November 19, 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 Gospel for Mass this Sunday presents two responses to Jesus for our consideration. First, there are those who condemned and crucified him. Among them are the Sanhedrin (the assembly of Jewish leaders); there were also the Romans who conspired in the execution, the soldiers, and the jeering mob. They all had their reasons for rejecting Christ – but for them all, the result was the same: they hardened their hearts against him and cooperated in his death. Pontius Pilate placed an inscription above him which read, Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews, but none of these conspirators were open to the fact that Jesus might, indeed, be a real king.

In contrast, the response of the so-called “good thief” to his encounter with Christ is a softening of heart. Hanging on his own cross, the good thief clearly understands his guilt and realizes that he is being justly punished for his crimes. His repentance humbles him and he is able to see who Jesus really is – a true king– and asks Jesus to remember him when he comes into his kingdom. 

If we seek to emulate the good thief, we, too, need to have a clear picture of who we are – a picture which is conscious of our weaknesses and our need for God’s mercy. This requires humility. We must not give in to the temptation to reject Jesus’ kingship and to make ourselves the judges of right and wrong. But we likewise need to have great confidence in the goodness of our king. Saint Paul reminds us in today’s second reading that everything in heaven and on earth is reconciled in Christ; he holds all things in unity, making it possible for us to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. This is who our king is – he loves us and desires us to share in the inheritance of his kingdom. 

For this reason, we can rejoice and have the same boundless confidence of the good thief, even in the face of our own sins and weaknesses. If our response to Christ is receptive, humble, and repentant, then we will not hesitate to seek his mercy and forgiveness so that we, too, might come to share his glory in paradise. 

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, please note that every day I give thanks for all of you, for you are truly a gift to me in my priestly ministry here as your pastor. Be assured that all of you will be remembered in a special way at our parish Thanksgiving Mass and at my Thanksgiving table. Just in case you are looking for a prayer to use at the Thanksgiving table here is one for you:




Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving!
God Love Ya!
Fr. Reilly



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 Eucharistic Prayer (cont.) – The priest continues the Eucharistic Prayer. (Remember the Mass is entirely scriptural, so Father Alar gives us the scripture references as he continues.)

“At the time he was betrayed…” (Luke 22:3) “…and entered willingly into His Passion…” (John 10:17) “…He took bread, and giving thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT OF IT, FOR THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.”

The priest elevates the Host, consecrating it, so that Transubstantiation occurs – the power of the Holy Spirit changes the substance of the bread into the actual Body of Christ.

The priest continues, doing the same for the chalice of wine, which through Transubstantiation becomes the Blood of Christ. Then he says, “…DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.” (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). This remembrance, aka Anamnesis, is not a passive recalling, but a representation of Christ’s Passion “real and present” in which we enter into the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection here and now. We are actually THERE at the Last Supper and at Calvary!

The priest then says “The Mystery of Faith” and we reply with one of three Eucharistic Acclamations. In the video, Acclamation #2 is used: “When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death O Lord, until you come again.” (1 Corinthians 11:26). God revealed the Mystery to us; we reply in Faith.

Next week: Liturgy of the Eucharist – The Communion Rite. Please arrive 8 minutes before mass in order to hear the announcements and watch the video.

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



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 Monday, November 24.

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 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!