A Message from the Pastor…………………….
HELLO! To start with the last thing first, I want all to know the wonderful MONICAFEST we had last Friday the 7th! After two years of pandemic cancellations, we had a wonderful turnout on the parking lot and fields starting right at 5:30. Longtime parishioners turned out, and what was striking were how many newer parishioner families came out, with lots of children. The simple food (delicious brats!) was very popular. And the bounce houses, face painting, and balloon making were constantly busy. The interaction between “old and new” was so enlivening, they were glad to see each other. Also, the PTO held a well-attended Bonfire the previous week.
Then we had a successful WELCOMING MASS last Sunday at 9:30. Along with those recently registered, some came from a bit farther back who couldn’t make the last Welcoming event. This was joyous, to see the openness and joy of those joining our parish, happy to find a home here.
Parish leaders were there in the hall to welcome them into ministries.
All of the above has been, again, a joy, to experience a great community have so many new people join the community and be happy to do so.
About my midweek times away—I thank you, as always, for the support to make my annual RETREAT. I’ve found a great place to be literally in the desert, with people I know by now including a monastic community to pray with. I again prayed with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: I go over them constantly, getting new looks at my sinfulness, God’s mercy, and especially The Call of the King to work for his kingdom with all my energies and forces. I recommend them for your reflection, they’re available in many forms—books, articles, and audio talks. (The book by Ravier is great.) Below is a photo of the desert environment I was in Monday through Friday, for the third time.
And just last week I was on the ARCHDIOCESAN PRIESTS’ CONVOCATION held every four years. Over 200 priests gathered with Archbishop Rozanski for a week of sharing about our needs as a presbyterate, what would make us more supported and effective. I met a number of guys I barely knew. and shared good times with longtime friends and classmates. Of course, there was continual discussion of the All Things New potential changes. I myself had a few moments with the Archbishop, notably when he thanked me for my funeral homily for my friend and longtime partner in ministry, Fr. Bob Argent, who died last month at 92. I appreciate his sensitivity to me in this.
So, in both of these experiences I come back to you feeling not just refreshed, but centered, peaceful, and motivated.
Lastly, I urge you to take advantage of the Listening Sessions next week on the Archdiocesan All Things New planning project. If you are interested in the future of our parish, you need to be there if you can. A weak turnout will reflect badly on our corporate interest in the community’s future.
Fr. Sebastian
Fr. Sebastian