November 5, 2023

During November, Catholics turn their attention and prayers in a special way to the Souls in Purgatory. The month begins with the dual celebrations of All Saints and All Souls. In these celebrations, we recognize that all the souls in heaven are saints (perhaps not Saints like Francis of Assisi, Saint Aloysius, or Saint Benedict, but saints nonetheless), and all those souls who are destined to be saints, but are not there yet, are in purgatory. Purgatory has gained a bad reputation in today’s society because it does not seem to fit with the concept of a loving God. If purgatory is seen as unbefitting to God, hell certainly is out the door. However, neither hell nor purgatory takes away from the trust we have in a loving God – in fact, they add to it! If God is a monster, and will not allow you to be distant from Him, well, then no hell and no purgatory. However, if we stick with a loving God that honors our free will, then hell and purgatory fit. Hell, therefore, is the ‘place’ for those souls who reject God, and purgatory is for those souls who need to be refined in their love of God before entering into the perfection of heaven. Have you ever heard someone speak about waiting in line at the pearly gates of heaven? What might this be except purgatory? This helps us to remember that there are no souls in purgatory who despair of God’s love; they are rather certain of God’s love and trust that they are being brought closer and closer to the perfect love of God. During the month of November, I invite parishioners of Saint Aloysius and Saint Benedict to bring in pictures of your loved ones who have passed on. We will have a special table set up to the side of the sanctuary, entrusting our loved ones to Saint Joseph. These photos will be well cared for and can be retrieved at the end of November.    

In Gratitude to:  

· Mike Sweatmon and Pablo Fierros for their work in replacing the dilapidated ramp to the back of the parish office, making the space much more accessible. 

· The members of the Saint Aloysius Women’s Club, especially Cathy Sweatmon and Tammy Manley, for their hard work in preparing for and running this year’s Fall Craft Bazaar.  

· Bobby Hartlage, his family, and all the many volunteers who made the Trunk-or-Treat at Saint Benedict’s a fun and successful evening.  

· Jeanie Noltemeyer and the singers of Saints Aloysius and Benedict for a wonderful celebration of All Saints and All Souls. 

All those who helped make Glenn Booth’s funeral a beautiful celebration for his family and loved ones. 

Requests for:  

Continued support from both parishes in the annual Catholic Services Appeal. Currently, Saint Benedict is in the lead with about 80% completion, and Saint Aloysius not far behind with 50% completion. I hope to have the campaign wrapped up by the new year, and with your continued efforts, we can see that happen.

Two Parishes, One Heart,  

Fr. Adam