The month of November is traditionally a time in which the Catholic community remembers those who have passed from their lives here on earth. It is related to the fact that the end of November is the end of the liturgical year, with a new liturgical year starting the First Sunday of Advent, which is November 27th this year. The Church uses the end of the year as a time to reflect upon the end of our lives here on earth, the end times to come, and the hope of new life that awaits us in God’s eternal kingdom. We give thanks for those who have gone before us; we look with prayer and hope to their new life in heaven and our desire to join them there one day. We will continue to pray for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed throughout the month of November, especially our loved ones and the members of our faith community who have gone on to eternal life. We also pray in a special way for the soul in purgatory in the process of purification.
We always pray for our children and our youth, aware of the opportunities and the challenges they face in the modern world, of the many messages they receive from the secular world that are in conflict with the values of our faith. Each month, Pope Francis has a special prayer intention for which he asks us to pray. In November, the Pope asks us to pray for children who are suffering in the world today, especially for those children who are homeless, orphans, and victims of war; may all children be guaranteed access to education and the opportunity to experience family affection.
This week, on Thursday and Friday, I will be traveling to St Meinrad seminary in southern Indiana to be a presenter at a workshop for new pastors. I always enjoy helping the new pastors who come from different Diocese. I look forward to being back with all of you next weekend for the Masses. Have a blessed week everyone. Father Lincoln.
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