As we approach the end of the Church’s liturgical year next Sunday, we hear Scriptures that speak of the end of this present age. It is tempting to notice what is happening in the world today and apply this to the scene in the Scriptures. Hopefully, when the Son of Man returns, he will find us busy with attending to our daily lives and living the Gospel and not sitting around worrying. Christ is already present in our midst and our attentiveness to His presence and living out our discipleship keeps us close to Him. This is what we are asked to do in order to be prepared for the end of time. The conclusion of today’s Gospel says, “of that day or hour, no one knows neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the Father.”

It is good to be back home. Our recent church pilgrimage took us many miles and we saw many beautiful and inspiring cities with many cathedrals and religious shrines, historical sites, beautiful landscapes, and beautiful people in Poland, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic. Next year at this time, we will be offering a pilgrimage to the various shrines and cities in France. There is information available for next year’s Pilgrimage in the lobby of the Parish House.

A Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving from the Friars and Staff of St. Francis Church! You are a blessing to you and we are grateful for all that you do for St. Francis Parish!

-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M