My Dear Parish Family:

Happy Halloween! Just a reminder about this “holiday” called Halloween. Remember, it’s a children’s day for dressing up and having fun trick or treating. I would remind everyone that this “holiday” is really the night (eve) of All Saint’s Day when the Catholic Christian Church throughout the world remembers the great heroes of our Faith. The men and women who have served and loved Christ faithfully during their lives here on earth and now reign with Him in the             happiness of the eternal Kingdom. 

We, too, look forward to one day living in Heaven with the Saints who have triumphantly gone before us, as well as    the souls of all our brothers and sisters throughout history who await the day of redemption. 

Therefore, on November 2nd the Church will celebrate All Souls’ Day at Mass and in prayer. This is a great time of     the year for prayer and celebration of our Catholic faith by asking for the prayerful intercession of all the Saints, as well as praying for all the souls of those who have gone         before us. 

Halloween has become a fun day for children and we         should remember that God, who loves us very much,         would never allow any “ghost” to scare us or haunt us. It is all for fun! Being a big candy lover - I think it is the best       time of the year! So, enjoy Halloween, but remember to     pray to the Saints for your children and family and never    stop praying  for all those holy souls that have gone before us.

Until next week, peace and prayers. St. Benedict, pray for us! Terence Cardinal Cooke, Servant of God, pray for us!

Fr. Stephen P. Norton