Catholic Faith, Baseball and October Glory
by Joe Marateo
Each time you come to church, you are never alone, you are joined with God and in prayerful presence with St. Timothy, whose relic rests within the marble of our altar at Holy Spirit Church. St. Timothy, Bishop and Martyr, was a faithful disciple of St. Paul the Apostle and a devoted shepherd of the early Church. His life was marked by humility, service, and steadfast faith. He traveled with Paul on missionary journeys, strengthening young Christian communities, guiding the faithful and spreading the Good News of Christ. Later, as Bishop of Ephesus, he continued to lead with courage and love, giving his life for the Gospel.
The presence of St. Timothy’s relic in our altar carries profound meaning. Since the earliest days of Christianity, relics of saints and martyrs have been placed in altars as a sign of unity with those who gave their lives for the faith. In the catacombs of Rome, Christians celebrated the Eucharist upon the tombs of martyrs, joining their worship with the witness of the faithful departed. By placing a relic within the altar, the Church honors this sacred tradition, reminding us that every Mass unites heaven and earth and that the saints continue to intercede for us in God’s presence.
As we approach Thanksgiving, we are inspired by St. Timothy’s life of gratitude and service. His faith teaches us that thanksgiving is not merely words on a holiday but a way of life expressed in prayer, in acts of love and in generous service to others. Like St. Timothy, we are called to recognize God’s blessings in our daily lives and share them freely with our families, our parish, and our wider community.
We gather this Thanksgiving, may the altar at Holy Spirit Church remind us of the saints who pray with us and for us. Let us give thanks for our parish family, for the gift of faith, and for God’s abiding love. And, as Advent draws near, may our hearts overflow with gratitude, hope, and joy as we prepare to welcome Christ into our lives.
St. Timothy, pray for us that we may live with thankful hearts, serve with joy, and prepare with hope for the coming of the Lord.