Dear Parishioners,
What a beautiful piece of poetry we have in Wisdom this weekend: “Resplendent and unfading is wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her and found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known in anticipation of their desire; whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed, for he shall find her sitting by his gate.” (Wisdom 6:12). How beautiful it is to think that wisdom is regularly sitting there, quite literally at our door, just waiting for us to receive this great gift.
Our readings and the rituals this month help us to remember (All Saints and All Souls) and prepare for the end time and the end of our liturgical year—all leading to the celebration of Christ the King at the end of November. The verse of the gospel acclamation this weekend gives us that gentle but urgent reminder, “Stay awake and be ready” (Matthew 24:42a). Finally, the gospel is a lesson our scouts still teach to this day: the importance of being prepared. The weekend sums up the daily and yearly challenges of discipleship. Live each day to the fullest, while remaining vigilant to the presence of God and His many gifts. The loss of our loved ones who we honor this entire month reminds us that every day is a gift. It all starts with recognizing that the wisdom of God is right at our doorstep.
Thanks to everyone who brought pictures of their loved ones for the Altar of Remembrance at both parishes. You can add pictures all during the month. Please note, the pictures will be taken down after masses on November 22nd in anticipation of Advent 2026.
This Thursday, November 12th, a good number of our teens from both parishes will celebrate Confirmation with Bishop Parker. After a lengthy period of preparation, they will be fully initiated into the Catholic Church. Special thanks to Tim, Carrie, the Confirmation team, catechists, and our older teens/young adults who have journeyed with our Confirmation candidates this year. As you may have read, the archdiocese is changing the age of Confirmation to the 4th grade over the next several years. We are still in a process of transitioning these next few years, ultimately moving to our new age. Congratulations to the Confirmation Class of 2026. We are grateful to Bishop Parker for celebrating with us again this year.
I am very sad that I will not be able to attend the confirmation this year. I leave right after Mass this morning to head to a Jesuit retreat house in Atlanta for my annual 8-day silent retreat. Yes, you read that correctly; I will be silent for 8 days! I promise to keep you in prayer and to give constant thanks for the gift of serving this pastorate.
Blessings on your week,
Fr. Kevin
