A MONTH OF GRACE
November is a wondrous month of the year. It opens with two feasts highlighting the Communion of Saints, the bond of life, love, and faith among all who believe in Jesus Christ - past, present, and future - and have been claimed as his own in the waters of baptism and sealed with the Holy Spirit.
The Solemnity of All Saints (November 1) focuses on our shared call to holiness of life and the dignity which is ours as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (November 2) is a time of prayer and supplication for our beloved dead, especially those who have gone home to God in the past year.
St. Peter Julian Eymard, the Apostle of the Eucharist, wrote: "All those myriads of saints that the Church presents to our veneration were men and women like us, The difficulties they had to overcome were perhaps greater than ours. We have the same means, the same grace; we can achieve the same goal."
Add a national election (November 3), Veterans Day (November 11), and Thanksgiving (November 26), and the month calls us to pray for our country and its people. Here is a beautiful prayer to our Mother Mary for our nation:
God our Father, Giver of life,
we entrust our country to your loving care.
You are the author of our cherished rights
to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Send the Holy Spirit to touch the hearts
of our leaders and people.
Open our minds to the great worth of human life
and the responsibilities that accompany freedom.
Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate,
patroness of the United States, make us servants
of your justice, compassion, and peace.
May we always remember that true happiness
is rooted in seeking and doing your will.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
And lastly, the church year ends with the joyous Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (November 22).
Again, St. Peter Julian Eymard sets the tone: "See how our good Lord is going in the midst of his disciples, he is kind, he speaks to them and makes them hope for future blessings. I go before you to prepare a place, I ascend for you, I will pray constantly for you, I will open the door for you, chase the sadness, and liberate your hearts with the joy of hope."
God bless your homes and hearts always!
NOTES
Schedule
St. Joseph's Church Downtown is open with the usual schedule of weekday and weekend Masses, sacraments, and ministry. Because of increased coronavirus cases locally, social distancing, hand-sanitizing, and the use of a face mask are observed during church services, in order to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Welcome, Bishop Michael Pfeifer
Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI, the bishop emeritus of San Angelo, will celebrate the 11:00 Mass this Sunday, November 15. We welcome our dear friend.
Receiving Holy Communion
In keeping with the Covid-19 protocols of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Holy Communion is to be received reverently in the hand at this time. Unless you are members of the same household, you are asked to keep social distancing of six feet between yourself and others. Please sanitize your hands before coming forward to receive the Body of Christ.
Faith Formation
Virtual Classes are now being conducted on Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30. If you have not registered your child(ren) and wish to do so, please call Beatrice Bailey at 210-227-0126, ext. 210.
Diaper Drive
Our Respect Life Diaper Drive was a huge success thanks to all who contributed diapers, baby wipes, and donations to support St. PJ's Children's Home. Special thanks to Lizette Eckman for organizing this effort.
Thanksgiving Baskets
Our annual drive for collecting non-perishable foods for our Thanksgiving baskets continues through Wednesday, November 18. Drop off all items in the container near the Altar of St. Joseph in the front of the church. Grand Lady Antoinette Franklin and Vice Grand Lady Grace Banks are coordinating the drive.
Videos of Masses
Videos of Sunday Mass and other Masses from St. Joseph's are posted on YouTube at the St. Joseph Church Downtown Media page. The Strelchun Family and John Francis are doing a fantastic service for those who are unable to be with us at this time.
Supporting St. Joseph Church Downtown