From the Desk of Fr. Thomas - October 2026 Newsletter
Nov 4
4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Friends of Our Lady of Pompeii,
I come to you belatedly, but wished to write to you on the great Feast of All Saints.
As I mentioned from the pulpit, there is a very special opportunity to thank the children who are the unsung heroes of this project. Tallies are still being counted from last month, but it appears the Children have offered about about 28,000 Rosaries since our Crusade commenced.
I am challenging the host of children to hit 30,000 Rosaries by the time we occupy the church on December 12, in thanksgiving for Our Lady's abundant blessings.
Please join us for a sneak peak of the church. In ten short days, the floors will be refinished and the pews will be in place. On November 13th, you are invited to come and watch our beloved Image be possessed into the church and mounted above the Marian side altar where will offer a Rosary together for the first of many times.
Arrive early and take this wonderful opportunity to see all of the hard work that has happened in such a short amount of time. A recap of October is best left for pictures which speak for themselves.
The bricks making up the bottom half of the church have been limewashed. The restored lights look brilliant.
The built in confessionals are being worked on. Here we see the 'before' and 'during.' I can't wait to show you the 'after.' They will be wonderful.
We were able to save a vast amount of the original floor. It was carefully removed in September 2025 and was brought now, after a year of heavy construction. In the few areas were not able to save, we reclaimed old wood and married it throughout the floor. The floor was sanded and is curing now. Next week, it will be stained and polished, and they will be spectacular.
In the choir loft, we added some outlets in the choir rail and under the steps to help provide the power our choir needs to sound its best.
We see the High Altar is being prepared to receive our prayers. About 150 people have trusted me with their intentions. If you haven't already, please reply to this email with the names of your loved ones or perhaps a picture of your family. There is more room, but the deadline is Sunday November 8th as we have to seal the tabernacle soon.
In Our Lady, Queen of All Saints,
Fr. David Thomas
P.S. I'm offering three Masses for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed Nov. 2 starting at 7 AM.
This month's mailbag comes from a parishioner who took me up on an offer to get his hands dirty. Many of you have, and I hope you share Joe's sentiments.
Hi Father Thomas
Last week, during the announcements you asked for volunteers to assist Shane with the sanding of the new altar. Because I recently watched a video on tepidity by Fulton Sheen, I decided this could be a good be a good penance.
After helping Shane yesterday (I hope I didn't create more work for him) I found it wasn't penance but a a terrific spiritual experience for me. The altar was from the Bronx NY and my parents were Irish immigrants who met and lived there at the beginning of their marriage. The thoughts that ran through my mind that they may have attended that church. In addition, just appreciating the thousands of times the unbloody sacrifice of the mass occurred on that very altar was truly a religious experience. Also, knowing that this same altar will be in service for future generations is simply amazing and I was blessed to assist.
I was literally working on the cross. The work is tedious but truly gratifying.
God bless,
Joe M.
Thank you, Joe. I agree. It is hard to articulate just how contempletive it is working on such a beautiful altar.
I love hearing from you. If you would like to tell us how Our Lady of Pompeii has touched your life or if you have story or connection to Old Holy Rosary, please write to me at info@pompeiirising.org for a chance to be featured in next month’s mailbag.
Opening Schedule. RSVP Below
November 8th - Deadline
Last day to submit your intentions before they are lowered into the altar.
November 13th - Moving the Icon to Her New Home
8 AM - Mass at St. Michaels
5 PM - Doors Open
5:30 PM - Ceremony and Rosary
6PM - Unofficial gathering at Strings for a drink
December 11th - Ribbon Cutting
As we conclude our time at St. Michael the Archangel, a new chapter begins on the same day. Join us for both events.
8 AM - Last Mass at St. Michaels
5 PM - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
5-9 PM We are opening up the church to our congregation and are being featured in this year's Historic Springfield Society's Holiday Tour of Homes
December 12th - First Mass and Blessing of Our Lady of Pompeii Church
10 AM - RSVP required
12 PM - Luncheon
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