CHRIST THE DIVINE SHEPHERD PARISH

Happy All Saints Day!
I love this feast! Today we celebrate the men and women who have made it to heaven. Sometimes we think of saints as extraordinary people who lived extraordinary lives. And certainly, some did. But many of the saints lived rather ordinary lives. They had families, jobs, struggles, and plenty of imperfections. What made them saints was their willingness to love God, trust in His mercy, and keep following Him. That’s encouraging, because God wants every one of us to be a saint. Heaven is not reserved for a select few. It’s where we’re all supposed to be headed!

Tomorrow, November 2, we celebrate All Souls Day. In fact, the entire month of November is dedicated to praying for the Holy Souls. I hope you’ll make a special effort this month to pray for your deceased family members and friends. Visit a cemetery, have a Mass offered, or simply take a few minutes each day to remember those who have gone before us. And don’t forget to pray for the souls who have no one praying for them. What a beautiful act of charity!

Thank You to Our St. Vincent de Paul Society! 

I really want to call your attention to page 11 of this bulletin. Our St. Vincent de Paul Society has shared its annual report, and I hope you’ll take a look. During the past year, our Vincentians provided $40,805 in assistance to 321 people. They made 139 home visits, traveled 694 miles, and helped neighbors with food, rent, utilities, furniture, and other necessities. That’s a tremendous amount of good being done by some very generous parishioners! One of the things I appreciate most about the St. Vincent de Paul Society is that its members don’t just write checks. They take the time to visit people, listen to their struggles, and offer help when it’s needed. Much of this work happens quietly, without any recognition. To all our Vincentians, thank you! You are doing wonderful work, and our parish is better because of you. And to everyone who supports this ministry financially, thank you as well. Your generosity is making a real difference.

A Few Things Coming Up

This Wednesday, November 4, we’ll be hosting a special screening of the first episode of Season 6 of The Chosen at 7:00 p.m. in the Lourdes Center. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. More details, including how to RSVP, are in the bulletin.

Also, please mark your calendars for our Advent Parish Mission, November 30 through December 2. Mike Tenney will be joining us for three evenings of prayer, music, and reflection. I’m looking forward to it and hope you’ll plan to attend.

Finally, as we begin this month of November, let’s remember that we have friends in heaven praying for us, and we have the privilege of praying for those who have gone before us.

All you holy men and women, pray for us!