Today, November 20th brings to an end the Liturgical year of 2022. Also, this weekend as we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King, and we conclude the year, celebrating the majesty of Christ coupled with humility and unconditional love. Indeed, my dear parishioners, we are in awe of Christ our King and yet, we know we are loved beyond our wildest dreams. Our souls are filled with his presence each time we receive Holy Communion; the Holy Sacrifice of our Mass reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice for us and for all. Indeed, we are truly blessed as we give thanks during the coming days for our land and for the ability to worship in freedom. Let us continue to appreciate this great gift and to share this gift with others with sensitivity, joy, and a great welcome.
I am so proud of our Cornerstone Men. We had an incredible retreat beginning Friday evening and concluding with Mass on Saturday evening. Mike Theesfeld and Evan Baker were the Co-chairs, and they were blessed to have a wonderful leadership team, work with them. We are thrilled to welcome eleven new members. Congratulations! These men have been craving a strong Catholic circle of friends and are now part of the bigger group. They understand that they are now disciples on the journey of faith. One of the things I most love about the Cornerstone men is their open hearts to Christ; regular men from normal lives who understand the joys and challenges of life.
The Advent season begins very soon on November 27th. In preparation for Advent and Christmas, we have scheduled our parish confessions early this year on Tuesday, November 29th from 6 pm until 8:30 pm. Fr. Hubert, Fr. Alex and Fr. Mike will assist. This is an important time to prepare for the season of Christmas. I encourage all adults to make this time for themselves and parents to block out the time on your calendar to bring your children/teens. As is our custom, confessions will be individual, there will be no service and the priest of your choice so that our souls can be cleansed for the birthday of Christ. Please join our Christian communities for our first ever Thanksgiving Ecumenical service on Monday, November 21 at 7 pm at Highlands Presbyterian Church, 3 Heath Lane, Long Valley. If you are able, please bring a non perishable item to donate to the Long Valley Food pantry.
As you can see, our sound panels have been installed. This, of course, is stage one and on December 12, Monte Bros will install a completely new sound system. Please God by Christmas, we should have clarity of sound. As we prepare for this coming Thursday, we appreciate the ability to be able to be together as a family. Thanksgiving is, of course, our biggest American holiday enjoyed by all Americans and by those who lived in our land. People of all faiths come together to celebrate the bountiful land that God has given to us. We call to mind that first meal shared between the Native Americans and the settlers. We pray that we, as Americans will continue to re-evaluate our own role in appreciating those First Americans who lived in our land before the rest of the Europeans arrived. It is always good to really understand the history and to understand the need to continue to work in harmony and appreciation of the different cultures, faiths and traditions that incorporate our beloved USA.