Dear Parishioners,
You have heard me mention at Mass and during private conversations that it is important for us to pray for our country at all times, but especially now in these weeks leading up to the election. All of this on top of the prayers we are already offering for an end to the COVID pandemic and an end to the violence that has been dividing our nation. Please continue to keep these items in your prayers!
In addition to our personal prayers for the future our country, I think it is important that we pray together as a parish for this cause. For this reason, I am very pleased that some parishioners have come to me requesting that we hold a prayer vigil before the Blessed Sacrament, asking Jesus’ protection over the Church, the country, the unborn, and all those particularly in need at this time. Of course, I am happy to make this happen! So, we will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (adoration) from 6:00 AM on Monday, Nov. 2 until 6:00 AM on Tuesday, Nov. 3. This will be taking place at the Paulding church. The doors of the church will be unlocked until 8:00 PM on Monday. After 8:00 PM, all are certainly still welcome to come pray before the Blessed Sacrament, but will have to enter through the keypad door at the back of the church (facing Paulding High School). If you do not know the combination, or if you have any questions, please contact the parish office in advance.
On an unrelated note, I am sure by now many have already seen on our social media posts that we were notified by the Paulding County Health Department regarding a complaint they received about people not wearing masks at a Divine Mercy event. The Health Department did not specify to which event the complaint pertained. I would like to kindly remind everyone that the mask/face covering mandate is still in effect per the Governor’s and Bishop Thomas’ order. From what I can see, most of us are doing a pretty good job of this at weekend Masses. However, to those who are refusing to wear them, please consider Jesus’ words in last weekend’s Gospel reading to “repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” That is, having to wear a mask per the Governor’s order is certainly frustrating for many. But at the end of the day, it is quick, painless, and something that does not interfere with what’s most important- being able to actually be in church, receive the sacraments, and render worship to Jesus on his day.
Know of my prayers for everyone! Blessings to you all!
Fr. Ammanniti
