Peace and all good!

Perhaps we have the experience of being at Mass on Sunday and all of a sudden there is some kind of a disturbance—someone shouting out from the back of the church or walking around for no particular reason. I have heard that the papal Mass at Easter has been interrupted in the same manner, so even the pope has days like ours! The crowd surrounding Jesus in today’s Gospel responds to Bartimaeus in the same spirit most of us would be inclined to at these times: they wanted to shut him up, so that the holy experience they were having is not ruined by his lamenting and calling out! But the blind man, Bartimaeus, will not be quiet. He calls out for help and he knows that Jesus can give it. Jesus asks him what he wants and the blind man just tells it straight out: “I want to see”. And Jesus, always grateful for the deep faith of the poor, says that faith has granted his heart’s desire. And he sends him on his way. But, Bartimaeus doesn’t go away. He goes the way of his Lord. “Given eyes to see, he changes the course of his life in the favor of the one who is life. Now there is a person with real sight.” (“God’s Word is Alive” by Alice Camille)

Our “Share the Journey Prayer and Procession” event is fast approaching on November 10th. We begin with some coffee and conversation at 9:00a.m. Then our prayer at 9:30 a.m. will include some personal stories of immigrants and refugees to this country. After this sharing, we begin the procession with Blessed Sacrament and final remarks by Bishop Dolan, our Auxiliary Bishop. I do hope that many of you can take part in this event to promote understanding, compassion and to strengthen the bonds between migrants from around the world and our community of faith.

Next Saturday morning, November 3rd, we will have a special workshop for all Ushers/Ministers of Hospitality. This will be a time of reflection for all present ushers and other adults who might be interested in this very important liturgical ministry. Along with learning some new procedures, we will reflect on the ministerial role of Ushers in our Sunday worship. Please see today’s bulletin for details.

Happy Halloween!

Love,
Fr. Vince