Dear Parishioners,
Our sympathy to the family and friends of Larry Soupir, and continued sympathy to the family of Phyllis Hengel (sorry again about printing the wrong name). May they rest in peace.
Congratulations to Baylor Matthew Samyn, son of Matt and Andrea, who is baptized this weekend.
I have been troubled lately by something that has been growing more common, and that is that some who are scheduled for liturgical ministries are simply not showing up or finding a replacement. This puts the burden on me to try to find people. I realize that this is a summer thing, but I really encourage you to be responsible to find people. Lectors should be have looked over the readings more than 5-10 minutes before Mass, and this is difficult if I have to ask. Servers, too, are increasingly rare. It does no good, either, to call me 15 minutes before Mass apologizing for not being there - I won't get the message until after Mass! Even if it seems so minor, the aid that liturgical ministers provide is important. Perhaps I do not say thank you enough, so that is why many find it easy to be irresponsible. I am thankful, though, and I am especially grateful to those who show as scheduled, find a replacement, or swap days with someone else. Please know my gratitude!
This Wednesday, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption, and it is a Holy Day of Obligation. We are having two Vigil Masses on Tuesday evening, and two on Wednesday. Please see the bulletin above for times and places.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
"Shouldn't the government get out of the business of regulating marriage and leave it to adults to decide marriage for themselves?"
New Marriage Minute Video Episode 31: "Shouldn't the government get out of the business of regulating marriage and leave it to adults to decide marriage for themselves?" | Minnesota for Marriage | MinnesotaForMarriage.com
No. Marriage is not merely a private matter that exists only for the benefit of adults. Marriage serves an intrinsically public purpose to provide for the care and development of the next generation.
No. Marriage is not merely a private matter that exists only for the benefit of adults. Marriage serves an intrinsically public purpose to provide for the care and development of the next generation.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Pastor's Notes for August 5
Dear Parishioners,
Our sympathy to the family of Phyllis Hengel. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
This week, I decided to write about one of my other hats than Pastor. For the past 8+ years, I have served as Chaplain to the only Serra Club (thus far) in our Diocese. It typically meets the first Thursday of every month at the Chapel of Divine Providence in Sleepy Eye. Serra is named after Blessed Junipero Serra, the missionary priest of the Pacific coast who founded 9 of the 36 original missions. The organization of Serra exists to assist those discern a vocation to the priesthood, deaconate, or religious life and those those already responding, as well as growing in their own vocations as lay Catholic men and women. It has been a consistent highlight of my month, to gather for rosary and Mass, a little social time, and a great program. The programs usually consist of either someone in a Church vocation already, sharing their vocation story, or of someone in the discerning stages, and their story thus far. These programs build up faith, give insight into what we might do to promote a culture of vocations, and encourage us to live our faith. Guests are always welcome to attend. I would like to add to the number of parishioners that are already members (Al Guetter, Jerry and Lucy Moldan, and Mike and Annette Rohlik). Come to a meeting to see what Serra is, or talk to one of the members.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Our sympathy to the family of Phyllis Hengel. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
This week, I decided to write about one of my other hats than Pastor. For the past 8+ years, I have served as Chaplain to the only Serra Club (thus far) in our Diocese. It typically meets the first Thursday of every month at the Chapel of Divine Providence in Sleepy Eye. Serra is named after Blessed Junipero Serra, the missionary priest of the Pacific coast who founded 9 of the 36 original missions. The organization of Serra exists to assist those discern a vocation to the priesthood, deaconate, or religious life and those those already responding, as well as growing in their own vocations as lay Catholic men and women. It has been a consistent highlight of my month, to gather for rosary and Mass, a little social time, and a great program. The programs usually consist of either someone in a Church vocation already, sharing their vocation story, or of someone in the discerning stages, and their story thus far. These programs build up faith, give insight into what we might do to promote a culture of vocations, and encourage us to live our faith. Guests are always welcome to attend. I would like to add to the number of parishioners that are already members (Al Guetter, Jerry and Lucy Moldan, and Mike and Annette Rohlik). Come to a meeting to see what Serra is, or talk to one of the members.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
“Canada Has Recognized Gay Marriage for Many Years. What Has Occurred There?"
Marriage Minute Video episode 30: “Canada Has Recognized Gay Marriage for Many Years. What Has Occurred There?" from Minnesota for Marriage.
Examples of the negative consequences impacting Canada after its decision to redefine marriage are far-reaching—from pre-kindergarten students, to clerics, to private and public employees, no aspect of society has been left unaffected.
Examples of the negative consequences impacting Canada after its decision to redefine marriage are far-reaching—from pre-kindergarten students, to clerics, to private and public employees, no aspect of society has been left unaffected.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Pastor's Notes for July 29
Dear Parishioners,
Thank God for the beautiful rain this last week. I hope that we get what we need for your crops and gardens.
I realized that I have not written previously of my taking advantage of Spiritual Direction. About once a month, I go to a priest spiritual director. I have found this personal time as extremely valuable and needed. There are times that I have gone where an issue has weighed so heavy on my mind and heart that I cannot see the way, and he helps me find clarity. There are other times where I have gone overwhelmed by joy that he has helped me praise the Lord in a coherent manner. The time I spend is never wasted and as I leave his office, I know that I am 'centered' again on the Lord. Spiritual direction, along with priest support groups (which I am not a part of), form an integral support for priests. Without at least one of these, many have simply turned in on themselves, turning ministry into drudgery. I am profoundly thankful for the opportunity to go, and my current director is excellent. Because he is at the King's House in Buffalo, and the parish in Buffalo was my teaching parish while I was in seminary, I also usually take the evening to visit with those who accompanied me in my time there. This group has helped me, too, tremendously.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Thank God for the beautiful rain this last week. I hope that we get what we need for your crops and gardens.
I realized that I have not written previously of my taking advantage of Spiritual Direction. About once a month, I go to a priest spiritual director. I have found this personal time as extremely valuable and needed. There are times that I have gone where an issue has weighed so heavy on my mind and heart that I cannot see the way, and he helps me find clarity. There are other times where I have gone overwhelmed by joy that he has helped me praise the Lord in a coherent manner. The time I spend is never wasted and as I leave his office, I know that I am 'centered' again on the Lord. Spiritual direction, along with priest support groups (which I am not a part of), form an integral support for priests. Without at least one of these, many have simply turned in on themselves, turning ministry into drudgery. I am profoundly thankful for the opportunity to go, and my current director is excellent. Because he is at the King's House in Buffalo, and the parish in Buffalo was my teaching parish while I was in seminary, I also usually take the evening to visit with those who accompanied me in my time there. This group has helped me, too, tremendously.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Civility in America
For those interested in asking our politicians to be more civil to each other and honestly discuss the issues, the Knights of Columbus has started a petition called Civility in America. Go there to learn more about it.
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