Pastor's Note from Fr. Szparagowski 📝 - [Nov 9th Bulletin]

Dear St. Philip Neri Friends and Family,

We give praise and thanks to God for the graces and blessings He has given us!

Today the church throughout the world celebrates the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. At first, this may seem like a feast only for those who live in Rome, but in truth, it belongs to all of us. The Lateran Basilica is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. It is the mother and head of all churches in the world, a visible sign of the unity of the Church and of our communion with the successor of Peter. This feast reminds us that the Church is more than a building but God's people. We gather today in our parish church, a sacred space set apart for the worship of God. Every stone, every window, every image here points us to something greater. Yet the readings remind us that God's true dwelling is not limited to brick and mortar. St. Paul tells the Corinthians, "You are God's building…do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" Every Christian, washed in baptism and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, becomes a living temple where God is present.

The first reading from Ezekiel gives us a beautiful image of the temple as a source of life. The prophet sees water flowing from the Temple, bringing freshness and healing wherever it goes. Trees bear fruit, the sea becomes clean, and everything touched by the water comes alive. This vision points to Christ, the true Temple, from whose side flowed blood and water, signs of the sacraments that give life to the Church. It also points to us, for through our faith and good works, we are called to let God's grace flow into the world. The Church is meant to be that stream of life, bringing the sacraments, mercy, healing, and renewal to all.

In the Gospel, Jesus cleanses the temple in Jerusalem, driving out the merchants and money changers. He says, "Stop making my Father's house a marketplace." His actions are not about anger for its own sake. They are about restoring the holiness of God's house. Jesus reminds us that worship must be pure, centered on God, not on human profit or self-interest. This moment challenges us to examine the temple of our own hearts. Are there things within us that clutter or distract from the presence of God? Are there attitudes, sins, or habits that need cleansing? The Lord desires to dwell within us and He asks us to make room for Him.

This feast is also a time to give thanks for our parish Church, where we gather to pray, to receive the sacraments, and grow together in faith. Every baptism, every Eucharist, every confession, every wedding, and every funeral celebrated here is a reminder that this sacred space is alive with the grace of God. When we care for our Church, when we come here to pray, we continue the work that began with the dedication of the Lateran Basilica so many centuries ago.

November is the month of the Holy Souls, a time when we remember with gratitude those who helped build the Church before us – our ancestors in faith, our parents, grandparents, priests, teachers, and friends. Their prayers and sacrifices helped shape the living Church we now belong to. As we pray for them, we also commit ourselves to passing on that same faith to those who will come after us.

Brothers and sisters, the Lateran Basilica stands in Rome as a powerful symbol of unity, holiness, and mission. But the true temple that God desires to build is within each one of us. Let us ask Him today to renew our hearts, to cleanse them of whatever keeps us from His presence, and to fill us with the living water of His grace. May we, as living temples of the Holy Spirit, bring His life and love wherever we go, so that the whole world may know that God truly dwells among His people.

Please invite someone to Mass today. St. Philip Neri, pray for us! Have a blessed day,

Fr. Szparagowski