Prayer for our Faithful Departed during November

Jenny Drzewiecki • November 2, 2023

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) teaches about Communion of Saints. It is an article of our faith we frequently repeat in the Creed. We express our faith in three sets of people who are or will become saints, people who belong to the Pilgrim Church here on earth (we are included in this group), Triumphant Church in heaven, and Suffering Church in purgatory. We believe these three different groups pray and support each other. Due to the mystery of Communion of Saints we, as people on earth, the Pilgrim Church, have a link with the Church Triumphant and Church Suffering.


The Church Triumphant in heaven enjoys the vision of God and we can pray to those saints asking for their intercession to God.  The Church Suffering in purgatory is in the process of purification. CCC reminds us our prayer is necessary to accompany those who have died to easier transition from life on earth to heaven.


November is a month dedicated to the Suffering Church.  We remember our loved ones, family members, friends, and benefactors who have died. We need to pray for them.  They count on our remembrance. At the same time, when we pray for them we pray for our faith in life eternal. The celebrations of All Saints and All Souls strengthen our faith in resurrection and life eternal. We believe life does not end here on earth. Death is just a gate through which we all must go to another, better life, where we are called to be with God.


We are encouraged to visit the cemetery frequently and offer Mass intentions for our faithful departed. One of the forms of our prayer mentioned by the CCC are the indulgences. It is a special prayer with an intention offered for the dead. (CCC, 1471-1479). Indulgences remove all temporal punishment accumulated for sins for the souls in purgatory. There are a few conditions: faithful devoutly receive Holy Communion, visit a cemetery and pray, and pray for the departed reciting “Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary, and for the intentions of the Pope. 

 

The month of November also reminds us we will be united with our brothers and sisters in purgatory and hopefully in heaven one day. We do not know the day. We are encouraged to prepare and be ready to meet the Lord in our due time. We have our whole life to accept this and get ready. Let’s be united in prayer this November for our faithful departed, especially those who are buried in our parish cemetery.


Finally, it is a good opportunity to express my gratitude to the Cemetery Committee for the successful completion of the columbarium project in our cemetery.  Thank you to everyone who worked hard to donate and collect money, those who ordered this beautiful columbarium and finalized the details. The columbarium will be blessed and open soon. It will serve our parishioners for many years to come.



Fr. Andrzej

Feast of the Epiphany – Seeing Christ Revealed

By Jenny Drzewiecki • January 4, 2026
The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates God’s great revelation: Jesus Christ is made known not only to Israel, but to all nations. Guided by a star, the Magi set out on a journey of faith, searching for the newborn King. Their pilgrimage reminds us that true faith requires trust, perseverance, and generous hearts. When they encounter the Child, they offer gifts that reveal who Christ is – our King, our God, and our Savior. A beautiful Christian legend speaks of a “fourth Wise Man” named Artaban. Like the Magi, he followed the star, longing to meet Jesus. Yet along the way, he encountered people in great need. Each time, Artaban stopped to help, using the precious gifts he had intended for the Child. Because of these acts of mercy, he never reached Bethlehem in time. Still, he continued his journey, serving the poor and searching for Christ throughout his life. Years later, Artaban finally understands the meaning of his journey. He discovers that every act of love he offered to those in need was, in fact, an encounter with Christ himself. The King he sought was present not only in Bethlehem, but in the suffering, the forgotten, and the poor. This story beautifully echoes the message of Epiphany. The Magi recognized Christ in the Child of Bethlehem; Artaban recognized him in acts of compassion. Both remind us that Christ reveals himself to those who seek him with sincere hearts. As Jesus tells us, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:40). The Epiphany invites us to ask: Where do we recognize Christ today? We may not see a star in the sky, but we can find him in our neighbors, especially those in need. Like the Magi, we are called to seek Christ in faith, and like Artaban, we are called to serve him in love. May this feast help us recognize Christ revealed in Word and Sacrament, and in one another. Happy Epiphany! Fr. Andrzej

Feast of the Epiphany – Seeing Christ Revealed

By Jenny Drzewiecki • December 29, 2025
The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates God’s great revelation: Jesus Christ is made known not only to Israel, but to all nations. Guided by a star, the Magi set out on a journey of faith, searching for the newborn King. Their pilgrimage reminds us that true faith requires trust, perseverance, and generous hearts. When they encounter the Child, they offer gifts that reveal who Christ is – our King, our God, and our Savior. A beautiful Christian legend speaks of a “fourth Wise Man” named Artaban. Like the Magi, he followed the star, longing to meet Jesus. Yet along the way, he encountered people in great need. Each time, Artaban stopped to help, using the precious gifts he had intended for the Child. Because of these acts of mercy, he never reached Bethlehem in time. Still, he continued his journey, serving the poor and searching for Christ throughout his life. Years later, Artaban finally understands the meaning of his journey. He discovers that every act of love he offered to those in need was, in fact, an encounter with Christ himself. The King he sought was present not only in Bethlehem, but in the suffering, the forgotten, and the poor. This story beautifully echoes the message of Epiphany. The Magi recognized Christ in the Child of Bethlehem; Artaban recognized him in acts of compassion. Both remind us that Christ reveals himself to those who seek him with sincere hearts. As Jesus tells us, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:40). The Epiphany invites us to ask: Where do we recognize Christ today? We may not see a star in the sky, but we can find him in our neighbors,especially those in need. Like the Magi, we are called to seek Christ in faith, and like Artaban, we are called to serve him in love. May this feast help us recognize Christ revealed in Word and Sacrament, and in one another.  Happy Epiphany! Fr. Andrzej

Christmas Message – The Gift of Peace

By Jenny Drzewiecki • December 25, 2025
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, our hearts turn once again to the beautiful message the angels proclaimed over Bethlehem: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will.” Peace is one of the most precious gifts Christ brings. It is more than the absence of conflict; it is the deep calm that comes from knowing God is with us. In a world that often feels restless and divided, Christmas reminds us that peace begins in the quiet of our hearts – when we welcome the Lord, trust in his love, and allow his light to guide our steps.  Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta often said, “Peace begins with a smile.” Even the smallest gesture of warmth can open a door, soften a heart, or brighten someone’s day. A smile, a kind word, a helping hand, or a moment of sincere attention can become a seed of peace. When we reach out to our neighbor – whether in our family, parish, or community – we allow Christ’s peace to take flesh once again in our world. May this holy season encourage us to be instruments of peace through these simple acts of love. Every effort we make, no matter how small, becomes a reflection of the peace the newborn Savior brings. Christmas Wishes Dear Parishioners, may the newborn Christ bless your homes with his gentle and lasting peace. May he calm every worry, strengthen every bond of love, and fill your days with hope and grace. May your celebrations be joyful, your gatherings warm, and your hearts open to the quiet presence of God who comes to dwell among us. May the peace of Christ – stronger than fear, deeper than sorrow, brighter than darkness – rest upon you and remain with you throughout the Christmas season and into the New Year. And may each smile and every small act of kindness you offer become a blessing that spreads his peace to others. On behalf of the Parish Staff – Merry Christmas and blessings of Peace to all!

Third Sunday of Advent – Gaudete Sunday

By Jenny Drzewiecki • December 14, 2025
This Sunday the Church invites us to rejoice. Gaudete means “Rejoice,” and it reminds us that Christmas is near. Even though Advent is a season of quiet preparation, today the liturgy lifts our hearts. The rose candle on the Advent wreath and the brighter liturgical mood are signs of this joy. God is close. His coming brings hope, peace, and spiritual light. The word Gaudete comes from the ancient Entrance Antiphon of the Mass for this day: “Gaudete in Domino semper” – “Rejoice in the Lord always.” It speaks of the spiritual joy that comes from complete trust in God – a joy that cannot be taken away and that brings a lasting peace of heart. Gaudete is a joyful reminder in the middle of Advent that the Lord is near, and our waiting is filled with hope, living faith, and gladness. In today’s Gospel, we meet John the Baptist. He is a strong and humble messenger of Christ. John knows that his mission is not to draw attention to himself, but to point everyone toward Jesus. He prepares the way by calling people to open their hearts and turn back to God. John shows us what real readiness looks like – simple, honest, and faithful. John the Baptist can be an inspiration for each one of us. Like him, we are called to prepare the way for the Lord in our own lives and in our parish community. We do this when we pray, when we forgive, when we care for someone in need, and when we bring peace into our homes. Every small act of goodness makes more room for Christ to come. As we enter this joyful Sunday, let us pause and allow God’s hope to rise within us. Let us rejoice not because everything in life is perfect, but because God is with us. He is coming to bring healing, mercy, and new beginnings.  May this Gaudete Sunday fill our hearts with the joy that only Christ can give, and may we, like John the Baptist, help others to see the Lord who is near. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:4–5). Fr. Andrzej

Advent Reflection

By Jenny Drzewiecki • November 25, 2025
As we enter the season of Advent, the Church invites us to begin again. Advent marks the start of a new liturgical year – a fresh spiritual chapter in which God offers us new opportunities for grace, renewal, and growth. Just as the calendar year gives us January to start anew, the Church gives us Advent as a sacred beginning, a time to reset our hearts and refocus our lives on what truly matters. Advent reminds us that God is always giving us opportunities to grow, to change, and to begin again.  Advent is a season of hope and quiet expectation. It asks us to slow down, to reflect, and to prepare. One important theme of Advent is peace – peace in our hearts, peace in our families, our parish community, and peace in the world. During these weeks, we are encouraged to look at our lives and ask where we need God’s peace. In a world often marked by noise, division, and haste, Advent calls us to become people of peace, open to God’s gentle presence and ready to bring reconciliation where it is needed. At the same time, Advent helps us to prepare for Christmas. We often get busy with shopping, cooking, and planning for the holidays. But Advent reminds us to prepare spiritually as well – to make room for Christ in our lives, to welcome him with renewed faith, and to approach the holidays with a deeper sense of gratitude and purpose. When our hearts are prepared, Christmas becomes more meaningful and joyful. May this Advent be for each of us a new beginning: a time of reflection, a season of peace, and a joyful preparation for the coming of Christ. Let us walk these weeks together as a parish family, ready to welcome the Lord who always comes to make all things new. Blessed Advent! Fr. Andrzej

Thanksgiving Message

By Jenny Drzewiecki • November 25, 2025
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