Dear Parishioners,
 
As I write this column it looks like former President Donald Trump will be reelected as the 47^th president of the United States. Regardless of the outcome, Jesus Christ is still king. He has conquered sin and death. So no matter how an election turns out, or how the political winds turn either for or against us, the victory is ultimately ours. I have to say that election day here at St. Teresa went very smoothly (as far as I could tell). People and pollsters were cordial in the church hall. There were supporters of candidates set up at various parts near the church and so the day was filled with honks from car horns of support as people would drive by.
 
Meanwhile life goes on here in the parish. I want to thank Mr. Michael Geiser for leading our Catholic Social Teaching 101 course throughout the month of October. For several lectures Michael provided the Church’s teaching on human dignity, the common good, subsidiarity and solidarity. It is just one more example of the Church’s vast repertoire of wisdom. Likewise, Fr. Ryan Connors presented his talk “Rend unto Caesar: Catholics and Politics in 2024.” He described the seven myths of Catholics in political life.
 
Now we move into November and fall (albeit the weather still feels like summer on some days). This weekend we have our parish bazaar. I hope to see many of you there to take advantage of the many vendors we will have. November is also the month in which we pray for the souls of the deceased. As I explained in my homily the last weekend of October, our prayers for the deceased are always effective. You will see those prayers represented by the stack of envelopes with the names of the deceased on the altar.
 
Also, next Saturday, November 16^th after the 4pm Mass and next Sunday, November 17^th after the 9am and 10:30am Masses, our parish school will be open to all parishioners for an open house. Have you ever wondered about the good work that goes on over there, or are you an alumnus who has not been through those halls in years? This is an opportunity for everyone in the parish to see the good work that happens in our school and see the many improvements the staff, faculty and volunteers have made there. I hope that you will pop in for a visit.
 
In Christ,
Fr. Barrow