October 29, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ,
One of my favorite songs is “Seasons of Love” from the musical “Rent.” It generally plays in the Christmas season, but the words really apply year-round: How do you measure a year in a life? How about love, seasons of love?
Our latest season of love as a parish commences this weekend with an invitation to consider our lives as stewards of God’s grace. Everything we have in terms of our time, talent, and treasure is given by God and belongs to God. We show our gratitude for those blessings, and our trust in God’s continued providence, by making our life a gift for others. Ryan Oftebro from our Finance and Stewardship Council will speak at Mass this weekend, inviting us all to consider what gift of our treasure we will give back to God in the coming calendar year as well as informing us about our new online giving platform, PushPay.
We celebrate the “Halloween Season” with a special carnival this Sunday, October 29^th sponsored by the parents of our parish school ASB. All kids of the parish are welcome to come in costumes from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm to play games and enjoy special tricks or treats. All parents and friends of the parish are welcome as well to gather for fellowship. (Adult beverages, available.). Registration is required.  Please see the ASB website for more information.
Halloween for Christians of course is the anticipation of the great feast of “All Saints” on Wednesday, November 1. This great festival invites us to celebrate these friends of God whose memories encourage us to grow daily in the love of Christ. This is a holy day of obligation for Catholics, so we will gather for Mass at 9:00 am and 6:30 pm. Please plan on coming and bring your children!
Our seasons of love continue on Thursday, Nov. 2, with the commemoration of All Souls Day, our opportunity to remember in a special way our beloved dead, and all who have passed before us. We will acknowledge in a special shrine those whom we have buried out of St. Bridget’s in 2023. There will also be a book of remembrance for you to write the names of those you are praying for in a special way. All Souls Day Mass will be at 9:00 am on Nov. 2.
Blessings of peace and love,
Fr. William Heric, Pastor