. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			Fr. Charles Puthota
	From the Pastor's Desktop
	A Message from Father Charles Puthota
	October 05, 2025
Dear Parishioners of St. Elizabeth,

Word of God: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C: Today's readings speak to us about faith-its endurance in trial and its humble expression in daily life. The prophet Habakkuk cries out to God in frustration: "How long, O Lord? I cry for help but you do not listen!" It's a raw and honest prayer, echoing the experience of anyone who has struggled with injustice, suffering, or silence from God. God responds not with immediate action but with a vision: "The just one, because of his faith, shall live." In other words, hold on. Trust. God's justice will come. Faith is not about easy answers, but about steadfast trust even when answers are delayed.

In the Gospel, the apostles ask, "Increase our faith." Jesus responds, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed…" Faith isn't about size-it's about authenticity and trust in God's power. Even a small seed of true faith can do the impossible when rooted in God. Jesus continues with a parable about a servant who, after fulfilling his duties, does not expect praise. It's a lesson in humility. Faith isn't for showing off or earning rewards-it's about serving God with love, not entitlement. We do our part, not because we expect something in return, but because we belong to God. We are challenged to live faithful, humble lives-trusting God in dark times and serving Him with hearts that seek no applause. Even when faith feels small, if it's real, it carries the strength to endure and the grace to transform.

Blessing of Animals: This Sunday, October 5, immediately following the 10:30 a.m. Mass, there will be blessing of animals. Do bring your pets for the blessing in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who loved animals and the whole creation.

Tuesday October 7, Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary: The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is a solemn commemoration of the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the prayer of the Rosary. The origin of the feast dates back to the pivotal Battle of Lepanto in 1571, when Christian forces, vastly outnumbered, triumphed over the Ottoman navy. Pope Pius V had called on all of Europe to pray the Rosary for victory. After the miraculous outcome, he attributed the success to the Virgin Mary's intercession and established the feast as Our Lady of Victory, later renamed by Pope Gregory XIII as Our Lady of the Rosary. The Rosary is not just a devotional prayer but a spiritual journey through the life of Christ, seen through the eyes of Mary. Comprising meditations on the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries, it helps the faithful grow in love for Jesus and understand the central mysteries of our faith. Mary, as a model of contemplation and discipleship, leads believers to her Son with motherly care. This feast reminds the Church of the Rosary's enduring power in times of personal and communal trials. Pope John Paul II called it "a prayer of great significance," capable of bringing peace to hearts, families, and nations. On this day, Catholics are invited to renew their devotion to the Rosary, trusting in Mary's intercession and drawing closer to Christ through this time-honored, grace-filled prayer.

October, a month dedicated to our Lady of the Rosary: October is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, highlighting the importance of the Rosary in the life of the Church. This devotion invites the faithful to reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus through the eyes of Mary. The centerpiece of the month is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7, commemorating the victory at the Battle of Lepanto through Mary's intercession. Throughout October, we are encouraged to pray the Rosary daily, seeking peace in the world, strength in trials, and deeper union with Christ through the loving guidance of his Blessed Mother.

October 11, Saturday Feast of St. John XXIII: The Feast of St. John XXIII is celebrated on October 11, marking the anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council in 1962, which he convened. Born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli in 1881, he was elected pope in 1958 and affectionately known as "Good Pope John" for his warmth, humility, and pastoral care. His most enduring legacy is the calling of Vatican II, which sought to renew the Church and engage the modern world with the timeless message of the Gospel. He emphasized Christian unity, dialogue, and compassion. His encyclicals, including Pacem in Terris, addressed peace and human dignity. John XXIII was canonized in 2014 by Pope Francis. His feast day celebrates his vision, simplicity, and deep trust in the Holy Spirit. He reminds the Church to be ever faithful yet ever open to the promptings of God in a changing world, guided always by love and mercy.

Memorable Quotes: "When the going gets rough - turn to wonder." - Parker Palmer. "If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it." - Margaret Fuller. "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." - Maya Angelou. "We are not what we know but what we are willing to learn." - Mary Catherine Bateson.

Humor of Pope St. John XXIII: 1. A reporter once asked Pope John XXIII, "How many people work at the Vatican?" With a smile, he replied, "About half of them." 2. It is said that before going to bed, Pope John XXIII would say to Jesus: "Well, Lord, it's Your Church. You take care of it. I'm going to sleep now." 3. When a woman asked Pope John XXIII about his weight, he said, "My dear, the Papal Conclave is not exactly a beauty contest." 4. Visiting a hospital, Pope John XXIII asked a boy what he wanted to be when he grew up. The boy said either a policeman or a pope. "I would go in for the police if I were you," the Holy Father said. "Anyone can become a pope, look at me!"

Your Friend and Pastor,

Father Charles Puthota