Hello, friends:

The month of November is traditionally a time to remember those who have died and gone before us. We start this special time with two very important days; All Saints Day and All Souls Day, the first being a holy day of obligation. The bereavement committee is already busy at work planning a memorial that’ll happen during the All Souls day liturgy.  Every year we choose an image that reflects both the suffering and transformation of the dying experience. This year the group has chosen to use an image of a mosaic; the image will be the tree  of life. Folks will be asked to participate at that mass as well as throughout the month of November, completing the mosaic.

 If you’ve lost a loved one in the last year you’re most welcome to attend this service, which will be on Wednesday, November 2, at the 5:30 p.m. mass. The committee will also be setting up the memorial tables in the back of the De Colores hall; you’re invited to bring in a picture of your loved one and we  will remember them in prayer throughout the month of                           November.

I’d like to thank the members of the bereavement group for their presence and hard work, assisting with grief and loss, and for helping our parishioners during a very difficult time.
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Fr. Ray
 
 

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​Hello friends:

The office of vocations is again hosting a discernment retreat for men who might be considering the possibility of priesthood on the weekend of November 4-6, 2016. The retreat will be hosted at the San Patricio retreat center and I invite any man who might be interested to talk to me and I’ll give you more information on the details. Over the past several years this weekend retreat has proven to be beneficial for our local church and I would encourage and ask for your prayers. Bishop Cantu has appointed Fr. Alex to work as the associate vocation director, so he and I will be working closely on this very important ministry.

Last Friday I had a very unexpected visit; Sr. Anna Marie Broxterman stopped in, on her way to Silver City, to say hello. Sr. Anna Marie, CSJ, was campus minister at WNMU while I was a student there and she had a huge impact on my discernment and subsequent decision to enter seminary. I like to think that she played a very important role in my young life, offering guidance and encouragement as well as opportunities to grow in ministry. Sr. Anna Marie and I had a great visit; I’m so grateful to her for her ministry and witness of faith.

I think it’s very normal for a student to discern the possibility of service in the church, either as a priest or as a religious sister, as they figure out what they want to do in life. Over the last several years we have worked hard to create and sustain a culture of discernment and vocation promotion, primarily through our collective prayer but also through the witness of young men who have taken the chance and entered seminary formation. If you’re even slightly considering service in the church please talk to someone, a parent, a teacher or myself. Please continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.                                                                                               

Fr. Ray

Hello, friends:

Oktoberfest ’16 was a huge success! 

We will have the financial report out shortly, but from all reports, it was a wonderful event. I’d like to thank co-chairs Sue Padilla and Hiram Davis for their leadership and hard work as well as the committee, who gave so much of their time and talent to ensure a beautiful celebration. I’d also like to thank  Fr. Valentine and the community of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Tortugas for allowing us to host Oktoberfest at their place and for welcoming us with such warm hospitality. I’m grateful to our Newman staff for their efforts and energy; we are truly blessed! Also, congrats to the winners of the raffle; I know that at least two of there are parishioners, thanks for your support in either selling or purchasing the raffle tickets!

On October 4, Fr. Emmanuel celebrated his 30th year of priesthood; congrats, Father! After the Sunday morning masses we will celebrate with a reception of cookies and drinks. Please stay around and help celebrate this wonderful milestone. We are certainly  blessed to have Fr. Emmanuel with us and I really appreciate the help that he offers us.

This Sunday I’ll be in Alamogordo, celebrating mass at Immaculate Conception Church. The parish is celebrating a fiesta to celebrate family and I’ve been asked to help participate.

Fr. Ray