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.