November 8, 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters, As we begin to get ready for the big holiday celebrations, November is a more solemn time of year. Maybe it’s because the changing of the leaves colors reminds us how things change, and the falling of the leaves reminds us that our time is short and precious. In the Church, November is a time when we call to mind our departed loved ones, and also a time when we recall the basic realities of our life. Customarily, Catholics like to use this time to reflect on what we call “the Four Last Things:” death and judgment, heaven and hell. I know that all sounds very serious. But I don’t bring it up because I want to be gloomy, or because my neighbors had some spooky Halloween decorations! We should think about those things, because it helps keep everything in perspective. When we remember that life is short and eternity is long, it helps us make much better decisions. And speaking from my own experience, when I make a point of keeping this in focus, I feel not only closer to God, but I also feel much happier in every other aspect of life. There’s a quote I like from St. Sharbel Makhluf, a 19th-century monk from Lebanon: “Do not start anything on earth if it does not end in heaven. Do not walk on a path on earth that does not lead to heaven.” That’s the healthiest perspective we can have on the Last Things. The mystic’s words remind us that the stakes are high, and that our choices now can set us on a path that leads to eternal joy. So let’s ponder our priorities over the coming month while as a parish community we remember our dearly departed ones and reflect on the Last Things. Through the intercession of Blessed Mary, Ever-Virgin, and our patron Saint Thomas, let’s learn to live each day in the light of eternity. God bless,

Father Jantz