THE BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE
It’s November. Traditionally, this is the month when we Catholics collectively remember our deceased family and friends.
How do we do that here at St. Matt’s? One of our traditions is to write their names in our Book of Remembrance. Look for that book near the front entrance of the church, before Mass begins. Who comes to mind? Write their names in the book.
Throughout this month, we’ll place the book in the sanctuary. (The Book of Intentions is placed there for the other 11 months of the year.)
The Book of Remembrance tangibly reminds us of an important reality: we’re part of a faith community that includes those who have died—not just those still alive on earth. May it also remind us of our destiny: eternal life in heaven with God. Thank you, Jesus.
ELECTIONS – TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8
St. Matt’s is again hosting a polling place for local citizens to vote this Tuesday. The polls will be in the Parish Center, on the basement level.
I’m glad that we can offer this service to our democracy. It’s a bit of work, but then, a well-functioning democracy involves work of all kinds.
The U.S. bishops regularly write about “faithful citizenship.” Both words—faithful and citizenship—are important. What does our faith teach us about policies that reflect Catholic social teaching in all its aspects? Which candidates most fully support Catholic social teaching?
What about citizenship? As I used to tell my social studies students back in my teaching days, citizenship is participatory, not observational. Vote, to be sure. And get involved in other ways, if possible. We always have a need for faithful, informed public servants.
One way I think of Vatican II is that the Council called all Catholics to adulthood in our faith. I believe our democracy also requires mature adults in order to function well. That means adults who attend to facts, feelings and reason in making political decisions. Skipping any one of those three elements leads to problems.
Have a great week!
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