As we move into this new month, there are several ways in
which we celebrate this liturgical season.

We begin November with the Feasts of All Saints and All
Souls. We remember not only those who have been
‘officially’ declared saints by the church, but we also memorialize
all of those we have known and loved who have
passed to the Lord.

As usual we will be having our annual Memorial Mass
whereby we invite the families who have lost a loved one
through death during this past year. It is an evening when we
pray and remember and are surrounded by others who have
shared the same experience. Those families whose loved
ones were buried from St. Michael’s receive a personal invitation,
however, any one who has lost a loved one during the
year is invited to attend.

Also during this month, our confirmation students under the
leadership of Brian Sousa, will be conducting a clothing drive
to help the homeless during the upcoming cold months. I will
write more about this in an upcoming column.

At the end of the month we will begin the Advent Season.
Once again we will have the procession of Advent Candles at
all our Masses as we have over the last several years and we
look for parishioners to take part.!

In addition we at St. Michael’s have always tried to encourage
the use of Advent Wreaths in your homes. I have an Advent
Wreath in the rectory even though it’s just me and Abby!

This year as you have seen from the bulletin insert, we are
offering the opportunity to order a wreath and candles for
your home use. They are lovely pinecone wreaths that are not
only functional but also very decorative. Be sure to place
your order as soon as possible.