Pastor's Reflection - Oct. 5, 2025

Fall, the Rosary, & Safety

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I have such cherished memories from childhood, whether it was hunting for mushrooms, deer hunting, or learning to grow in the art of photography.

Fall also reminds us of our vulnerability. As the weather turns colder and more unpredictable, we are reminded how fragile we are, and how quickly our routines and sense of security can be disrupted.

Yesterday, I was deeply saddened to learn of another violent attack on a church in our country. It is crucial that we respond to the threats around us not only with prayer but also with vigilance, working to ensure that our parish remains a safe environment for our liturgical celebrations and parish activities.

In light of these recent events, I believe it is important for us to have training that specifically addresses safety concerns within our parish family. In the coming weeks, I will be working with the Archdiocese and our parish leadership to make sure we are doing everything possible to provide a secure place where we can gather as one community and celebrate our new life in Christ.

When I served at St. Thomas, we hosted an active-shooter preparedness meeting that covered a number of safety issues. As I went through the checklist, I realized how inadequately prepared we were on several levels to respond to such situations. This experience impressed upon me the importance of preparation and awareness.

October is the month of the Rosary, so I encourage you to discover or rediscover this powerful prayer. Let us pray the Rosary for peace in our world, and entrust our parish and our families to the protection of our Blessed Mother.

In Christ,

Fr. James Northrop, Pastor