A big thank you to all who have been praying for a second grader as he/she prepares to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. Please send your card to St. Mary's Church, P.O. 575, Simsbury, CT 06070 with the name of the child you were praying for on the envelope. Please send cards by December 7th.
We will introduce our new hymnal, Gather, at the beginning of December, on the first Sunday of Advent. These are sturdy and handsome blue hymnals with the name of St. Mary’s Church embossed on the cover. They contain the Sunday readings as well as over a thousand hymns, and they will replace the misselettes. Thus, the hymnals will provide us with a substantial savings in cost. When we introduce these hymnals, you will have an opportunity to memorialize a hymnal in the name of a loved one. A memorial card will be attached to the inside cover of the hymnal indicating the person or persons memorialized. We will ask those who wish to memorialize a hymnal for a contribution of $20.00.
During this month of November, in which we remember the faithful departed, I have focused my columns on our hope for eternal life. Thus far, we have seen that the Christian hope for eternal life is grounded in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We believe that just as God raised Jesus from the dead, so God will raise from the dead those who have believed in Christ. Click the title to read more.
In last week’s column, I explained that St. Paul understands life after death in terms of resurrection from the dead. Just as God raised Jesus from the dead, so God will raise from the dead those who have believed in Christ. Paul’s understanding of the resurrection from the dead is crucial for our understanding of life after death. For, if we will be raised from the dead, this means that the whole of us, body as well as soul, will enjoy eternal life. Click the title to read more.
For those who believe in Christ, life after death means resurrection from the dead. Put another way, life after death does not simply mean the survival of our soul or spirit; it means the restoration of our body (in a new and transformed way) as well. Thus it is the whole of us, not just a part of us that will be saved on the Last Day. Click the title to read more.
The Archdiocese of Hartford has started using social media in its ongoing efforts to evangelize as the Year of Faith opened in October. In addition to Facebook and Twitter, Archbishop Henry J. Mansell has begun a blog which can be accessed from the archdiocesan Web site (www.archdioceseofhartford.org). Click the title to read the full article found in the Catholic Transcript (11/1).
There is one thing of which we can be sure, of which there is no doubt, one thing about which we can all agree. Sooner or later, each one of us will die. While there are many options in life, there is no option when it comes to death. Sooner or later, we will die. Given the inevitability of death, what can we say about death? It is, to be sure, the end of life as we know it. But is it the end of life? Click the title to read more.
For the past two weeks I have been writing about “the mystery of faith.” Thus far I have said that the mystery of faith is not something to be solved but something to be lived and entered into. I noted that we first entered into this mystery through our baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection. Today, I would like to discuss the mystery of faith in relation to the Eucharist we receive each Sunday. Click the title to read more.
We are seeking parishioners interested in becoming Stephen Ministers for our parish. Are you willing to attend training and become part of the Stephen Ministry team? Would you be able to care for another parishioner who needs a listening presence in their lives for about an hour a week? Are you able to be confidential, trustworthy, compassionate and share your faith? Click the title to get more information.
Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services has an immediate need for new or gently used coats, hats, and
gloves for the refugee families they serve. Click title for more information.
November is the month when we remember the faithful departed, especially our beloved dead. During November we will place a book in the sanctuary in which you can inscribe the names of those whom you would like remembered at Mass during the month of November.