Dear Friends,
I have called you by name. These words, spoken by God in the book of Isaiah, echoed in me as I thought about writing today's column. On this day, we will call people by name as we celebrate the Rite of Welcoming and the Rite of Acceptance for candidates and catechumens who are preparing for the sacraments of initiation. When they receive the sacraments of baptism and confirmation, they will be called by name once again - this time, by their Christian names. For each of us, as we enter the Church, take on a saint's name - perhaps one given to us at birth or else choosing a new one. This name is a reminder to us of our connectedness to the saints who have gone on before us, with the saints who pray with us and for us now. Our belief in the communion of saints and the connectedness of all of life is part of what makes us Catholic Christians. Tomorrow we celebrate the feast of All Saints. While it is not a holy day of obligation this year, it is still a day to celebrate the lives of those who have lived the gospel with their lives, sometimes even giving up their lives for the sake of Christ. It is a good week for setting aside some time to read about the lives of the saints, perhaps choosing one with whom we are unfamiliar, or learning about some who have been newly canonized. It is also a good week for remembering some of the other saints of God, people who may not have been officially canonized by the church but who have nevertheless affected the lives of others through their gifts of faith. For some, this might bring to mind courageous people like Bishop Oscar Romero or Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For some, this might bring to mind our own parents or grandparents, living or dead, or others whose lives have inspired us to be better people.
I have called you by name. Today's bulletin cover lists the names of members of our Mary Queen of Heaven family who have died in this last year. This week we also celebrate All Souls Day. On Tuesday at 7 p.m., all are invited to a special Mass of Remembrance, when we will remember all those who have died - those named on the front cover, and all of those who have died who hold a special place in our hearts. Coming together in this celebration, we are reminded once again of our connectedness to one another, as members of this parish family, and as members of the family of God, in whose embrace those who have died now live forever. Please consider coming to be part of this celebration. It can be a help to those who still grieve to know that they are not alone. It can also be an occasion to be renewed in our own call to be saints of God, people who live the gospel the best we can in the short time we are given on earth. We will join with the saints in heaven to pray for our parish family, and our own families, as we remember and celebrate the lives of those we have loved. Our Bereavement Ministry has arranged for fellowship after this Mass and will be distributing special holy cards as a remembrance of this year's Mass.
This week, as citizens of our country, we will also call by name someone to be the president of our country for the next four years. It is an awesome challenge ahead for the one who is elected. It is also an awesome responsibility for the voters who will choose him. Please consider prayerfully all aspects of Catholic Social Teaching as you prepare to vote, remembering that this election is not about a single issue but about trying to build a world where there is more justice and peace for all, and a society in which there is respect for human life and dignity at all times and in all circumstances. Please pray, too, for all of those who hold public office - those who, through their decision making, share responsibility for the lives of their brothers and sisters here and around the world.
God calls each one of us by name, and gives each one gifts for the benefit of others. Whatever our role or responsibilities in life, may we, like the saints, respond generously to the call of God in our lives. May we be people of love and compassion and people of great faith. Have a happy and holy week, and may God continue to bless you.
Mary Michele Regina Foley
Pastoral Life Coordinator