Father’s Column – October 20, 2019

Posted on October 20, 2019 View all news

Laudetur Jesus Christus! Gelobt sei Jesus Christus!
Sia lodato Gesù Cristo! Praised be Jesus Christ! 

I want to thank, in a massive way, everyone who helped in any way with our big week last week and today! We had many events all week; it was all very beautiful but also very tiring. Without everyone’s help, it would not have been possible. I pray that the graces that we obtained for ourselves, and our parishes will help form saints. Just like our newly canonized St. John Henry Newman.

There was so much that went on in the background, that it is impossible to thank everyone. But from the help I received for the hugely successful banquet, the Pontifical Mass, the Eucharistic Procession, and the Fall Italian Dinner, I can’t thank you enough. Much work went into the desserts, into the serving practices, into the organizations for the parking and seating, into the carrying of the altar around for the procession, into each ravioli, and every ounce of sauce. Know that each of you are in my prayers as we continue to strive to keep our parishes vibrant and proclaiming Christ as king.

Luckily for each of us, things will slow down a bit after today. If you don’t have plans today, please come to the Original Ravioli Dinner at Sacred Heart. The carryout line will open around 10:30 a.m., and the dining room will open around 12:00 noon. Dinner is $12 for adults and $5 for kids. This will be an excellent way to round out a busy week by not having to prepare dinner tonight!

I would like to publicly thank Fr. Philip Johnson, who had been staying with us the past month to discern an Oratorian vocation. Fr. Johnson left this past Friday to return to his home diocese. He was a big help to us while he visited, and I know he got to meet many of you. Please remember him in your prayers as he discerns the will of God.

Please note that in a few weeks, we will have the Feast of All Saints’. This day is a Holy Day of Obligation; the Mass schedule is in the bulletin today. The following day is All Souls’ Day. Please watch the bulletin for the Mass schedule next week. Beyond that, we will be preparing and waiting for the start of Advent.

There has been a lot of activity and a lot of change the past few months, especially with the departure of Fr. Lawrence. I want to begin a parish consecration to the Blessed Virgin, to keep us focused. The consecration will take place on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin. The consecration preparation will begin on November 3. If you would like to join me in this consecration, please buy the ‘Consecration to Mary’ book by Angelus Press. We will follow the de Montfort method. More details will be available soon, but please order the book now so that it is here on time.

Thank you to everyone again for all your hard work and also your patience with me. Please remember me in your prayers and be assured of my prayers daily.