Around the Parish – October 26, 2025
Published on October 25, 2025
Spaghetti Dinner Today
Next I look forward to seeing everyone in Gallagher Hall this weekend for our Spaghetti Dinner! As I mentioned at Mass last weekend, we have some spectacular raffle baskets. I want to again thank everyone who donated to the Theme Basket Raffle!
Thank you to our volunteers
I would be remiss if I didn’t take the opportunity to thank everyone who helped plan, prepare, and carry out the Spaghetti Dinner this weekend. Over the past few weeks, dedicated crews have cleaned the kitchen and hall, arranged tables and chairs, wrapped place settings, decorated, purchased food and supplies, and organized our amazing volunteers. From the bottom of my heart—thank you for making this dinner such a success!
Time to “Fall Back”
Don’t forget! Next weekend, on Saturday night into Sunday, the clocks “fall back” one hour at 2:00 a.m. If you forget, at least you’ll just arrive an hour early for Mass!
All Souls Day Celebration
Next Saturday at the 5:00 p.m. Mass, we will hold our annual memorial service for all those who have died this past year. Family members of the deceased are invited to present a candle in memory of their loved one during a special remembrance after the petitions.
Notes from Deacon Edgar:
Altar Server Training
Altar server training for both current servers and those wishing to become servers will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, after the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Please let Deacon Edgar or the parish office know if you are interested so we can add you to the list.
Homebound Ministry
We are currently seeking individuals who would like to serve as Ministers to the Homebound. You must be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, but if you are not yet trained, we can arrange formation so you can join this blessed ministry of bringing the Eucharist to the sick and homebound.
If you—or a loved one—are homebound, hospitalized, or in a nursing home, please notify the rectory so we can offer ministry and spiritual care as needed. As Deacon Edgar reminds us: “God is counting on us.”
A few thoughts for your week:
Some people talk to plants to help them grow; try talking to God—He’s even better at that. The most powerful prayer isn’t long or fancy. Sometimes it’s just “Thank you,” or “Help me.”
Pax et Bonum,
Fr. Andy
The Power and Tradition of Mass Intentions
The Mass is considered the greatest prayer of intercession in the Church. This is because it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father, making present the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Traditionally, a Priest may be requested to offer a Mass for a specific intention, even if the requester cannot be physically present.
Offering Masses for the Deceased:
Having a Mass offered for a deceased person is an ancient and commendable practice. A Mass is offered to pray for the departed, that they may find peace in heaven. Since each Mass holds infinite value, requesting one or several Masses is of tremendous benefit to the person prayed for, as well as their family, who can take comfort in knowing that their intention is united with the prayers of the Church.
The Mass: Center of Christian Life:
Every Mass is a precious gift from God. It is the center of the Church’s life, known as “the source and summit of the Christian life,” because in the celebration of the Mass, we are brought back to Jesus’ Last Supper, the first Mass. We consciously recall the love of God poured out for us through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ. At each Mass, all the intentions of God’s people, both living and deceased, are included. As Pope Paul VI noted in his motu proprio “Firma in Traditione,” the faithful, moved by an ecclesial and religious sense, join their own sacrifices to the Eucharistic sacrifice, participating more intensely and supporting the Church’s needs, especially its ministers.
Requesting a Mass Intention:
Anyone may request a Mass Intention for a living person, a deceased person, members of a family, or a special intention appropriate to the celebration of the Eucharist, such as World Peace, Vocations, or Respect for Life. The Church allows only one intention per Mass.
Offering a Mass Stipend:
The normal stipend offering for a Mass is $10. However, a Mass Offering can be more or less than the suggested amount, depending on the financial position of the person requesting the Mass. Envelopes for Mass intention requests are available at the entrances of the church. These envelopes can be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office. The requester may also ask for a card to be sent to notify someone that a Mass Intention has been requested (one card per intention). Please note that the name of the person(s) requesting the Mass is not announced.
