November 13, 2025

What we see unfolding in our nation is a vicious pattern of hatred rooted in the rejection of God, of the dignity of the human person, and the sanctity of the family. We can eradicate these ills only through a firm reliance on God, through a deeper devotion to Christ and the Gospel, through a sincere love for persons reflected in law, and through a renewed commitment to justice and public order.

We are living through a perilous moment. Our challenge is not only one of partisan disagreement, law, and policy, but in a deeper way our challenge is to uphold the central goods of American political life: of faith, of families, and of a national commitment to live together in harmony as brothers and sisters.

Bishop Michael Burbidge
Bishop of Arlington, VA


Dear Parishioners,

The prophet Malachi says that the day is coming when the proud and all evildoers will be set on fire like stubble with neither root nor branch left behind. For those who fear the Lord, on the other hand, the sun of justice will rise with its healing rays. Although Malachi was writing before Jesus’ birth, we know that the day of which he writes is the day when Christ has promised he will return as judge. This day will dawn like a blazing sun. The blaze will either burn us or heal us depending on whether we have done evil or feared God’s name.

The theme of Christ’s return can be seen in Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians, he addresses a specific problem faced by the community. It seems that there is a group of people that has stopped working because of their belief in Christ’s imminent return. Paul tells them to mind their own business and instructs them to work quietly and to eat their own food. 

By the time Luke’s Gospel is written, “the proclamation of the imminent end of the age has itself become a false teaching” (Catholic Study Bible 1394). Jesus warns his disciples not to follow anyone who says, The time has come. Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, an event which has already taken place when Luke’s Gospel is written. He then tells them that before the temple falls, they can expect to be persecuted, to be handed over to the authorities even by their own friends and families. This, too, has already been fulfilled in the Acts of the Apostles, which Luke writes as a sort of sequel to his Gospel. Luke is showing his readers that Jesus is a prophet – one who speaks for God and knows the future. 

We are invited to reflect on the end of the age, when Christ will return to judge the living and the dead, and of our own end, when we will meet him face to face. Jesus assures his disciples and all of us that we will face challenges, trials, and persecutions if we are steadfast in our faith. But Jesus tells them that their perseverance in the face of persecution will secure their lives; this is true for us, too.

If we persevere in faith and humility, then we can hope to experience the healing rays of God’s justice when we meet Christ face to face. 

God Love Ya!
Fr. Reilly




The men's evening group will meet this Thursday evening to discuss the topic "What's a sign from God (and what isn't)?"

Doors open at 7:45 PM and the program begins at 8:00 PM.

With the Thanksgiving holiday, this will be our only meeting during November, so don't miss it!

All men are welcome!




Attention: At the end of all Masses on November 22 & 23, our "Enthronement Weekend", all will be invited to enthrone the Sacred Heart of Jesus into their homes & consecrate themselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

What Does it Mean?

The word "enthrone" means to put upon a throne. In effect through enthroning Jesus into our homes we are inviting Him to become the King and head of our homes and of our hearts. In this way we are asking Jesus to guide us in our efforts to live good lives and to lead us to our Father in heaven.

In consecrating our families to the Immaculate Heart of Mary we are asking Mary as our spiritual Mother to extend her mantle of love, comfort and protection over our families. She will watch over us and lead us to a deeper relationship with her Son, Jesus.

Why is it Important?

It is a way to obtain special graces and blessings in our daily lives. Jesus said to Saint Margaret Mary "I will bless the homes in which an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored". To invite Jesus and Mary into our homes takes on even greater meaning in these troubled times and is a source of great comfort and grace.

How will it work?

At the end of each Mass on November 22 & 23, a short presentation will be given and Enthronement Packets will be distributed. The packets include beautiful images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary and an Enthronement Scroll suitable for framing (and on which the names of the living and deceased family members are written). All are then led in saying prayers to help spiritually prepare for the enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary that you will complete in the home. You get the pictures framed and then you put them in a place of honor in your home.

Please Come

Please plan on coming to Mass on the weekend of November 22 & 23 as a family and participate in this short (7 minutes) but powerful program at the end of Mass.




The priest prays at the altar: “Pray, brethren that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Almighty Father.” We give our approval: “May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church.” Then he prays the prayer over the gifts.

Preface – This is a dialogue between the priest and the people. For the third time in the Mass the priest says, “The Lord be with you.” (Ruth 2:4) and we reply “And with your spirit.” (2 Timothy 4:22). Priest: “Lift up your hearts.” (Lamentations 3:41); people: “We lift them up to the Lord.” Priest: “Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.” (Colossians 1:3); people: “It is right and just.” (Proverbs 21:3)

The priest prays the Preface which is a prayer of thanksgiving to God. NOTE: Almost all Mass prayers are addressed to the Father, through the sacrifice of the Son, via the power of the Holy Spirit.

The congregation says or sings the “Holy Holy Holy” (Isaiah 6:3, also the cheers of the people on Palm Sunday).

The Eucharistic Prayer – The priest raises his hands and prays “You are indeed holy, O Lord, the fount of all holiness…” (2 Maccabees 14:36). Then the priest removes the pall from the cup and puts his hands together over the bread and wine – this is the “Epiclesis” (Greek word meaning “to call down”) – as he makes the sign of the cross over them, asking the Father to send down the Holy Spirit to transform the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. (John 6:53)

Next week: Liturgy of the Eucharist (cont.) – The Mystery of Faith. Please arrive 8 minutes before Mass – you do not want to miss it!

(This video series has been condensed and excerpted from Father Chris Alar’s “The Mass Explained – Explaining the Faith” video, with permission.





We will begin our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive on Saturday, November 15. This year’s recipient will be Mission Santa Maria at St. Rocco’s Parish in Avondale.

Please drop off non-perishable, healthy food items in the church library no later than Thanksgiving Day.

Some suggested items include:

Canned goods: fruit, vegetables, tomatoes-diced or sauce, spaghetti sauce, beans, tuna. Boxed/Packaged items: White rice, dried beans (black or pinto), corn oil, cooking oil, pasta, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, macaroni and cheese, crackers, juice boxes, healthy snacks.

Please refrain from an overabundance of canned goods or make sure they are packaged in heavy duty bags….we had many bags break open last year as we loaded the truck.

We would appreciate some help loading on Saturday, November 29 at 9:00 AM.

Thank you in advance for your generosity in providing food for the poor!




The Christmas Giving Tree will be placed in the church narthex on the weekend before Thanksgiving. 

Once you take a tag please be sure to return the wrapped item with the tag matched (this is very important by Sunday, December 14. 

Please remember that each of the children’s gift request tags are matched to a recipient at Mission Santa Maria/ St. Rocco parish. For that reason, we ask that if you take a particular tag, please be sure to bring a gift! We recommend taking a photo of the tag as soon as you take it in case you lose it.

Gift Cards

There will also be gift card tags available for Target, Walmart, Giant and ShopRite. Most of our gift cards will be sent to the St. Agnes Day room, serving the needs of the poor in West Chester. Some will also be given to needy households in our own parish.

Gifts and gift cards may be placed in the Monsignor Foley Library (first door to the right as you enter the church narthex) during these times from November 29 to December 14:

-Before and after the weekend Masses

-Before and after the 8:30 AM daily Mass

Please note that the library will remain locked for security purposes outside of the listed times.

We ask that you do NOT leave gifts in the church narthex!

Please do not drop Christmas gifts off prior to November 29 to avoid confusion with our Thanksgiving Food Drive pick up that morning!

Please contact [email protected] for additional questions or concerns.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!