October reminds us to pray for life and November invites us to pray for our loved ones....

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Month of October, we were reflecting and praying, especially through the devotion to the Rosary, on the dignity of human life.
This is the last weekend of Respect Life month; we are praying for victims of Domestic violence and human trafficking. Violence against another person is a failure to treat that person as someone     worthy of love. The violence within the sacramental marriage, the abused spouse may question, "How do these violent acts relate to my promise to take my spouse for better or for worse?" An     article from United State Bishops says, “We focus here on violence against women since 85 percent of the victims of reported cases of non-lethal domestic violence are women. Women's greatest risk of violence comes from intimate partners—a current or former husband or boyfriend.” Human trafficking is a new form of slavery. United Bishop’s Conference says, “Human trafficking violates the  sanctity, dignity, and fundamental rights of the human person.” They state that every nation is       affected by this disease—the United States is no exception.
Today’s reading reminds us God is benevolent, his mercy envelopes each and every creature. The first reading from the book of Wisdom answers the question, “Why doesn’t God do away with evil men?” The answer is God created everything, he loves and cares for everyone, which leads him to be gentle with the wicked, leading them to repentance. The Book of Wisdom consoles us saying, “You overlook people’s sins so that they may repent” (11:23).
The Gospel reading through the account of Zacchaeus gives a real-life example of what Christ taught in his parables about repentance. Like most of the tax collectors, of his day, Zacchaeus was hated by his fellow Jews for cheating for their money and collaborating with Romans. Yet, Christ recognized Zacchaeus’ very desire to see him and called him by name, which leads to repentance and            conversion. St. Paul’s second letter to Thessalonians encourages to persevere in their Christian Faith, giving glory to God without idly waiting for the “second coming” of Christ in their lifetime.
All Saints Day and All Souls Day: In the month of November, the Church invites us to pray for our loved ones. We celebrate November 1st is all Saints Day and November 2nd is all Souls Day. Sometimes we think that the church means we who are on earth. Church has three realms: the church on earth is called the militant church because we are in a battle between good and evil; the souls in    purgatory are called suffering church because they are in state of purification to fully experience God’s glory and the saints who have already entered in the heavenly glory are victorious or            triumphant church. All Saints Day is a Holy Day of Obligation this year. Children are encouraged to dress up like their favorite saint for the All Saints Day Mass.
All Saints Day is a feast honoring all Christian saints – known and unknown. On All Souls Day we remember all those who have gone before us. The souls in purgatory need our prayer to help their   purification and attain in heavenly glory. On November 2nd we celebrate a special Mass at St.       Cecilia Cemetery at 11:00 am. and light lunch in the parish hall. We celebrate a Mass of                Remembrance on Sunday, November 20.
We ask the saints to intercede for us. We pray for our loved ones who have gone before us. Every Mass there is the place we pray for our loved ones. Please remember our loved one every Mass.    Another way, Church invites us to offer Mass in their name. It costs only $ 10.00, but it takes       conscious thought and action to do it. Please join for All Saints Day and All Souls Day celebrations.