Dear Parishioners and Friends,

In November, which is the month dedicated to remember our deceased, we visit cemeteries more often, and we reflect more on the mystery of dying and death. The highest expression of our prayer is in the Eucharist. When we offer a Mass for the dead, we help them in the purification of their souls, and by receiving Holy Communion with faith, we are strengthening with them the bond of spiritual love.

In the first reading, there are words  that are familiar to us; they talk about the greatest values. Although we think about them, we are often afraid of them. The story of seven sons sentenced to death is an example of unwavering faith in God. These brave people faced their death proclaiming words of great faith: “You accursed fiend, you are depriving us of this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us up to live again forever, because we are dying for his laws.” (Mch 7, 9). Courage and sacrifice for God and the faith is fully recognized by God, but also by the authors of the book of Maccabees, since this example is found in the Scriptures.

The times in which we live, are different, and the tasks placed before us are different as well. St. Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians clearly says: “Finally, brothers, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may speed forward and be glorified, as it did among you, that we may be delivered from perverse and wicked people, for not all have faith.” (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2). Therefore, our main mission is to proclaim the Lord, Christ crucified, not just inside the Church, but also, and above all, among those who do not known Christ or who have forgotten about Him.

The Words of the Gospel are talking about our lives, about the care of our family, obligations to our lonely relatives, and in fact they are talking about our future, this eternity to which we strive. Jesus, by answering the Sadducees, gave us an important context:  “The children of this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise” (Lk 20,34-36).

I want to wholeheartedly thank those who make their donations to the campaign “To teach Who Christ Is.” Thanks to your donations, we have new lighting in the school and in the Handzel Center. Outside lighting was also already partially replaced. Thanks to your generosity, “Heys Mechanical” replaced the boiler in the school building. We also renovated the sound system in the Church. The campaign will last for a total of five years and, as long as the flow of donations will continue,  we will try to pursue other projects. May the Lord bless and reward you all. God Bless You!