The Collar's Corner
From Fr. John's Desk
St. Patrick and St. Vincent de Paul Parishes
Two Parishes, One Faith
Becoming alive in Christ, called to bring Him to
life in the world
September 2026
Dear Parish Families,
On Friday, September 11th our nation marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. I remember being called back into the TV room at the Seminary after I just left & watching in horror as the events of the morning unfolded. I'm sure that many of us can remember where we were, what we were doing, perhaps even who we were with & the sorrow with which we watched that day. I came across the General Audience of Pope St. John Paul II on September 12th. I wanted to share that with you...
JOHN PAUL II
GENERAL AUDIENCE
Wednesday 12 September 2001
Wednesday 12 September 2001
I cannot begin this audience without expressing my profound sorrow at the terrorist attacks which yesterday brought death and destruction to America, causing thousands of victims and injuring countless people. To the President of the United States and to all American citizens I express my heartfelt sorrow. In the face of such unspeakable horror we cannot but be deeply disturbed. I add my voice to all the voices raised in these hours to express indignant condemnation, and I strongly reiterate that the ways of violence will never lead to genuine solutions to humanity’s problems.
Yesterday was a dark day in the history of humanity, a terrible affront to human dignity. After receiving the news, I followed with intense concern the developing situation, with heartfelt prayers to the Lord. How is it possible to commit acts of such savage cruelty? The human heart has depths from which schemes of unheard-of ferocity sometimes emerge, capable of destroying in a moment the normal daily life of a people. But faith comes to our aid at these times when words seem to fail. Christ’s word is the only one that can give a response to the questions which trouble our spirit. Even if the forces of darkness appear to prevail, those who believe in God know that evil and death do not have the final say. Christian hope is based on this truth; at this time our prayerful trust draws strength from it.
With deeply felt sympathy I address myself to the beloved people of the United States in this moment of distress and consternation, when the courage of so many men and women of good will is being sorely tested. In a special way I reach out to the families of the dead and the injured, and assure them of my spiritual closeness. I entrust to the mercy of the Most High the helpless victims of this tragedy, for whom I offered Mass this morning, invoking upon them eternal rest. May God give courage to the survivors; may he sustain the rescue-workers and the many volunteers who are presently making an enormous effort to cope with such an immense emergency. I ask you, dear brothers and sisters, to join me in prayer for them. Let us beg the Lord that the spiral of hatred and violence will not prevail. May the Blessed Virgin, Mother of Mercy, fill the hearts of all with wise thoughts and peaceful intentions.
Today, my heartfelt sympathy is with the American people, subjected yesterday to inhuman terrorist attacks which have taken the lives of thousands of innocent human beings and caused unspeakable sorrow in the hearts of all men and women of good will. Yesterday was indeed a dark day in our history, an appalling offence against peace, a terrible assault against human dignity.
I invite you all to join me in commending the victims of this shocking tragedy to Almighty God' s eternal love. Let us implore his comfort upon the injured, the families involved, all who are doing their utmost to rescue survivors and help those affected.
I ask God to grant the American people the strength and courage they need at this time of sorrow and trial.
We continue to pray for peace in our country & our world!
Fr. John
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2027 MASS BOOK
The Mass Book for 2027 will be opening on Monday, September 14th. A "Mass Request" form can be found at the doors of the Church & will also be available on the parish website...in the early part of the week ahead...https://www.2parishes1faithcle.org/. You can fill out the form & drop it off at the Parish Office, mail it in, or put it an envelope marked "Mass Requests 2027 & put in the weekend collection during Mass & we will get it to the Parish Office.
To allow everyone an opportunity to schedule Masses, for the first 2 months, Mass requests will be limited to 5 (4 weekday & 1weekend Mass). After those first 2 months, any remaining Masses will be available without limitation.
Here is the link to the Mass Request form on the website. Just click on & print out:
https://www.2parishes1faithcle.org/svdp-news/2027massintentionform
CHICKEN DINNER AND REVERSE RAFFLE
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 3rd! The Holy Name Society at St. Patrick's is sponsoring a Joint Parish Chicken Dinner & Reverse Raffle. Tickets are $30 with a raffle ticket & $25 if you want to come just for the dinner. Dinner tickets are unlimited, but only 100 raffle tickets will be sold, so be sure to get yours to have a chance to win! Tickets will be on sale beginning the weekend of Sept. 12th & 13th & must be purchased by Sept. 27th in order to et an accurate count. Hope to see you there!
PET BLESSING
Once again, Angel invites all of her furry (& perhaps not so furry) friends to join her & Fr. John at our annual St. Francis Day Pet Blessing. This year's blessing will be held on Saturday, October 3rd (which also happens to be Angel's birthday) @ 1:00 pm in the parking lot at St. Patrick's. For everyone's safety, all animals should be on a leash or in a cage. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Looking ahead to October, we will once again be celebrating the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick at all the Masses on the weekend of October 10th & 11th. All those who are elderly people & struggling under the burden of years, those who are infirm, those who are preparing for serious surgery, & those who are suffering from a chronic condition are invited to be anointed. As in the past, if you wish to be anointed, please try to sit near the edge of the pew (on either side of the aisle) so that the Priest can easily reach you.
DIVINE MERCY HOLY HOUR
Our next Divine Mercy Holy Hour will be held this Sunday, October 4th. At 3:00 pm, the great hour of God's mercy, Fr. Robert will lead us in the Divine Mercy Novena along with some time before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament in Eucharistic Adoration. All are welcome to come and pray, rejoicing in God's abundant mercy! Our Divine Mercy Holy Hours are hosted at St. Vincent de Paul.
Jesus, I trust in you!
As the sun rises to bring in the new day:
We remember those who descend into the earth, their work begins in darkness, pulling from the earth, the resources we steward.
We remember those who work inside a building away from the light and brightness of the day.
We remember those who work outside in the harsh elements of our world, the bitter cold and sweltering heat of extremes.
We remember those who do not have a job to go to, who are struggling to meet the needs of their daily living expenses, for whom the day becomes long and arduous.
As the sun sets to bring in the evening of rest:
We remember those who work in the night.
We remember those who are trying to recover from their labor and toils of the day.
We remember those who participate in unsafe and dangerous work.
We pray for a renewed sense of dignity in their lives and in their work.
God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the worker. Make a place in our hearts for compassion to the men and women who labor tirelessly for basic necessities. Ensure a place for the men and women who are struggling to find work. Grant us your wisdom to greet and care for those who are unable to work due to illness or circumstances that prevent their participation. Be with the children who are not able to run and play, but instead must put in a hard day’s work to help their family afford to eat, to live. Be with us all, Christ Jesus, as we go about the busyness of our work. Hold us accountable not only for our actions, but most importantly to each of our neighbors. May we continue to work together to bring about your reign! We ask this in your holy name, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A THANK YOU FROM OUR MISSIONARIES
Sr. Annette & Sr. Mary sent the following note that was included in last weekend's bulletin, but in case you missed it, I wanted to share it here as well. Oh by the way, for those who were at the 11:00 Mass &who might be wondering, I did hear from Sr. Mary the next day...she accidnetllya went to the wrong St. Patrick's (the one on Bridge). When she arrived there & nothing looked familiar, she realized the error, but it was too late to get back to our St. Patrick's in time. She sincerely apologized & I assured here that I did my best in her place :). Here are the notes. They sent a note for each parish, so I'll include them both here..
