Last Thursday and Friday, on the feast of All Saints and All Souls, we celebrated all those women and men who lived their lives in faith; those named by our community as saints and those names we do not know. We set them aside not because they led extraordinary lives, but rather because in their very ordinary lives they believed that following Jesus Christ made all the difference especially in their relationship with others.

We gaze around the church and see the names of over 90 people who represent the many friends and loved ones who have died since last November. I value this tribute because it helps me recall the joy of the lives represented. I recall the stories the family members shared with me as I helped prepare and pray with them during the first few days of mourning. They are now, we pray, members of the community of Saints. With tears in our eyes we remember that they were loved by God and they shared that love with all of us.

These feasts also remind us that we are all called to be saints, to be holy and let Jesus be an influence in our lives especially in our relationship with others.

-- Deacon Rusty Duffey

Our sincere sympathy to the families of
Ann Cahill,
Sharon Beck,
Michael Bein,
John Paul Suszko &
Frances Maxoutopoulis
who died recently.

Come listen to the choirs of St. Robert’s and St. Matthew’s next Sunday, Nov. 42 pm as they present music of different styles and seasons. There will be pieces by soloists, small groups and the combined choirs of the two parishes. If you enjoyed the beautiful music of the Palm Sunday program, you will also enjoy this music which could be sung throughout the liturgical year.

The choirs have worked hard to present this concert for us. A free will offering will be taken to help with the cost of the music. If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Imbimbo at kji@sanbrunocable.com.

Our Marthas need help! Would you like to serve Jesus and our St. Robert’s Family by working behind the scenes, taking care of the little (but essential) things that make our Eucharistic celebration run smoothly. When asked why they perform this ministry, our Marthas reply: “I don’t like being in the forefront, but I want to serve”; “I like working behind the scenes”; “Working in His house helps me feel closer to Jesus”. If you are interested, please call Gene or Anna May.

YOU ARE NEEDED!

Each October every parish takes a count of the men, women and children who attend Mass on Saturday evenings and Sundays. The following is our current count compared to last years count.

You’ll notice that the environment shifts as we enter this month, remembering in a special way those who have died, “marked with the sign of faith.” In addition to the photos and mementos at Mary’s shrine, we will also have reminders of the rhythm of all life which we see in nature. The pumpkins and gourds of harvest time have reached their fullness as have our beloved dead, gathered into the arms of our loving God.

   
This weekend, we hear a favorite story from the gospels. Zacchaeus is the short chief tax collector who is a collaborator with the Roman occupiers and overcharges the people to line his own pockets. Luke’s community is wary of wealth and does not go easy on those who are rich, even warning them that it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. But here is Jesus, picking Zacchaeus out of the crowd. Many who witnessed this probably shared the attitude of the Pharisee in last week’s reading: why didn’t Jesus pick an upstanding, observant person to visit? (Perhaps, they hadn’t heard his preaching about coming to save the lost.) Because, as Jude Siliciano, OP says, “This is a story of grace and we don’t earn grace. Grace is offered to us and after we get over the shock and surprise, we grab it firmly with both hands and clutch it to ourselves as we receive it with joy – just the way Zacchaeus did.” (www.preacherexchange.org) He responds generously to Jesus’ invitation, promising to give half his property to the poor and to reimburse those he has cheated four times over.

Peace, S. Sheral