We are all Living Stones

This weekend we celebrate the Dedication of the Mother and head of all Churches, the Cathedral Church of the bishop of Rome, St. John Lateran Basilica in Rome. This celebration is not just about the dedication of a 4th century building made of stones; rather it is the dedication of what is a symbol of the freedom of worship after a period of intense persecution of Christians. This church symbolizes the unity of Christians throughout the world, with the Pope as the visible sign of that unity. In this celebration we acknowledge the living stones that make up the Church - the people of God. After all, what is a Church building without the people who worship in it? What is the value of a building if those who are called to assemble in it are prevented from responding by forces both internal and external? All over the world we see varied degrees of attacks on religious freedom, and people’s right to practice their faith in public is restricted. While we celebrate the freedom and unity symbolized by the dedication of this Church in Rome, and remember the labors of those who have fought to ensure and protect our freedoms, we must not stop praying for religious freedom in our country and throughout the world. 

As our nation marks Veterans Day this week, we must not fail to express our gratitude to the men and women who served in our Armed Forces for the supreme sacrifices they made to defend our freedoms as a nation. We pray for eternal rest for all who died in faithful service to our country, and consolation for all their families. We are also grateful to all service men and women who continue to put themselves in arms way to keep us all safe. 

The month of November is dedicated to praying for all the faithful departed. It is also a time to keep in mind our own mortality. Just as we pray for those who have died, we must plan for our own end as well. I will be speaking with our Seniors on November 13 at 9:15 A.M. about the importance of Catholic funerals and how to plan one’s funeral liturgy(s). We will have representative(s) from local funeral home(s) to speak on the business side of funeral planning and an attorney to speak on Estate planning. All our seniors are invited to this event in the Father Payne Hall downstairs. 

Next weekend, God willing, I will present a report of the State of our parish. This report would cover the various aspects of our parish: Spiritual and pastoral, sacramental/catechetical, evangelization and discipleship, outreach, facilities and finance. This report will also contain feedback from the parish-wide consultations on the missional health of our parish. I am grateful to all who responded to the surveys and participated in the Listening sessions. I am also grateful to all our parishioners who continue to labor in various ways for the good of our parish and parishioners. Your labors in God’s vineyard will not be without reward. 

May Jesus bless you, and may Our Lady protect you!

Fr. Julius