This weekend we celebrate one of the great feasts of the Church, All Saints’ Day. On this day we honor, venerate (and petition) those disciples of the Lord who have gone before us into the kingdom of heaven. And we hope that one day we, too, will be counted among their number. The Feast of All Saints does not simply recall the “hall of fame” saints such as Peter, Paul, Francis of Assisi, Margaret Mary, and Stephen. In fact we also honor all those countless disciples who have lived lives of faith, service and virtue and have thus entered into the joy of heaven. We have great reason to hope that this number includes the virtuous friends and family members who have preceded us in death.
Most saints were ordinary people like you and me who struggled with difficulties and personal failings before “getting their act together.” Saints were real people who had strengths and limitations, virtues and failings. There were saints who were grave sinners before turning their lives around. But if they could do it, we can too. Sainthood is not perfection; it is growth and consuming dedication to Christ and his Gospel. Each and every one of us is called to holiness, not in some sterile, plastic way but amidst the messiness and trials of daily life and with the help of those around us. Holiness is a journey, not simply a destination. It is growing in the love of God and learning to do his will more completely. As we celebrate the Feast of All Saints, let us each embrace this journey and look to those who have gone before for inspiration and guidance. All you Holy Saints of God – pray for us.
Remembering All Soul’s – November 2nd.
On this day we join you in remembering your deceased family members and friends, members of the St. Valentine Parish Family, and all those who share eternal life with God. We just want everyone to know that the faithful departed are always in our minds, our hearts, our prayers. We remember their good lives! We rely on the mercy and compassion of God! We trust that, having been faithful to God here, we will join them one day in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Our annual Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 7.00 pm on Monday November 2nd. This beautiful and meaningful Memorial Mass gives us the opportunity to honor our departed brothers and sisters in Christ who have died this past year. Although this Mass is celebrated in memory of our parishioners who had their funeral Masses held here, all are welcome! It will be yet another wonderful opportunity to gather and express our faith in God’s promise of eternal life.
Certainly, “On Eagle’s Wings” ranks high among the song choices made by family members for the Mass of Christian Burial. Along with other selections like “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art” and “I am the Bread of Life”. I hope these and other images fill your hearts with confidence. Know that God’s grace is truly amazing! Have that heavenly vision of your loved one soaring high and proud with the Lord! Trust in Jesus’ own words “I am the Resurrection and the Life” and say with confidence: “My God, how great Thou art!”
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”