Dear Sisters and Brothers,
The scriptures this weekend speak to us about family life- the creation of man and woman as partners, the sanctity and indissolubility of marriage, and the holiness and example of children as models of discipleship. In short, each of us- man, woman, or child- reflects the presence of God and embodies holiness because we are formed into being by God. Human life itself is sacred because it is the gift of God. This month the Church observes Respect Life month, and we will pray each weekend for greater respect for human life, especially those most vulnerable, frail, and in need of our protection and care: the unborn, the elderly, the dying, and all who are often dismissed or forgotten by society.
I am sad to report that John Russell, our Director of Evangelization and Youth Ministry, will be leaving us to go back to work in the private sector. His last day will be October 8th. We will have a parish reception on October 24th after the 11:00 Mass to offer him our best wishes and to thank him for his nine years of dedicated service to our children, teenagers, and adults.
This weekend we begin our Stewardship Initiative by focusing on Mission and Ministry. Msgr. Woy and I will be preaching on how you can give of your time to support our Holiday Outreach programs that begin soon and our Liturgical Ministries by signing up at all Masses this weekend in the Narthex. Next weekend, I will be speaking at all Masses regarding our Offertory stewardship.
DON'T FORGET TOMORROW - Saturday, October 2nd, in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we will celebrate a Blessing of Animals. The blessing will be celebrated at 11:00am at the Main Entrance. All parishioners are welcome to join us; bring along your pets or small animals (on leashes or in appripriate cages, of course). Please plan to join us as we give thanks for all God's creation, and celebrate His gifts of creatures, great and small. See you there! If you have lost a beloved pet, feel free to bring a picture of your pet for the blessing as well.
Finally, long time parishioner, Leon Hayden's funeral that was postponed will be held this Monday, October 4 at 12:00 Noon, with visitation starting at 11am in the church.
Sincerely,
Fr. Paul
A reminder...
Don’t forget to use hand sanitizers in the Narthex and now, when you enter the church at the Food Pantry entrance.
As usual, we will continue to live-stream Mass (Mon—Thurs at 9:00am and Sunday at 9:30am) on the parish Facebook (link) and uploaded on YouTube (link), and our parish website, https://www.seaseton.org/Resources/Media. If you do not have Facebook but wish to watch our livestream, click here for instructions.