Sunday, April 29, 2012
Catholics Called to Witness - Inspiring Catholics to Live their Faith
Catholics Called to Witness - Inspiring Catholics to Live their Faith… They have a great, inspiring video.
Pastor's Notes for 4/29
Dear Parishioners,
Congratulations again to Deacon Mike McKeown on his ordination. For those interested, I have been told that the ordination liturgy video will be posted to the dnu.org website when it is in final edit format, and that pictures are online at http://cu.nujournal.com/galleries/index.php?id=301019. It was a beautiful liturgy!
Some have asked about the practicals of having a deacon (I assume he will be assigned to our parishes). As a deacon, Deacon Mike's first tasks are of service, and secondarily during the liturgy. As a deacon, he is to bring the presence of Christ to the world, and his salary is not from the church (though we may give a stipend and certainly pay business mileage). Deacons are also given facilities to Baptize, witness Marriages, and preside at funerals (all without Mass) with the pastor's permission, as an extension of their service-orientation. They also bring viaticum to the dying. Liturgically otherwise, he proclaims the Gospel at Mass, announces the petitions, assists at the altar, and gives instruction to the congregation (like offering the sign of peace or the dismissal). He will carry the Book of the Gospels (the Lector should process in as usual, though not going to the Altar, and the Lector will not read the petitions either). As a deacon, he is an 'ordinary' minister of Holy communion, meaning that when he is assisting at Mass he will distribute the Precious Blood (so count 4 EMHC's when he is assisting).
On an unrelated topic, some have asked about the ad that was in some local papers inviting Catholics to a workshop offered in a non-Catholic Church to address the issue of Homosexuality. The main sponsor of the workshop is a group that actively opposes Church teaching in a number of areas, and the fact that it is to be held in a non-Catholic Church is telling. I ask you to not go, and to spread the word. We will be having an education session on marriage and homosexuality, of course in line with Church teaching (thumbnail: Love the homosexual and call them to a moral life).
Finally, now that the weather is nicer, I have been getting out a little more. I found during retreat I actually enjoy running outside more than on a treadmill, so have decided to switch up my routine to include some jogging in addition to biking.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Congratulations again to Deacon Mike McKeown on his ordination. For those interested, I have been told that the ordination liturgy video will be posted to the dnu.org website when it is in final edit format, and that pictures are online at http://cu.nujournal.com/galleries/index.php?id=301019. It was a beautiful liturgy!
Some have asked about the practicals of having a deacon (I assume he will be assigned to our parishes). As a deacon, Deacon Mike's first tasks are of service, and secondarily during the liturgy. As a deacon, he is to bring the presence of Christ to the world, and his salary is not from the church (though we may give a stipend and certainly pay business mileage). Deacons are also given facilities to Baptize, witness Marriages, and preside at funerals (all without Mass) with the pastor's permission, as an extension of their service-orientation. They also bring viaticum to the dying. Liturgically otherwise, he proclaims the Gospel at Mass, announces the petitions, assists at the altar, and gives instruction to the congregation (like offering the sign of peace or the dismissal). He will carry the Book of the Gospels (the Lector should process in as usual, though not going to the Altar, and the Lector will not read the petitions either). As a deacon, he is an 'ordinary' minister of Holy communion, meaning that when he is assisting at Mass he will distribute the Precious Blood (so count 4 EMHC's when he is assisting).
On an unrelated topic, some have asked about the ad that was in some local papers inviting Catholics to a workshop offered in a non-Catholic Church to address the issue of Homosexuality. The main sponsor of the workshop is a group that actively opposes Church teaching in a number of areas, and the fact that it is to be held in a non-Catholic Church is telling. I ask you to not go, and to spread the word. We will be having an education session on marriage and homosexuality, of course in line with Church teaching (thumbnail: Love the homosexual and call them to a moral life).
Finally, now that the weather is nicer, I have been getting out a little more. I found during retreat I actually enjoy running outside more than on a treadmill, so have decided to switch up my routine to include some jogging in addition to biking.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Thursday, April 26, 2012
A Parent's Guide for Vocations
I am just completing my booklet, A Parent's Guide for Vocations, and uploaded it for self-publishing. Price is set $6, with proceeds to go to provide our seminarian and women religious parents a copy, and anything in excess to the Seminarian Aid Fund of the Diocese of New Ulm.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Pastor's Notes for 4/22
Dear Parishioners,
Congratulations to our first communicants who are receiving Jesus in the Eucharist the first time this weekend. May they remind us all of the true presence of Christ, who becomes food and drink for us.
Congratulations to Mike McKeown, who is ordained a deacon this weekend, too. May his service at the altar and wherever else needed bring him deep joy. His classes continue for another month. Please keep him in prayer as he begins to live the ministry of decagonal service out!
As I forgot to do so before I left on retreat, I am sneaking away during to write my notes. The retreat is very good. The retreat master is very prayerful and insightful, and can share that insight well. I am getting caught up on rest, though not in the way I typically do while on retreat! But it is great. I am so glad that the Church in her wisdom requires priests to take a yearly retreat (she does not require days off or vacation, but allows them, strangely). The days of rest are so necessary - a chance to come apart by ourselves like the disciples did with our Lord. I decided against taking my bike along - the forecast was too miserable-looking. But it changed, of course for some light flurries on Monday to a beautiful day on Tuesday, so I went for a little run. It was great to get out and get fresh air, too.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Congratulations to our first communicants who are receiving Jesus in the Eucharist the first time this weekend. May they remind us all of the true presence of Christ, who becomes food and drink for us.
Congratulations to Mike McKeown, who is ordained a deacon this weekend, too. May his service at the altar and wherever else needed bring him deep joy. His classes continue for another month. Please keep him in prayer as he begins to live the ministry of decagonal service out!
As I forgot to do so before I left on retreat, I am sneaking away during to write my notes. The retreat is very good. The retreat master is very prayerful and insightful, and can share that insight well. I am getting caught up on rest, though not in the way I typically do while on retreat! But it is great. I am so glad that the Church in her wisdom requires priests to take a yearly retreat (she does not require days off or vacation, but allows them, strangely). The days of rest are so necessary - a chance to come apart by ourselves like the disciples did with our Lord. I decided against taking my bike along - the forecast was too miserable-looking. But it changed, of course for some light flurries on Monday to a beautiful day on Tuesday, so I went for a little run. It was great to get out and get fresh air, too.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Pastor's Note for 4/15
Dear Parishioners,
Happy Easter, and Divine Mercy Sunday. Christ is truly risen, just as He said, alleluia!
Sympathy to the families of Marion Hoffmann and Lorraine Christensen who died this last week. May they rest in peace.
Welcome to Bishop LeVoir who is with us confirming our confirmation candidates this weekend. We are thankful for his ministry, and pray for him. We also pray for our newly confirmed members of the Area Faith Community. May their service and witness lead them and others to a deeper commitment to Christ, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Of course, next weekend, too, we have first communion, and we pray for those who will receive Jesus Christ the first time!
This weekend, we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. I encourage you to participate in this devotion, especially at 3 pm this Sunday. Here it is:
Using an ordinary Rosary:
1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Finally, keep Bishop LeVoir and most of us priests in your prayers as we go on retreat this week (Sunday evening to Thursday noon), taking some much needed time for prayer and fellowship. I look forward to being on retreat!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Happy Easter, and Divine Mercy Sunday. Christ is truly risen, just as He said, alleluia!
Sympathy to the families of Marion Hoffmann and Lorraine Christensen who died this last week. May they rest in peace.
Welcome to Bishop LeVoir who is with us confirming our confirmation candidates this weekend. We are thankful for his ministry, and pray for him. We also pray for our newly confirmed members of the Area Faith Community. May their service and witness lead them and others to a deeper commitment to Christ, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Of course, next weekend, too, we have first communion, and we pray for those who will receive Jesus Christ the first time!
This weekend, we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. I encourage you to participate in this devotion, especially at 3 pm this Sunday. Here it is:
Using an ordinary Rosary:
1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Finally, keep Bishop LeVoir and most of us priests in your prayers as we go on retreat this week (Sunday evening to Thursday noon), taking some much needed time for prayer and fellowship. I look forward to being on retreat!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Divorce/remarriage
What about divorce and remarriage? Quick review: Once a marriage occurs, it is presumed to be sacramental until shown otherwise. When a couple divorces, they are still considered married in the eyes of the Church. If one or both attempt to remarry without having an annulment (see last week’s article for more on this), they are possibly married to two people simultaneously. Because of this, they are to refrain from the reception of the Sacraments until they get their situation straightened.
Planned Parenthood Sets Up 40 Days of Prayer for Abortion
Planned Parenthood Sets Up 40 Days of Prayer for Abortion: further proof of the culture disparity:
A local Planned Parenthood abortion business in California is copycatting the 40 Days for Life campaign, which recently resulted in saving the lives of more than 700 unborn children from abortion. The abortion business has set up its own 40 Days of Prayer for the local abortion center.
“We trust you to decide about your sexuality, having your children, and planning your family,” says a flier promoting the Humbolt County Clergy for Choice event. “We are religious leaders who value all human life. We accept that religions differ about when life begins. We are here to help.”
“We believe that human life is holy. That’s why we believe in your right to choose to be a parent or not,” the pro-abortion religious leaders continue. “It can be helpful to talk with friends you trust, with licensed counselors, and with whatever religious person you choose. Humboldt County Clergy are available to talk with you about the spiritual aspects of choice. Find out more by calling Six Rivers Planned Parenthood.”
“Humboldt County Clergy for Choice invite you to set aside time with your family and community to support women and reproductive justice for 40 days from March 18th through April 27th,” they say.
The flyer promotes specific prayers for abortion for each day:
* “Day 1: Today we pray for women for whom pregnancy is not good news, that they know they have choices.”
* “Day 34: Today we give thanks for abortion escorts who guide women safely through hostile gauntlets of protestors.”
*”Day 36 Today we pray for the families we’ve chosen, May they know the blessing of choice.”
* “Day 38: Today we pray for a cloud of gentleness to surround every abortion facility. May everyone feel calm and loving.”
* “Day 40: Today we give thanks and celebrate that abortion is still safe and legal.”
Some of the local “churches” participating in the pro-abortion prayer event include: Temple Beth El in Eureka, Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Bayside, St. Francis in Fortuna, Old Town Gazebo in Eureka, and Arcata United Methodist.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Pastor's Notes for 4/8
Dear Parishioners,
Happy Easter! Christ is truly risen from the grave, and through His resurrection, we have hope!
Our sympathy to Linda Turbes on the death of her mother, Lillian Welu. May she rest in peace.
At our St. Mathias Council on Monday, we discussed what to do with the St. Mathias School. As you may recall, we have been asked to vacate it, and to demolish it. This is due to structural problems (leaky roof, etc) that have lead to mold and air-quality issues. A few individuals have asked for certain things (bricks and the woodwork, for example). Our timeline is as follows: Anyone who wishes to walk through or make a final request can do so the next two Sundays. We are asking that those who desire to salvage anything do so by the middle of July, so that final demolition can be in August, with the area filled with black dirt and seeded with grass. We are looking into have the cornerstone and some of the brick built into a monument, which will be most likely placed near the linden trees on the southwest corner of the church. It is sad, and I thank God for those who were educated there, and also for the many that were served through Groundswell during their tenure in the building. We also discussed repairs to the bell tower, including brickwork, painting, and repairing broken windows.
Next Saturday, Bishop LeVoir will confirm the candidates in the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please pray for them. THe following weekend, we will have First Communion in our AFC, in addition to having 11 newly ordained deacons (including Mike McKeown!) for the Diocese.
Finally, a gentle reminder that next week, most of the priests (including me) will be on retreat. Please keep us in prayer. As a result, I will not be offering Mass in the AFC Monday through Thursday. The retreat master is a good an holy priest that I have the privilege of knowing already. I look forward to the days of prayer, rest, and laughter.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Happy Easter! Christ is truly risen from the grave, and through His resurrection, we have hope!
Our sympathy to Linda Turbes on the death of her mother, Lillian Welu. May she rest in peace.
At our St. Mathias Council on Monday, we discussed what to do with the St. Mathias School. As you may recall, we have been asked to vacate it, and to demolish it. This is due to structural problems (leaky roof, etc) that have lead to mold and air-quality issues. A few individuals have asked for certain things (bricks and the woodwork, for example). Our timeline is as follows: Anyone who wishes to walk through or make a final request can do so the next two Sundays. We are asking that those who desire to salvage anything do so by the middle of July, so that final demolition can be in August, with the area filled with black dirt and seeded with grass. We are looking into have the cornerstone and some of the brick built into a monument, which will be most likely placed near the linden trees on the southwest corner of the church. It is sad, and I thank God for those who were educated there, and also for the many that were served through Groundswell during their tenure in the building. We also discussed repairs to the bell tower, including brickwork, painting, and repairing broken windows.
Next Saturday, Bishop LeVoir will confirm the candidates in the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please pray for them. THe following weekend, we will have First Communion in our AFC, in addition to having 11 newly ordained deacons (including Mike McKeown!) for the Diocese.
Finally, a gentle reminder that next week, most of the priests (including me) will be on retreat. Please keep us in prayer. As a result, I will not be offering Mass in the AFC Monday through Thursday. The retreat master is a good an holy priest that I have the privilege of knowing already. I look forward to the days of prayer, rest, and laughter.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Friday, April 6, 2012
Way of the Cross 2012
Much has been said about the selection of the writers for this year's Way of the Cross held annually on Good Friday in the Coliseum. They are beautiful, prayerful, and poignant. From the Source - Way of the Cross 2012.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Minnesota Marriage Minute Past Episodes
Because I know that I didn't post all of the video links, here's the archive page for the videos. Minnesota Marriage Minute Past Episodes
Annulment
What is an annulment? At times, marriages fail. Every marriage enjoys the presumption of being sacramental until determined but a church court (called Tribunal) declares otherwise. A person who is divorced (a legal ending of married that does not affect the sacrament), more appropriately called a declaration of nullity, declares that a sacramental marriage never occurred, though of course a legal on did (assuming a marriage license was signed, and neither was legally married to someone else at the time, etc.) Because a sacrament did not occur, the person is free to marry. Annulments do not change the legal rights of children or affect the divorce decrees in any regard.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Is the HHS Taking Aim at Babies With Down Syndrome?
The more I hear of the so called Obamacare, the more I am convinced that it needs to be overturned. I have the privilege of knowing a number of families with down syndrome or other genetic disorders. The person with the disorder is still a person, still a life of tremendous value. The Families that understand this are beautiful - they have a profound openness to life, a profound holiness about them, and they love the child. We need to stop looking at the costs of 'living' and look at the cost of killing. Not only does abortion of a person with a genetic disorder kill the person, but it kills the souls of those involved.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Pastor's Notes 4/1
Dear Parishioners,
Happy Holy Week! I hope that you have set aside time to attend especially the Triduum services starting Thursday Evening. They are beautiful, and this year with the revised texts, I believe we will be celebrating them as if for the first time.
This week is given to us to become prepared for the celebration of Christ's Resurrection. We are to seek freedom from our sins always, but this is an most important time. In the past, the Church taught about the Easter Duty - to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation to to receive Holy Communion. I was asked about this recently, and I made the comment that the Church still has these requirements (they are two of the Precepts of the Church). In the past, people had to be reminded to go to Communion at least once a year. The prevailing sentiment was that they were not worthy, so they abstained. Now, it seems, too often people go to communion without properly examining themselves. At the same time, we have seen the frequency of Reconciliation decrease. Maybe we have lost the notion of sin, assuming we are still human and subject to the effects of original sin. The Triduum reminds us of the depth of our sin - that Christ would die on the Cross for us, that He would foreshadow that self-gift with the Eucharist in which He gives us His very flesh and blood to eat and drink, and that, in His resurrection, He reconciles us to our Heavenly Father. So, I again remind you - be reconciled to God. Come to the Sacrament of Reconciliation!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Happy Holy Week! I hope that you have set aside time to attend especially the Triduum services starting Thursday Evening. They are beautiful, and this year with the revised texts, I believe we will be celebrating them as if for the first time.
This week is given to us to become prepared for the celebration of Christ's Resurrection. We are to seek freedom from our sins always, but this is an most important time. In the past, the Church taught about the Easter Duty - to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation to to receive Holy Communion. I was asked about this recently, and I made the comment that the Church still has these requirements (they are two of the Precepts of the Church). In the past, people had to be reminded to go to Communion at least once a year. The prevailing sentiment was that they were not worthy, so they abstained. Now, it seems, too often people go to communion without properly examining themselves. At the same time, we have seen the frequency of Reconciliation decrease. Maybe we have lost the notion of sin, assuming we are still human and subject to the effects of original sin. The Triduum reminds us of the depth of our sin - that Christ would die on the Cross for us, that He would foreshadow that self-gift with the Eucharist in which He gives us His very flesh and blood to eat and drink, and that, in His resurrection, He reconciles us to our Heavenly Father. So, I again remind you - be reconciled to God. Come to the Sacrament of Reconciliation!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
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