October 3-4

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

A happy coincidence occurs this week in the Sacred Scriptures with a 8-day festival celebrated by our Jewish friends.  Beginning at sundown on Friday, October 2^nd and continuing until October 9^th, Sukkoth or feast of booths is commemorated.  This is the harvest festival which gives thanks to God for the bounty of the land.  It is the basis for our secular celebration of Thanksgiving, also meant, but often forgotten to show our gratitude to God for all that He has given us.

Generally in the backyards and fields of the Jewish people, you will see temporary booths or huts set up and ornamented.  Harvesters would live in them while “bringing in the sheaves” of wheat, barley and vegetables.  It was a time to be grateful to God who gives life and sustains it.

From both the Gospel and the Prophet Isaiah we hear of vineyards and harvesting.  What should be a time of gratefulness and rejoicing has been perverted, neglected and infected with envy and greed.  What should have been life-giving became just the opposite and blessings received were lost.

The month of October is a time for us to reflect upon the sanctity of human life most especially the vulnerable life of the unborn.  First,  we respect the life-giving Creator of all.  We recognize He has a plan and it is good.  The prevailing heresy in many circles is that we can dispense with those lives that are inconvenient or burdensome.  This erroneous mentality is contrary to the law of God.

As faithful Catholics we have a solemn obligation to stand up for and speak out when it comes to protecting innocent life.  We use what heaven has provided for us through the hands of the Mother of God – the Rosary.  Padre Pio repeatedly reminded us that this is the powerful weapon that will conquer sin and convert the most hardened of hearts.

Join us in unleashing power of prayer for the respect for life on this coming Saturday, October 10 at the Rosary Rally in Central Park in front of the courthouse.  Holy Mass will be offered in St. Mary Magdalen at 11 AM and the Rally begins at Noon to 2 PM.  In the event of inclement weather, our rally will take place in St. Mary Magdalen.

Remember also that we are adding an additional opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Every Saturday morning from 10:30 AM to 12 Noon, confessions will be heard at St. Mary’s.  In the event of a funeral, they will be at St. John’s.    Hope to see you at the rally.

With Blessings,

Father Langan