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