You are Invited!!
As your pastor, I invite you to take part in a special parish meeting to hear about the All Things New draft models for Annunziata.
I would emphasize that your participation and input is very important. A Model is only an option of how parishes in our planning area could be structured. Your attendance at the Parish meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 25 OR Thursday, Oct 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. is critical because it will have an important part to play in the future of our beloved Church of the Annunziata.
To register, please go to our website: annunziata.org, or call the rectory, and Dodie or Linda will help you register.
Feast of All the Saints
We are still joined in Jesus Christ with all who have gone before us because, in the words of the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome, nothing can separate us from the love of God made fully present in Jesus Christ, including death (Romans 8:38, 39).
The Saints are a part of the eternal family to which we are now joined in and through Jesus Christ. They are part of that great cloud of witnesses to which the author of the New Testament Letter to the Hebrews makes reference in these inspired words of encouragement:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Masses on the Holy Day of Obligation for All Saints are:
Tuesday, November 1st — 7:00 & 9:00 A.m., & 5:30 P.m. — All Saints
All Souls Day- Praying For All Who Have Died
You and I often speak of our “loss” when a loved one dies. It is true that we do lose their physical presence in our lives. We are no longer able to hold them or hug them. But, our faith assures us that death cannot overcome love. The bonds of love which unite us endure and we are joined to our loved ones in the Communion of Saints. Our loved ones are not lost—they are with God who is love.
It is good for us to recall with gratitude our loved ones with whom we have shared our life and history. Yes, we may still experience the sadness of their loss, even after many years. But we should also recall the joy we had in their presence and the roles they played in our lives.
During this month of November, I want to assure you that we pray daily at Mass for your deceased family members and friends. I encourage you to inscribe their names in the Book of Remembrance in the front of Church by the Communion rail on St. Joseph’s side. Let us all pray for the deceased, and for one another who grieve their loss.
On Wednesday, November 2nd there will be a special Mass for all those we have lost over the past year. If you would like to join us, no matter where your loved one’s service was performed, please contact the Rectory by Friday, October 28th. We will have a candle, that you can take home, with your loved one’s name on it that will be lit at this Mass. Please join us!
Wednesday, November 2nd — 7:00 A.m. & 5:30 P.m. — All Souls