Veteran’s Day is a day of gratitude and reflection. Like Memorial Day, it is a time to pay tribute to American men and women of service, but it is not the same. Memorial Day was established to remember the fallen, those who have paid the ultimate price, the totality of the selfless gift defending America and its freedoms. Veteran’s Day focuses on all who have served, not just the fallen. It is important to reflect on the experiences they have gone through and the contributions they have made. Veteran’s Day offers the chance to show public appreciation for our living veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces as well as remember those who have gone before us who have served. Military personnel and their families often make sacrifices, large and small both now and in the past and should be remembered, never forgotten. Let us Remember Our Heroes -- The Home of the Free Because of the Brave Let Us Pray . . . For all those who serve and have served in the military. May God bless them and keep them safe. In a special way, we pray for all those who have given of themselves to defend our freedoms and protect our country. May all veterans know of our support and affection. Fr. John
We pray to the Lord . . . O loving God, support us all the daylong in our dark hours of grief, until the shadows of evening fades and morning light breaks through, we ask for your presence. Grant our loved one(s) safe lodging, a holy rest and a lasting peace. Amen For complete reflection, click on the orange title above.
Thank You! As we continue to reflect on the many insights the Biblical Conference provided in September, we take this opportunity to thank the two anonymous families that donated and sponsored Dr. John Bergsma’s presentations on the living Christ in the Eucharist for our linked parish communities! Let’s reflect on ways the Lord may be sending an invitation to us to serve Him. We thank all who helped in the success of the Spaghetti Dinner in support of our linked parish families’ Oratory of the Sacred Heart! Thank you to Sal Gagliardo aka “Chef Sal-ardee” along with his many helpers in the kitchen for preparation, delivery and all those contributing through the purchase of raffle tickets, donations and meals for themselves and others. We can begin to prepare for Advent as we await the coming of the Lord. We can welcome Jesus to our local “Bethlehem” (our local “house of bread”) and think of ways we can bring the living Eucharist to others. Perhaps we can contribute to make a difference in our parish families by participating in ministries, sponsoring a Bible Study in our home or by helping at our special events like hospitality or the Christmas Bazaar. Call the Parish Office if Our Lord is calling you to help Him do His work, bring the living Bread to others through your hands or support others in their mission to do so. God’s blessings, Fr. John