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October 24, 2017Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Most of us don’t have great difficulty loving those we know and care about, however, the scriptures today directs our love even toward the neighbor we don’t know. In our society, we are pressed by all kinds of things; however, we are challenged by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to move beyond our comfort zones to be better people in the world. Love of God and Love of neighbor are ONE law; they cannot be separated.
The ‘Feast of All Saints' is the day in the Church to focus on known saints --that is those recognized in the canon of the saints by the Catholic Church. All Saints Day is an opportunity for us to thank God for the life and witness of those holy people and it also is an opportunity to implore the saints for their intercession that we may imitate their holiness in our own lives. For this fest day there will be three Masses at 7:00 p. m on October 31st and on November 1st: 8:00 a. m and 7:00 pm in the Church. In communion with us as members of the Church, the saints are actively concerned for our growth in holiness and we benefit from their intercession before God.
The history of All Saints Day is very fascinating. All Saints' Day was formally started by Pope Boniface IV, who consecrated the Parthenon at Rome to the Virgin Mary and all the Martyrs on May 13 in 609 AD. The holy day was eventually established on November 1 by Pope Gregory III in the mid-eighth century as a day dedicated to the saints and their relics.
You may be asked by non-Catholic friends and family why the Church puts such an emphasis on saints. My own protestant family has asked me many questions about this practice. Some question why we “pray to the saints.” I’ve heard some people who like to say we pray “with the saints,” and not to the saints. I’m not sure if there is any one perfect answer. Of course our worship is ALWAYS directed to God and God alone. We don’t worship the saints (only God), but we do venerate and honor the saints and call upon them to model for us a right way of living. Most importantly, we ask their intercession in our life. Think about it: don’t we do the same most every day with mere mortals? We ask our family and friends all the time, “Please pray for me.” Or we tell others, “I’ll be praying for you.” Why would we then not want to ask the saints, those whose lives were so heroic and virtuous that they merit the everlasting life of heaven, to pray for us as well? It’s important to be clear why we hold the saints in such high esteem.
For All Souls Day, November 2nd there will be a celebration of Mass with a special Luminary Service here in the Church Wednesday 7:00 p.m., which will feature prayers in remembrance of deceased loved ones.
Please welcome parishioner John Holland as the new head Coordinator for the Adoration Chapel for STHY. Mr. Holland along with Mrs. Terry Kelly have been working over the last month to make sure that the Adoration Chapel continues to have the people to come and fill the time slots for adoration. Mr. Holland and Mrs. Kelly are recruiting Coordinators and Adores for the Chapel and maintaining the adoration schedule for the Chapel. The Chapel has already resumed a 24/7 schedule and is up and running. Thank you on behalf of the STHY community.
Now that we have moved into the fall and about to begin the Advent season in a few weeks here at STHY, please find a way to participate in the ministries of our parish. There is literally something for everyone. Not a day goes by that there isn’t something happening somewhere on our campus. Please check the website: www.sthyacinth.org to find the many ministries and activities, plus days and times when they meet. Moreover, go online and register for the varies ministries that we have here at STHY.
Finally, thanks to all those who have made their pledges for the capital campaign. Thank you for your generosity and sacrifice. We entrust this campaign to the intercession of Our Blessed Mother and our patron St Hyacinth. Thanking you in advance for your response in faith. As your pastor, I invite you to discern how best you are able to support this capital campaign to build Family, Faith and Future… our sanctuary… our home.
God Bless,
Fr. Reginald