For Catholics, November is the month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory. The Catechism teaches: “All who die in God’s grace and friendship but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death, they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.” (CCC 1030)

Those suffering but hopeful souls whom our prayers assist will someday be in heaven and will pray for us as we journey. And so, November is an ideal time to help the Holy Souls through prayer and acts of love and charity.

You will notice the names of those from our parish who’ve died during the past year on the cover of the Nov. 2 bulletin as well as vigil candles set up in front of the altar during the month of November to remember them. These are ways to honor our beloved parishioners who have entered into Eternal Life this past year. Please pray for the repose of their souls.

From Nov. 1-8, Catholics have the opportunity to gain indulgences for the faithful departed. Read Katie Mendenhall’s article about this in our Oct. 26 bulletin (p. 8).

What an amazing milestone! After months of construction, we’re ready for the grand opening of our new spaces. After Mass on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 12:30 p.m., we’ll gather outside the new school entrance for the ribbon cutting and open up our new Parish Activity Center and school expansion for self-guided tours.

This is a celebration for our entire parish community as well as Ada neighbors and friends. Looking forward to seeing you there!

For additional details, visit our website:
https://strobertchurch.org/together-in-christ/open-house/

For the first time ever, St. Robert of Newminster Church is offering an online SWAG store! Purchase SRN logo wear, hats, mugs and more. Online access to the store opens starting Sunday, Nov. 2 including during the PAC and school expansion open house. Looking for a fall birthday present, or doing some early Christmas shopping? SRN SWAG makes a great gift!

Paper order forms will also be available beginning Nov. 2. Contact Molly Reppuhn with questions, MReppuhn@strobertchurch.org.

View merchandise and place your order online: 
https://grandrapidsschooluniforms.com/collections/st-robert-of-newminister-catholic-church

Make Thanksgiving a little happier for a family in need this year by being part of St. Robert’s Adopt-A-Family program. No cooking is required! Just purchasing and
delivering ingredients for a festive holiday meal a few days before Thanksgiving to a family in the Grand Rapids area.

To volunteer, or for more information, contact
Mary Koval.

All parishioners are invited on Friday, Nov. 14 in the Parish Life Center:
9:30 a.m. refreshments
10:00 a.m. program

SRN’s Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors (O.W.L.S.) invite you to join them on Friday, Nov. 14 in the Parish Life Center to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation with courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. Come for coffee and treats beginning at  9:30 a.m. followed by a Veterans Day presentation at 10:00 a.m. Guest speakers will be members of the Grand Rapids Honor Guard. Please bring a photo of your veteran or active duty member for the roll call.

RSVP to Lu Paletta, lupaletta@gmail.com. She is also seeking volunteer flag bearers. Please let her know if you can serve in this capacity.

Father Colin Mulhall will celebrate weekend Masses Nov. 4-14 while Father Tony is away. To view a list of Eucharistic Adoration and confession times in other churches around the diocese, visit the Diocese of Grand Rapids website at the link below. (click the Parishes drop-down menu and choose “Adoration Schedules.”) Visit https://masstimes.org/ to find daily Mass times at nearby churches.

For more details about the following events and other programs, please refer to our weekly bulletin or the parish calendar.

• Solemnity of All Saints: Saturday, Nov. 1 is the Solemnity of All Saints (not a holy day of obligation this year.) Masses will be celebrated on Nov. 1 at 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Attending 9:00 a.m. Mass, while encouraged, does not fulfill the Sunday obligation. Attending 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass does fulfill the Sunday obligation.
• Black and White Gala: Sunday, Nov. 2 is the final day to purchase tickets for the SRCS Home and School Association Black and White Gala on Saturday, Nov. 8. Bidding for the silent auction starts on Nov. 2 as well. Visit the Gala website to purchase tickets or bid on some fabulous auction items. Gala tickets will also be available for sale during the Nov. 2 PAC and school expansion open house.
• News from the Knights of Columbus: The Knights will be wrapping up their Coats for Kids Drive at the end of this month. Please drop your donations of new and gently used coats in the bins around the narthex by Friday, Oct. 31. The Knights also have many offerings during November including a nursing scholarship (deadline Nov. 30), a pancake breakfast on Nov. 9 and their annual pie sale Nov. 22/23. For details, visit https://strobertchurch.org/ministry/knights-of-columbus/.
• We’re trying something new! The parish is beginning a new initiative in November – a Welcome Desk in the narthex after weekend Masses. It will be a place for us to greet new parishioners and guests, while also serving as a helpful resource for our entire community. Please encourage those you meet or bring with you to church who are new to stop by and say hello after any of our weekend Masses! Questions? Contact Lynn Mossner, LMossner@strobertchurch.org.
• Cherub Choir for K-2nd grade students begins Nov. 4!
  The Cherub Choir is open to all students in grades K-2. Participants sing preludes for Masses and then sit with their families during Mass. Tuesday rehearsals from 4:00-4:30 p.m. starting Nov. 4 include learning to produce a healthy choral tone, learning how to read notes and rhythms, and experiencing the joy of making music. The Cherub Choir sings for Masses four or five times per year. Email Jane VanHouten, director of liturgical music, to sign up your child or for more information
• The Joy of Advent: Presentation and activity on celebrating Advent with intentionality with authors Rebecca and Stephen Grabill. Sunday, Nov. 9 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in Newminster Hall. Click here for details and to RSVP.
• Sock Hop/Sock Wrap Family Service Project: Wednesday, November 12, 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. in Newminster Hall. Click here for details and to RSVP.
• Special Collection – Catholic Campaign for Human Development: Nov. 15 & 16 at every Mass.
• Thanksgiving: Join us for Mass on Thursday, Nov. 27 at 9:00 a.m. NO Eucharistic Adoration on Thursday, Nov. 27 or Friday, Nov. 28. The Parish Office will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28.