Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

During the month of November we remember our faithful departed who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. This is a special time to give thanks to God for the wonderful contribution and example they have given us but it also serves to remind us that our hope is hinged on experiencing the joy of the Resurrection.

St. Paul reminds us in his 1st letter to the Thessalonians:

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
(Chapter 4 verses 13-14)

Grief is a strange and mysterious process. It’s normal to have feelings of sadness and loneliness when we truly miss the company of our loved ones. We take great comfort that we will one day see them again.

I want to thank our Bereavement ministers within the parish who help people through their sacred journey of grief. I have heard from many how helpful this ministry has been to them.

During this month let us encourage one another with these words just as St. Paul requested from the church in Thessalonica. We have a huge family reunion to look forward to. In the meantime let us continue our journey and grow always in the ways of faith, hope, and love.

Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. James Northrop, Pastor