October 30th

Dear Friends,
The Cardinal has asked all parishes to take up a special collection next weekend to help cover the costs associated with caring for the refugees and asylum seekers that have been sent to Chicago from overburdened southern States. Catholic Charities is managing some of this work, and while most of its budget comes from government contracts, our participation is also important and needed. As you have probably read or heard, the number of those petitioning for refugee or asylum status is greater than ever. While the crisis of illegal entry of so many into our country requires greater political response, the human plight of those arriving is heartbreaking. Since most of them are fellow Catholics, we should be extra motivated to want to help them. 

Tuesday, November 1st, is All Saints Day- a holy day of obligation (like a Sunday) for Catholics. Mass in the morning will be at 8:05am at St. Gabriel (as it is all Tuesdays). We will have a Mass at Nativity of Our Lord at 10:00am for the students at BCA (others also invited) and at 7pm at 
Nativity of Our Lord.

The following day, November 2nd, is All Souls Day. On this day we pray in a special way for all those we love who have died. While we will commemorate all the faithful departed at the regular 8:05am at Nativity of Our Lord, we will have a special solemn Mass at St. Gabriel in the evening at 7pm. All are invited, especial those mourning the loss of a loved one. We have sent out special invitations to families of those whose funerals we have celebrated at our parish during the past year. 

May your week reflect the encounter with Christ
we experienced at Mass today!