Our Holy Father: It’s been a joy to see the excitement around Pope Francis’ visit. We rang the bells at 4 p.m. last Tuesday to announce his arrival on U.S. territory. This past Wednesday morning I was on Channel 25 with our own Joel Feick on the early morning show discussing our Holy Father’s visit.
Back to Rome: Speaking of Pope Francis, I leave for Rome this Tuesday. I will be back early next week. The reason for going: seminarian Brian Lenz, who spent a summer here a few years ago, is getting ordained a deacon on October 1st at St. Peter’s Basilica. Brian asked me to vest him, which is simply having the honor of putting on his stole and dalmatic as part of the diaconate rite.
Our Oldest Priest dies: On September 20 the eldest priest of our diocese, Msgr. Anthony Majchrowski of All Saints in Flint, died at the age of 96. He was ordained in 1944. Amazingly, he moved to All Saints in 1946 and has stayed there ever since. That’s 69 years in the same parish!
A hidden gift: Last week I noticed all the colored flags and banners were changed in time to celebrate different feasts in our Church. I found out that parishioner Jim Otis was responsible for doing this, usually late at night. Thank you, Jim, for your hidden service!
Some staff changes: Mark Stockoski, our business manager, has taken another job and is currently helping our parish on a limited basis. Meanwhile, our parish is blessed to have two former Holy Family School alumni now working for us. Ann Tabereaux has taken the position of Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations at our school while Nicole Urbanik is the Special Projects Coordinator for our parish. They are both very welcome additions.
Weekend: Besides being here for a couple Masses this weekend, I will also preside at a wedding at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Westphalia on Saturday. On Sunday I will also attend the 150th anniversary Mass at St. Michael’s Parish in Maple Grove, the parish I grew up in.
40 Days for Life: Thanks to all of you who are participating in the 40 Days for Life, which started on Tuesday, September 22nd. I still recall the words of Blessed Mother Teresa, “a country that kills its unborn through abortion will not survive.” We are thankful, too, that so many women who have regretted having their abortions have received
God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Have a blessed week and be assured of my ongoing prayers.
Msgr. Jerry
Saint quote of the week:
“Even though the poor are often rough and unrefined, we must not judge them from external appearances nor from the mental gifts they seem to have received. On the contrary, if you consider the poor in the light of faith, then you will observe that they are taking the place of the Son of God who chose to be poor.”
St. Vincent DePaul