From the Pastor’s Desktop

A Message from Father Charles Puthota

Dear Parishioners of St. Elizabeth,

Elections in America: Hope you have made all arrangements to vote in person or through mailed-in ballot. I mailed my vote the other day and I got a message that my ballot was received and will be counted. They make it easy for you to track your ballot and be assured that it has safely reached the elections office. As you know, we practice our Christian/Catholic faith by also exercising our right and responsibility of choosing the leaders at the local and national levels, leaders who are according to the heart and mind of Jesus Christ.

The Bishops of the United States have guidelines for Catholics, especially in the election cycles, through a well-balanced document titled “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.”  If you want to read it in detail, just google it. The Church recommends that we need to make well-discerned, not emotionally-charged or ideologically-biased, choices about whom to elect as our leaders. Through calm prayer and reflection, keeping the common good in mind, we can decide whom to vote for. The Bishops encourage us to apply Catholic social teaching to major issues we face in our nation and the world. They list these major issues as: 1. Human Life. 2. Promoting Peace.  3. Marriage & Family Life. 4. Religious Freedom. 5. Health Care. 6. Migration.  7. Catholic Education.  8. Promoting Justice and Countering Violence. 9. Combatting Unjust Discrimination. 10. Care for our Common Home. 11. Communications, Media, and Culture. 12. Global Solidarity. We need to look at all these major issues in totality, not just any single issue, and search and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit before we elect our leaders. One easy question for me personally would be: Does this person I’m going to vote for truly reflect the values and vision of Jesus Christ? For me, these values and vision of Christ can easily be located in the beatitudes and the sermon on the Mount (Matthew, chapters 5-7).

Please vote! Don’t forget or neglect it! Every vote counts! It’s our privilege and right to vote! Serving the common good depends on our ability to elect the leaders worthy of the call to serve.

Confirmation Mass this Sunday October 25: At the 9:30 a.m. Mass this Sunday October 25, I shall be confirming 10 of our young men and women. As you know, usually Confirmation is conferred by bishops, but on account of the Covid situation, the Archbishop has delegated the pastors to do the Confirmations in the parishes this year. Let’s keep these young people in our prayers. Also their families! May these young people continue to love God and others with great energy through the power of the Holy Spirit and learn to practice faith and service.  

Mass & Confession Schedule at St. Elizabeth: Our Sunday Mass continues to be held at 9:30 a.m. in the school parking lot. Daily Mass is inside the church at 8:00 a.m. Confessions will be held about 20 minutes before the Sunday 9:30 a.m. Mass and immediately after the daily 8:00 a.m. Mass

Feast of St. Elizabeth: Traditionally the Feast of St. Elizabeth is on November 05. At our parish, toward the end of October, usually there are some events to mark this feast of our parish patron saint. On account of the pandemic, however, we are unable to take out the processions, but we will have the Triduum of prayers on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (Oct. 22-24) after the daily Mass in the Church.

“Fratelli Tutti”:This is Pope Francis’ latest encyclical. It means “Brothers All”. The subtitle is “On Fraternity and Social Friendship.” The Holy Father reflects on building a better, more just and peaceful world, with the contribution of all peoples and institutions. When you have the time, go online to read up on this important invitation from the Pope. Even if we could get a gist of this encyclical, it would be beneficial for us.

Thank you for your continued support for our parish through your prayers, participation, engagement, volunteering, and financial offerings. Your example has been an inspiration for me and a great encouragement. Thank you!

Please Register: The parish bulletin has the registration form. Even if you are longtime parishioners, would you kindly fill it out and send/drop it, so that we could update the contact information. All this is to communicate with you more effectively and serve you better.

Wishing you good health:During this pandemic, let’s take good care of our health and also others’ health by following carefully all the recommendations of the health experts. Wishing you good health in body, peace of mind, plenty of love in our hearts, and God’s abiding presence in our spirits.

Your Friend & Pastor,

Fr. Charles Puthota, Ph.D.

10-25-2020