Pastor's Corner November 1, 2026

Dear folks:

One of the other options in the Mass that I like to go with, is the use of incense.  It is the life-long goal of my priesthood to get a altar boy to pass out from too much incense!  I have had them pass out because it was way too long since their last meal, but not yet from the sacred smoke.  

This topic ties in well with the feast for today, All Saints.  The Bible ends with a scene of an angel burning incense on the altar before the presence of God and that incense is identified as the prayers of the Saints.  Since we are all called to holiness, to being saints, the incense represents our prayers as well.  

In the Old Testament there are several times when God manifests Himself to His people and it is with smoke and clouds.  There are of course as well, the ancient rites of the Temple that had the daily burning of incense such as the rite Zacharia was performing when the Angel Gabriel announced to him the conception of John the Baptist.  

The incense thus indicates we have in our midst the new rites established by Jesus.  I myself have many allergies so I can sympathize with those allergic to the incense.  Hence, why I keep confined to the 9:30 AM Mass and the TLM.  Regardless, keep offering up those daily prayers in union with the Saints!  

God bless!

Fr. Beres