Greetings in Christ! Man, I got hit hard with a virus this last week. I missed you all very much. Today is Wednesday, November 2nd, and, as I type this I’m feeling much better. My doctor asked me to quarantine myself and so I have. If I do the math right, this is my last day of quarantine. I’m very sorry for the confessions I couldn’t hear, the Masses I couldn’t pray, etc. Thank you for your love and prayers.
I hope you see and rejoice in our banners. On these banners are the names of our beloved from his last year. November is a special month for us Catholics; we honor the dead and pray for them. I cannot encourage you strongly enough to visit the graves of any of your family members who have died; pray a Hail Mary for them, ask for their prayers and, if you can, clean it up a bit. Personally, I always bring a broom, a cutter and a gallon of water. I cut the grass around the grave, sweep off the surface and then pour water on it to shine it up a bit.
We’ve got some big events this month and I would love to see you all here.
First is November 11th: I will be emceeing Trivia Night! Go to the parish website or call to register your team. This should be a riot…I hope to see you all for a fun and joyful evening.
The Second big event for us is our Fall Clean-Up Day. On November 19th from 10 am until noon, we will be knocking some chores out on our parish grounds. We really could use some help here. We are going to accomplish everything from winterizing the gardens to moving some very heavy objects. Please help if you can.
Last reminder: every week (unless I’m sick or away!) I teach a class online for our parishioners and any who want to tune in. You can listen on your favorite podcasting service by searching “Joe in Black Ministries” or you can watch on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Joeinblack). You can even watch/listen on YouTube by searching “Joe in Black Ministries.” We are getting so many viewers/listeners that we are getting advertisers now! I am directing any/all of the money back into our parish.
So…that’s it. I’ve got you all caught up. Thank you for letting me be your priest. I just love serving God and you.
Fjk