin Advent, a new liturgical year and a new journey of hope as we await the coming of Christ.

May this month renew our faith, deepen our gratitude, and strengthen our hope in the Lord who unites the living and the dead in His everlasting love.

In Christ,

Fr. Wojciech Oleksy
Pastor