“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.