Our November Meeting - Remembering Our Loved Ones
Tuesday, Tuesday November 4 in Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall at 7:00 pm, St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
Dear Friends,
We will remember loved ones who have passed with a rosary, music and shared memories. Attendees, please bring your rosaries and photos of loved ones in frames with stands. You are also invited to bring a dish to share that your loved one liked. Songs after each rosary decade: • Ave Maria • How Great Thou Art • Entre Tus Manos • Old Rugged Cross • Wind Beneath My Wings. At this annual event we will be especially remembering Deceased members of Comunidad and our Catholic Ministry with Lesbian and Gay+ Persons (CMLGP). Also, Comunidad will be having elections for the Steering Committee. Nominations or volunteers are welcome.
Fr. Chris Ponnet - A Pope Leo XIV Priest
In Apostolic Exhortation DILEXI TE (“I have loved you”) Pope Leo reinforces the words of Pope Francis. “Jesus identified himself ‘with the lowest ranks of society' and how, with his love poured out to the end, he confirms the dignity of every human being, especially when ‘ they are weak, scorned, or suffering.”
Fr. Chris was pastor at St. Camillus Center for Spiritual Care for 30 years. The St. Camillus website eulogizes Fr. Chris:
“Fr. Chris was a devoted servant of God whose life and ministry embodied the spirit and mission of St. Camillus. Through his compassionate care, guidance, and unwavering faith, he touched countless lives and inspired all who had the privilege of knowing him. His dedication to spiritual care, pastoral leadership, and the well-being of our community leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to guide and uplift us.”
As the above picture shows Fr. Chris as supported the LGBTQ community. Earlier in priesthood he spoke out about the AIDS crisis. He conducted a Comunidad retreat entitled “Journey to Jerusalem”. until his death, he served as chaplain of LA’s Catholic Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Persons.
When you read the article in the Angelus Newsletter LA's Father Chris Ponnet, revered chaplain and advocate, dies at 68 , you will understand why I called Fr. Chris a Pope Leo XIV priest.
Fr. Chris Ponnett’s funeral will also take place on November 4th at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral in Los Angeles. Members are welcome to attend.
Christmas Collection
Beginning on Saturday night , November 29th and Sunday, November 30th, Comunidad will again this year be collecting cash donations for needy families here at St. Matthew’s. This will continue for 3 weeks. Members are encouraged to sign up at our meeting to help us with collecting after all weekend Masses. These funds allow us to help our families in need and to support St. Matthew’s Food Bank that is in formation. Information on how people and families may register for help will be forthcoming.