Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Yes, we still believe in that!                                                         
A person told me that she recently brought up the truth of Purgatory with a group of people.  Someone else in the group said something to the effect of, “oh we don’t believe in Purgatory anymore.” This was a catholic person who said this!  Perhaps he meant that we do not have to believe it anymore as if it is a bonus or an option we can take or leave as we like.  But that is not true either; the Catholic Faith is not something from which we pick and choose.  The word “catholic” means “of the whole.”  This applies to our dogmas and doctrines; they are “of the whole.”  They are all integrated and go together.  If one dismisses a part of that whole, then one’s understanding of the whole is diminished. 

The truth is that the Catholic Faith always taught and continues to teach and will always teach that Purgatory is real.  This teaching is not an optional bonus but is required for Catholics to believe.  This is so not because we made it up but because it is true and is revealed to us by God (Who cannot deceive us).  Purgatory, as the name implies, is that state after a person’s death where his soul receives its final purification before it can be welcomed into the fullness of the Beatific Vision.  Purgatory is for souls that die in the state of grace but still require some work.  If one dies in mortal sin, Purgatory is not the destination; Hell is.  Purgatory is not a type of hell.  Purgatory is more like the foyer to the mansion of heaven.  It is not a place to fear but to welcome; it is a gift God gives to us that we may be with Him forever.  We are still connected with those who die and are in Purgatory (also known as the “Church Suffering”).  They benefit from our prayers and acts of penance.  Don’t be that catholic who spreads false teaching!  Purgatory?  Yes we still believe in that!  Praise be to God!
 
Memorial Mass on Wednesday
Speaking of Purgatory.  As has become our custom the past couple years, we offer periodic memorial Masses for those deceased we have recently lain to rest.  This Wednesday we will remember specifically those who have died since February 8, 2018.  We will read their names prior to Mass as we prepare to offer Mass for the reposes of their souls.  Please join us as we fulfill one of the spiritual works of mercy: praying for the dead.
 
House Blessings & Pastoral Visits
The Deacon and I a working to complete the house blessings people requested from our last parish survey.  I am enjoying the visits very much and getting to know more people outside of seeing folks at Mass.  The rest of the visits are scheduled to be completed by the end of the summer.  However, there are still slots open!  If did not request a visit yet but would like me or Dcn. John to come over for a house blessing, call the rectory and we can schedule it!  This initiative was meant to get things going in making better and deeper connections. I would love to come to visit, talk, and pray.
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr