“Shouldn’t churches be free to define their own religious marriages but stay out of how civil marriage is decided?”

New Marriage Minute Video:“Shouldn’t churches be free to define their own religious marriages but stay out of how civil marriage is decided?” | Minnesota for Marriage | MinnesotaForMarriage.com (episode 22)
Here's the Quick answer:
No. It is impossible to have two societal definitions of marriage, one that is recognized by churches and one that is recognized by government.

Pastor's notes for May 27

Dear Parishioners,
Our sympathy to the family of Linus Goblirsch. May he rest in peace.
Special thanks to the roofing crew who worked so hard to replace the rectory roof last weekend, and to Heiling Construction for replacing the rectory windows this week. With all this activity on the house, people might start talking! It was time for both. This last winter, it was more apparent to me that the windows especially needed to be replaced. During one of the northern winds, out of curiosity, lit a match near the closed window and watched the wind blow it out.
This last week, the Statue of the Blessed Mother in front of St. Mary's and the gate of the cemetery were painted. along with much stone works (straightened, repaired, and polished) Thanks to all who help with this project.
I have been hearing rumblings of complaints that I am not doing enough to serve the sick and elderly. I agree! The sad reality is that I am limited in my time. I do not wish to be snarky, but I am not omniscient and omnipresent! In the past, there were some who were hospitalized that I did not hear about until after they were home. Please note, there is an interesting dynamic at play as to hospitalization: Hospital staff are no longer allowed to call pastors unless you specifically ask them to call the specific pastor, and so often everyone just simply assumes that someone told me you were hospitalized that no one tells me! If I hear of someone who is in the hospital and I can fit a visit into my schedule (unless I start canceling Masses and other appointments, this is necessary), I go. Please call me if you want a visit! Remember, there are 600+ Households in our AFC, and each of them should have a visit, but I am unable to do so without having something fall out of the schedule. It is easier for you to call me if you want a visit than for me to make random calls to see who wants a visit! Remember, too, it was not many years ago that there were 4 or more priests serving these four parishes, now there is only one serving at 80% ( with the other 20% vocations), and I have no difficulty already logging about 70-80 hours a week. Certainly, one can not expect the same level of service from one that was formerly given by 4!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd

“Is it true that Minnesota’s marriage law has no rational basis and only exists because of moral animosity toward gays and lesbians?”

Minnesota For Marriage Releases New Marriage Minute Video: “Is it true that Minnesota’s marriage law has no rational basis and only exists because of moral animosity toward gays and lesbians?” (Episode 21)

Pastor's Notes for May 20

Dear Parishioners,
Congratulations to Melissa Altermatt and Matthew Tews who are united in Marriage this weekend. May the Lord bless you with many happy years. Congratulations, as well, to Kinley Jo Johanneck, daughter of Tim and Abby, who will be baptized this Sunday noon at St. Mary's. And also congratulations to our Area Faith Community seniors who are going to be graduating. We recognize them this weekend, thanking God for their education, gifts, and talents, and ask His blessing on them as they go forth from their families to college, work, or other pursuits.
This last week, we had our annual Presbytery Day - a day that the priests of the diocese gather for prayer, meetings, and fellowship. It usual involves a 'hot-topic' presentation. This year, we heard about the fourth Plan for Parishes. Work is progressing on it, and despite being 'overdue' since 2008, the delay is good as it will be have a solid basis in theology, canon law, and human dynamics. We will most likely experience few changes as we are already functioning fairly well with 1 pastor and four parishes. There was the recommendation of further centralization of services to cut down on the demands of the priests. In our AFC, again, I think that this will be at a minimum. Masses are rotated well. We were reminded longer ago to look at the number of masses in each AFC and attempt to cut to 3 per priest. I stated then and still firmly hold that to cut to 3 Masses, however we would attempt it, would be unlikely. I was reminded that having 4 weekend Masses in turn makes it difficult to get a priest (and I was advised to get two) to cover if I would be away for vacation or in my case vocations events. All in all, the meeting was productive, and more will be coming shortly about consultative phases of this Plan.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd

“Aren’t churches really motivated by hatred for gays and lesbians? They say that homosexuality is a sin.”

New Marriage Minute Video: “Aren’t churches really motivated by hatred for gays and lesbians? They say that homosexuality is a sin.” | Minnesota for Marriage | MinnesotaForMarriage.com (Episode 20)

“Isn’t it wrong for churches to be involved in the campaign? What about separation of church and state?”

Minnesota For Marriage Releases New Marriage Minute Video: “Isn’t it wrong for churches to be involved in the campaign? What about separation of church and state?” | Minnesota for Marriage | MinnesotaForMarriage.com (episode 19)

Homophobia-phobia

A great article that ought to encourage us to continue to work for the Constitutional amendment define marriage as between one man and one woman: Homophobia-phobia from the NCRegister.com.

Pastor's notes for 5/13

Dear Parishioners,
Our sympathy to Audrey Turbes and family on the death of her sister Gretchen's husband, and the Lensing family on the death of their cousin. May they rest in peace.
Happy Mother's Day! I hope that all mothers are properly honored this weekend. I will have spent Friday evening with my mom and family in anticipation of the day since my sisters both work Sunday evening. With the first copies of my book, my mom remarked that my parent's must not have been all that helpful for me. I whole-heartedly disagreed (though with my father, it is perhaps debatable). While I know that things were not perfect, my mom helped me in immeasurable ways. In fact, she is the source of one of the greatest attitudes toward decision-making I have every heard, and I quote her frequently, too. After stating my uncertainty about going to a particular college freshman year, she simply stated that my decision might not have to be right forever, just right for now. What a wise saying! It has helped me time and again - what is the right decision now, trusting that each one is leading me to God's will forever. This is the beauty of a good mother - to help her children make wise and holy decisions in the concrete. Mothers, thank you for helping your children do that!
We received the bid for the landscaping around St. Mathias, which will include the removal of some of the old and straggly trees, planting of some larger (4" trunks) trees, and seeding. Hopefully, we will have that done soon. This will be primarily paid for out of the Capital campaign monies (thanks to all who contributed), but if there is someone who wishes to make a donation toward a tree, please make it known!
In Christ,
Fr. Todd

A Parent's Guide for Vocations eBook through Kindle Store

I was able to get my Parent's Guide for Vocations adapted to the Kindle. I also was able to add a "Look inside" feature, so you can see the Table of Contents, Index, and random pages.

Pastor's Notes for May 6

Dear Parishioners,
This weekend we have the last video of the Catholicism series. It has been good to see so many people coming. We would be willing to offer more things like this to help you grow in your faith, so please see the survey form printed in this bulletin and turn it in as soon as possible. One thing that I think would be 'fun' is to watch a faith-based movie. I have the movie "The 13th Day" based on the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. It is a beautiful movie, filmed mostly in black-and-white, with beautiful music. I am deeply moved, especially in one scene, of the innocence and openness to God of the three seers. We will watch that on May 14th (following the 6:30 pm Mass) at St. Anne's, the day after the 95th anniversary of the first apparition. Please share with family and friends. The movie is 85 minutes long, for those curious, and I would say it is suitable for 2nd grade and up.
This week, I gave final approval to publish my book, after seeking permission of Bishop LeVoir. I am really pleased with the book, at least for now. Bishop LeVoir is extremely happy, and we are both hoping that this will help the parents of our seminarians and religious, as well as inspire other parents (and grandparents) to aid their children in discerning a vocation. The book is technically 'self-published' meaning I do not have a traditional publisher, and they will be printed as needed. It is already available at Amazon or directly from the printer A Parent's Guide for Vocations -Note well: For the Readers of this blog (not in the bulletin) use code 9N9MQ8XC on the check out to get it for $4.50 instead of $6!). I received copies on Saturday, and it looks great!
With that task done, I am looking forward to my next personal 'project' of converting my slide presentation of the Holy Land to a PowerPoint. So far, all I have is the slides scanned and titled, but they are not organized or imported into a presentation.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd

Parent's Guide for Vocations Update

I just got copies of my book A Parent's Guide for Vocations - I reset the price for $6, but use code 9N9MQ8XC on the check out to get it for $4.50!). I will be giving the parents of our Diocesan seminarians and young women religious a copy.
Not to boast, but the book looks great!!! It is good to see the fruits of my labor, and to hold it in my hands!

Appeals Judge Stops Planned Parenthood Injunction - ABC News

Does Planned Parenthood have a "right" to federal and state funds? They say they do, and with the HHS Mandate pending, it seems that the current administration agrees. Here's an article that supports my initial statement.
Appeals Judge Stops Planned Parenthood Injunction
A federal appeals judge says he will examine whether the state has a right to deny funding to Planned Parenthood.

Judge Jerry Smith granted the state an emergency stay less than 24 hours after a federal judge in Austin ordered Texas not to enforce a law banning Planned Parenthood from participating in the Women's Health Program.

The order is the latest development in a dispute over which criteria Texas can impose on a health care provider that participates in state programs for the poor.

Texas lawmakers don't want any state funding to go to clinics affiliated with abortion providers, even if they don't provide abortions and are legally separate from those that do.

Planned Parenthood has sued to stop the law, saying it violates the group's rights.

“Aren’t committed gay and lesbian relationships just the same as marriage relationships?”

Minnesota For Marriage Releases New Minnesota Marriage Minute Video: “Aren’t committed gay and lesbian relationships just the same as marriage relationships?” | Minnesota for Marriage | MinnesotaForMarriage.com (episode 18)

It is Finished!!!

I have just finished my book for parents entitled A Parent's Guide for Vocations, and it is available at CreateSpace and Amazon.com.