Dear Parishioners:
The month of November serves to challenge to look beyond ourselves to a deeper reality. First and foremost there is the invitation of the first couple of days of the month to recall the wonder of the Communion of Saints with the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1, and the Memorial of All Souls on November 2. The recollection of those who have gone ahead of us in life’s journey is enhanced by lovely liturgies that give us a taste of the glories to come. Toward the end of the month comes the secular holiday of Thanksgiving, which captures in its own way all the right points. It is a gathering of family. It is a time of remembering who we are and to whom we belong. And it includes a wonderful meal, with traditions and customs that are unique to our own American way of life. The Communion of Saints is a magnificent vision for all of us. It is our privilege to be aware of it and to be called by the Living God to be a sign of the truth of it.
In so many ways, it is become clearer that we are being called, not as individuals, but as a family of Faith to look beyond ourselves and to live in service of others. If you are part of any of the groups and organizations of the parish, you will no doubt have felt this. If you have listened to the announcements at Mass, you have heard this. Since you are reading this, you will no doubt have noticed the invitation in many bulletin notices. The wider society is also clearly calling for our witness of Faith, even as many seem to reject the very idea that people of Faith have a right to participate in public life.
God never gives a call without at the same time providing the means to answer it. If we hear the call to serve, God will supply what we need to respond. We can trust in Him and in one another as we take the steps required to live up to our call.
Here are a few reminders of invitations that have recently been made: Men, join the choir and sing out the praises of God. Women, find a way to renew the Women’s Club and discern leadership. Seniors, recall the glory days of the Vintage Club and reestablish yourselves as a sign of the joy of all our days on earth. Children, continue to bring your parents to Mass every Sunday. Charter and long-time members of the Parish, gather the story of our first 50 years and prepare for the celebration of our Golden Jubilee beginning in November 2011. All families: choose a group in the parish and an issue in the world and touch them with your Faith and Prayer. To All: in this Year of Prayer for St. Timothy Church, come to spend time with the Eucharistic Lord on Wednesdays.
Hear the call and respond. You will not regret saying “Yes” to the Lord. There will be joys for you and those you love in time and in Eternity beyond your imagining.
The Year of Prayer: Prayers for All Saints Day and for All Souls
Prayer for All Saints Day
Father, All-Powerful and ever-living God,
today we rejoice in the holy men and women
of every time and place.
May their prayers bring us your forgiveness and love
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for All Souls Day
Collect from Masses for the Dead
[for all our departed brothers and sisters]
Merciful Father,
hear our prayer and console us.
As we renew our faith in Your Son,
whom You raised from the dead,
strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters
will share in His resurrection,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Eternal Rest
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
Requiem Æternam
Réquiem ætérnam dona eis, Dómine,
et lux perpétua lúceat eis.
Requiéscant in pace. Amen.
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