Veterans’ Day Tradition
“Take A Soldier Home”

Each year around Veterans’ Day, our parish pauses to honor the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform those who have served, those who are serving, and those who have given their lives in defense of our freedom. As a faith community, we believe that gratitude is not just expressed in words, but in prayer.

This simple tradition “Take a Soldier Home” invites every household to take a miniature soldier and prayer card from the tables at our church entrances.

Place them somewhere visible in your home as a daily reminder to pray for peace, to intercede for those who protect us, and to remember those who have fallen.

In doing so, we fulfill one of the great spiritual works of mercy: to pray for the living and the dead. It is also a tangible way for us, as a parish family, to stand in solidarity with veterans, active-duty service members, and their families who bear the weight of sacrifice for our nation. May our prayers bring them comfort and strength, and may God bless all who have served with faith, courage, and love of country.

Pray | Reflect | Invite

This week we join the Church across the country in celebrating National Vocations Awareness Week a time to pray for and encourage those whom God is calling to serve as priests, deacons, and consecrated men and women.

Our Disciple Maker Index survey reminded us that God is inviting our parish to grow in creating a culture of vocations, where every member plays a role in calling forth the next generation of Church leaders. As we pray for vocations this week, take a moment to visit the Vocations Booth in the back of the church, lovingly set up by the mothers of our seminarians. Learn how you can help nurture future vocations through prayer, encouragement, and personal invitation.

“Ask the Lord of the harvest…” (Mt 9:38)

St. Francis Ministry – 2025 Mission Appeal We wish to express heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed so generously to this year’s Mission Appeal on behalf of St. Francis Ministry. Your charitable response and prayerful support make a real difference in the lives of those served by this important missionary outreach.

Sister Anisia recently wrote the following note to share her deep appreciation with our parish community:

I am writing to let you know we received a check from the Diocese with reverence to the 2025 Mission Appeal that I did in your Parish on behalf of St. Francis Ministry. I was thrilled at the giving heart of your Parishioners. I cannot thank them enough for their overwhelming generosity. Thank you friends and thank you for your gifts from the heart. God bless you with more than you can imagine. I see this as a result of the seed that you have planted in them. God bless you Father Jason. You are amazing. Deep in my heart I am very grateful to you for everything you did to make me feel so much at home. Thank you for your immeasurable hospitality, the special dinner and the accommodation.

God bless you and all yours. Hold you on the Palm of His Hands and continue to walk with you side by side in all you do in His Mission through love, care and support for His people. You and all yours will continue to be in our prayers. God’s love and prayers.

– Sr. Anisia Muthoni, St. Francis Ministry

Let us continue to keep Sister Anisia and the St. Francis Ministry in our prayers as they carry the light of Christ to those most in need around the world.

“Who are we called to be”?

November 8, 2025

An engaging day of activities and discussions on how to become your “best self”.

• St. John the Evangelist Church, New Hartford.
• 11:30am – 5:00pm (Includes lunch).
• Grades 9 – 12
• Sponsored by The parishes of the Greater Utica Area.
• There is no charge.

Register at mmoosfaithformation@syrdio.org

Featuring: Christ Spilka, Director of Campus Ministry at Virginia Commonwealth and Youth Speaker.

The Office of Family/Respect Life Ministry and the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal will host an Annulment Information Session on Wednesday, November 12th at 6:30pm in the Seton Center at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish.

This evening provides a confidential opportunity to meet with Tribunal staff, gain a clear understanding of the annulment process, and ask questions in a compassionate and supportive environment. Whether you are personally seeking an annulment, assisting a loved one, or simply wish to learn more, this session offers valuable clarity and guidance.

To register, please go to bit.ly/FallAnnulmentUtica.

For more information, please contact the Family/Respect Life Office at (315) 472-6754 (option 2) or email familyrespectlife@syrdio.org.

Sponsored by the Offices of Family/Respect Life and the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal.

Calling All Future Altar Servers!

New Altar Server Training – Sunday, November 23rd at Immediately following the 10:30 AM Mass (Training will last approximately 30 minutes.)

All children in Grades 2–Grades 12 are invited to consider joining our Parish Altar Server Corps!

Serving at the Lord’s altar is a beautiful way for our young people to grow closer to Christ, to learn the joy of serving others, and to take an active role in the life of our parish. This short, 30-minute training will introduce new servers to the meaning of this special ministry and the basics of how to assist at Mass with reverence and confidence. Parents are encouraged to attend.

As a special thank you, all active altar servers and their families will be invited to our Annual Altar Server Appreciation Event at the Utica Memorial Auditorium later this year!

Come and see what it means to serve God at His altar. For questions or to RSVP, please contact the Office.

Honoring Our Parish Altar Servers

This Sunday at the 10:30am Mass

This weekend, our parish joins the Diocese of Syracuse in celebrating the faithful service of our altar servers the young people who assist the priest at the altar and help lead our community in worship each week. Serving at the Lord’s altar is a tremendous privilege.

It gives our young people a chance to grow closer to Christ in the Eucharist, to develop reverence and responsibility, and to experience firsthand the beauty of the Church’s liturgy. Many priests trace the beginnings of their vocation to the time they first served at the altar. That is why it is so important that we honor and encourage our altar servers!

Their ministry not only enriches our parish’s prayer life it also helps to form the next generation of faithful disciples and future Church leaders. Please join us at the 10:30am Mass as we give thanks for our altar servers and ask God’s blessing upon them.

Each will receive a special Altar Server Pin and prayer card featuring St. Carlo Acutis, patron of this year’s diocesan celebration, who reminds us: “The Eucharist is the highway to heaven.”

Let us continue to support and pray for our young people who serve so faithfully at the Lord’s altar!