Fr. Simon's Letter - November 20, 2022

A few months ago, the world's attention was focused on Queen Elizabeth's funeral. On full display was the splendor of the monarchy and the pageantry that accompanied the days of mourning and funeral services. The outpouring of affection surprised even those who abhorred the monarchy. Many admired her devotion to duty and service, and a few did speak of her faith. She gratefully acknowledged God's steadfast love and faithfulness in the foreword to the book 'The Servant Queen and the King She Serves' published to celebrate her 90th birthday.

On this last Sunday of the liturgical year, we celebrate the Kingship of Jesus. However, the reign of Christ the King is in sharp contrast with those of earthly rulers. Whereas earthly kings only rule for a time, Christ's kingship is everlasting and has no end. Whereas human kings might rule by brute force, Jesus rules not by force but by love. His is a kingdom of peace, truth, and justice. All who long to be in that kingdom someday are called to embrace these values of the kingdom.

Throughout the church year, we hear how Christ is King – from the longing hymns in Advent, the joyous carols of Christmas, and glorious Easter anthems – Christ is King, all the days of the church year, all the days of our lives. In that sense, Christ the King Sunday at the end of our church year ties it all together and reminds us: Christ rules our lives, and we are to act upon our calling to abandon all the idols we worship and follow Christ alone. 

As we end another liturgical year and celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I feel blessed by the dedication, generosity, and hard work of the many parishioners who help our parish be the community we all want to be a part of. At this time, I thankfully acknowledge the efforts of our UPP chairs, Carolyn Carini and Christina Purtell, as well as the co-chairs, Angie Cantillon and Kirsten Hack, for the success of this year's United Parish Program, our one, and only fundraiser. 

The dedicated efforts of the UPP leadership and their band of volunteers helped us raise $323,872 to offset our operating costs. In addition, they brought in another $109,370 through 'Raise the Paddle' for our Fund for Excellence program, which will help retain and recruit the best teachers for our school. As responsible stewards, we had to make a wise and challenging decision to move from the tent event to a venue off campus. The change was well received, as evidenced by the generosity and effort of many to raise a total of $433,242. THANK YOU!!

It is appropriate that at the 5 pm Mass this weekend, 110 of our eighth graders will be part of the Rite of Enrollment. During this ceremony, the candidates make their official commitment to enter into preparation for the sacrament of confirmation. The presider will ask the candidates to thoughtfully and prayerfully think about what they will do during this preparation time.

Each candidate will sign a covenant form in which they promise to willingly and actively participate in this time of discovery and formation. They will be invited to ask questions and share their faith. This period is a wonderful time in the life of our candidates to reflect on and grow in their faith and learn more about what it means to be Catholic.

As a community, we promise our prayers as they prepare for this critical moment in their lives. Please pray for these young people who are preparing for confirmation. If you know a candidate, send them a card or note to assure them of your prayerful remembrance. These young people need our support and prayers as they prepare to commit themselves to be witnesses and lead others to Christ.

Finally, as we celebrate Thanksgiving Day this week, please remember that we have Masses at 8 and 10 am. The 10 am Mass is our parish celebration of Thanksgiving. You can put the turkey in the oven, join us for Mass and still have time to get the appetizers on the table before guests arrive and the football games begin. There is no better way to give thanks to God than the Eucharist – which means Thanksgiving. On that day, as you gather with family and friends around the table to praise God and pray with a grateful heart, let us be mindful that God provides us with an abundance of blessings. We have joy and laughter, courage in the face of fear, hope where there is doubt, and comfort when there are tears. God is with us in all things. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Blessings!!