Who does one invite to a party? The Gospel reading for October 31 gives us an answer. Christ teaches his disciples to invite those who may not be able to return the invitation.

Is that not what happens when Sacred Heart opens its doors to the neighborhood on Halloween night? No goblins or phantoms but friendly smiles and warm blessings greeted the approximately two thousand friends who entered through the Chicago Boulevard doors this past October 31. The seminary community, students and faculty alike, put on their jolly best costumes and served hot chocolate and candy to each princess, ninja, Spongebob Squarepants, and every other character in between as they passed by the sixteen-foot scarecrow to receive their treats. Seminarians distributed balloons and also prayer cards featuring the statue of Sacred Heart blessing the corner of Chicago and Linwood.

Each year, Sacred Heart hosts the Halloween event, keeping to a tradition well over half a century old. It is a celebration of reaching out to neighbors in charity, as the Gospel commands.