Ah November

November is month #2 of the good half of the year. Happily, I continue to enjoy the cooler months from October to April; my happiest half of the year! Already hard to believe that October is behind, November ushers in good times. As it rains on this particular afternoon we brace for really cooler weather, the return to normal time, the height of the football season and the holidays that are right around the corner. Man this is all good!

Ministry brings plenty of focus in the weeks ahead. In just 6 weeks we will be ordaining a new class of permanent deacons and I have been privileged to assist them in small ways. As one of the coaches in homiletics the candidates have two more practice homilies to deliver; including one tonight. And in just 3 weeks the candidates and wives will gather to experience their pre-ordination retreat over the Thanksgiving holiday. These are exciting and highly spiritual times as I recall these days just two short years ago. Pray with me for our class of soon to be new deacons and their wives, families and those who they will minister to.

Another big deal this month for me will be the official dedication of the chapel on the grounds of the Rayburn Prison. Many wonderful faith based gatherings occur at Rayburn including Catholic mass, prayer services, communion services and reconciliation. How wonderful will it be to celebrate these blessed events in a chapel. The presence of a dedicated chapel on prison grounds has proven to be not just a blessing but a real aid in helping reform inmates and reduce the rate of recidivisum.

November also brings the faith practice of honoring the dead and understanding the Catholic teaching on eternal life, purgatory, etc. We have already celebrated All Saints and All Souls but we can reflect prayerfully on the beloved dead this month. And as we celebrate Veterans Day later in the month we can remember in a special way those that gave their lives in service to our country.

November will bring some exciting football as we sit back and cheer on those New Orleans Saints and yes the LSU Tigers. Will the Saints play like the team that destroyed the Steelers or will they continue to adjust to life post Super Bowl? Will LSU rise up against the mighty Saban and the Alabama red menance? Can Les Miles generate a 1o win season? And don't look now but basketball has begun and the Hornets have won 3 in a row.

Ah November; thanks for coming along at the right time. I plan to enjoy you for a few more weeks.