From Deacon Ron Reno:
We were blessed to have the full Mass for All Saints Day. Thank you Father Andrews for our All Saints Mass and it was wonderful seeing Anneliese here too. We are blessed to have you both to be part of this church family. Our choir consisted of Julia and surprise singer, Jane Dahlke. It was a blessing to have Jane here; Jane is rejoining our choir as much as possible. Our choir had a wonderful prelude and our opening hymn was “For All the Saints”; Father Asperges Holy Water on our people after that. The choir finished Mass with a closing hymn “Lift Up Your Heads” and that was such a blessing to this mission church. Pray for Lynda’s continued recovery from surgery last Thursday.
We are so lucky to have these strong women amongst us. Think of all the women in the Bible, Deborah, Esther, Ruth, Mary, the mother of Jesus, Hannah, Mary Magdalene and others throughout the history of the Bible. Believe me guys, we need women and especially strong women in our parishes. Some of these parishes would not survive without the women. We are blessed to have several of these strong women in our small group. Women are not merely passive supporters but really are vital leaders in our Christian faith. Writing this email kind of reminds me of in the early church, how Priscilla along with her husband Aquila became mentors in intellectual engagement and theological training in the Christian faith. Priscilla was active in collaborating with Paul in educating and guiding new believers. We need these strong women.
O ALMIGHTY and merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness, keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things which thou commands; through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen. Collect for Trinity 20.
O ALMIGHTY God, who hast knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; Grant us grace to follow thy blessed Saints in all virtuous and Godly living, that we may may come to those unspeakable joys which thou hast prepared for those who unfeignedly love thee; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Collect for All Saints Day.
A homily by Father Ponec is attached. God bless, Deacon