Dear Parishioners and Friends,
At our weekly staff meeting this past Tuesday, all of us were somewhat awed by the number of activities that are taking place here during these autumn months. Not a single week seems to go by without several parish-wide events taking place. First, I’d like to highlight the response to our Ministry Fair which was held after all the Masses last weekend, October 19-20. Many of you not only visited the various exhibits, but also signed up to find out more about getting involved in the ministries of the parish and the outreach programs of the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry. My thanks to Allison Holst-Grubbe and her team for preparing the exhibits and making sure they were staffed.
I’d like to highlight some of the upcoming events, beginning with our annual Mass of Remembrance on the eve of All Souls Day: Friday, November 1st, at 7:00 PM. This is a special time to lovingly remember those parishioners who died during the past year. Memorial candles with the names of the deceased will be placed in the gardens next to the church. I hope you will join us for this beautiful liturgy of remembrance.
Next Sunday, November 3rd, we will host a brunch for new members of our parish to acquaint them with the St. Patrick-St. Anthony community and offer them the opportunity to learn something of our history and make them feel welcome in their spiritual home. (RSVP to [email protected] by October 30!)
On Sunday, November 10th, our Open Hearts LGBTQ+ and Friends & Family Ministries will host a hybrid in-person & Zoom meeting with four trans women who met Pope Francis at the Vatican. You will find more information about this event in the bulletin.
On Monday, November 18th, we will have a special service after the 12:05 Mass to pray for vocations, both live and on live-stream.
Our annual Turkey Drive will be held on Sunday, November 17th, and at the end of that week, on Saturday, November 23rd, we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick with a Mass at 11:00 AM.
Blessings on your week ahead!
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M.
Pastor