None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord.
St. Paul’s words in today’s second reading seem to fittingly follow this past Friday’s 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the sacrifices made by so many on that day and the sacrifices that continue to be lived because of that day. St. Paul teaches that our lives and our deaths have meaning when we live and die with the purpose of imitating Christ. Twenty-five years later, we are called not simply to remember those who died, but to live differently because we remember them.
While the first responders of that day are reminders of those who did not live for themselves but for others, we are mindful of the fact that in the world today, there continues to be examples of those who literally died because of their Christian faith.
In September 2025, Pope Leo XIV joined leaders from other Christian traditions in remembering 1,624 Christians who had been killed for their faith between 2000 and 2025. The people commemorated included Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans and Protestants. Many of them lost their lives, not while doing something dramatic, but instead amid ordinary life. They were priests celebrating Mass, sisters caring for the elderly, missionaries educating children, Christians defending the poor, and believers simply refusing to abandon their communities.
Most Christians are not necessarily called to physical martyrdom, but we are called to live for Christ in the giving of ourselves for the other. We are called to “die” every day. Dying to selfishness, resentment, pride, personal comfort, the need to be right and our fears are a few areas of life that are ways we are called to die to ourselves so that Christ can live more fully through us.
The best way to honor those who are examples of sacrifice is to examine how we will live today. In our families, our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and our parish: “Lord, what am I being asked to give today for the good of another person?”
LITURGICAL MINISTRIES – The celebration of Holy Mass is the focal point of parish life, from which all other charisms and ministries flow. The ministries that assist in the celebration of the Eucharist are, therefore, essential. I ask you to consider the call to one of these liturgical ministries.
Ushers and Greeters – Hospitality and order are an essential component of liturgy. Please consider making yourself available to welcome, assist with seating, gathering the offertory and guiding the communion procession. All you need to do is speak to one of our ushers and let them know of your interest.
Altar Servers – Young people 4th grade and up are invited to be trained to serve at Sunday mass. Training dates and times for those who are interested will be announced soon.
Music Ministry – Our parish is blessed with an excellent and varied music ministry. From our adult choir to youth and cherub choirs and our bell choirs, we have many opportunities to share the gift of musical praise to the Lord. In addition, we are interested in growing our Sunday 5:15 p.m. Contemporary Music Mass. Teens and young adults who sing or play an instrument are invited to consider joining us on Sunday evenings. Anyone who is interested in knowing more about our music ministries should speak with our music director, John Buckel, or any other leader of song.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Lectors – Assisting in the distribution of Holy Communion and the proclamation of scripture are sacred responsibilities in which we, the faithful, give service to the Lord. We are always in need of new people to serve these ministries. Practicing Catholics in good standing, including having a canonically valid marriage and possess a good reputation, are asked to consider this important duty. The following are the upcoming training dates and locations for both lector and EMHC training:
Tuesday, November 10 – St. Elizabeth/ Melville – Msgr. Kane Hall; 7 pm -10 pm OR
Monday, November 16 – St. Agnes Cathedral/RVC – Msgr. Kelly Parish Center; 7 pm – 10 pm
We are also in need of EMHC for the homebound. Special training for that ministry is available on and at:
Tuesday, November 17 – St. Elizabeth / Melville – Msgr. Kane Hall; 7 pm – 9 pm OR
Monday, November 30 – St. Agnes Cathedral/RVC – Msgr. Kelly Parish Center; 7 pm – 9 pm
Please call Cathy Wilcox in the rectory office or email her at cathyw@srolchurch.org to register for these
Peace!
