Fr. Tom’s Letters

Each week Fr. Tom writes a letter to parishioners in our bulletin. Every letter is comprehensive, including current information about the Parish, an explanation of Scripture for that Sunday, and an invitation to become more engaged in the life of the parish.

November 9, 2025

Dear Parishioners,

The coming week is a special one for us. On Monday, November 10, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Leo the Great, the name day feast of our present Holy Father, Leo XIV. On Tuesday, November 11, our nation celebrates Veteran’s Day when we honor those men and women who have given years of their lives in the service of our country. On Thursday, November 13, we celebrate the feast of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American citizen and the patron saint of immigrants and refugees. These are days that encourage us to come together in prayer and gratitude.

VETERAN’S DAY

Veteran’s Day is a treasured holiday on our nation’s calendar. More and more our nation grows in appreciation for the generosity, sacrifice, and patriotism of our nation’s veterans. Our school children now have the tradition of inviting veterans to a special assembly in our school. We had that assembly last Thursday and veterans of the various branches of the military services attended and were recognized. It is important our young people realize the legacy of service that marks the history of the United States. Our nation cannot afford to lose sight of the virtues that marked the service to our nation of previous generations.

Service is a primary virtue that we continue to teach in our parish school. Thank you to all our veterans in our parish, among our families, and across our nation.

POPE LEO’S NAMEDAY

On Monday, November 10, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Leo the Great, the fifth century pope known for his teachings, sermons, pastoral care, and administrative skills. His dedication and charity inspired many succeeding popes to choose his name. Our present Holy Father deliberately chose Leo for his new name. We are told Leo XIV chose to honor Leo XIII as a signal of his commitment to social justice that was a hallmark of Leo XIII’s papacy. Leo the Great is credited with establishing the papacy’s global influence. As his first apostolic exhortation makes clear, “Love for the Poor” is written to all the world and reflects Leo XIV’s deep commitment to social justice issues. As we celebrate the Pope’s choice of name, we pray for him, the Church, and that we would all be open to his global efforts at peace, unity, and social justice.

ST. FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI

Mother Cabrini is celebrated as a saint on Thursday, November 13. Mother Cabrini was a prominent Italian American religious sister. She was the first American to be canonized as a saint. Mother Cabrini is honored for her work in the United States established charitable institutions, such as schools, orphanages, and hospitals. As an immigrant herself, Mother Cabrini is the Universal Patron Saint of immigrants. She was canonized in 1946.

Immigration is an important topic in our nation today. Various issues of immigration are very much debated today. The issue has political dimensions. Pope Leo reminds us that immigration issues have human, gospel, and pastoral dimensions. In paragraphs 73, 74, and 75 he makes clear the Church’s tradition of working with and for migrants. In continuity with his predecessor Pope Francis, Pope Leo speaks of the need to “welcome, protect, promote, and integrate.” I once again strongly recommend that Catholics read Pope Leo’s letter so we can be informed about this Church’s tradition and teachings.

Responding to Pope Leo’s encouragement and celebrating the life and gift of this first American saint, we will have two additional Masses next Thursday, November 13. In addition to the 7:30 and 9:00AM Masses, we will have Mass at 2:30PM and 7:00PM on Thursday. At these liturgies, we will celebrate the life of Mother Cabrini, give gratitude for the immigrants of the past who brought our families to this country, pray for Mother Cabrini’s continued intercession to protect, guide, and bless the immigrants of our time. We invite all parishioners to share in this celebration of Mass and prayer as we honor this first American saint and pray for those who experience the struggles of immigration in our present time.

Have a blessed week!

Fr. Tom

About Our Parish