Pentecost VI
Our Bonfire, on the night of the Vigil of St. John the Baptist
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THE SUMMER NOVENA
TO OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP
WITH THE THIRTEEN TUESDAYS OF ST. ANTHONY
JUNE 14 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
Download Prayers
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Daily Sermons
June 3 – Bp. Dolan – What IS a Sister of Reparation?
June 13 – Bp. Dolan – The Lost Saint
June 22 – Fr. Lehtoranta – Girls’ Camp I: Rebecca
June 23 – Fr. Lehtoranta – Girls’ Camp II: Anna
June 24 – Fr. Lehtoranta – Grils’ Camp III: St. Elisabeth
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✠ The Bishop’s Corner ✠
Sunday attendance is down of late, but some are away for summer vacation of course, and our numbers do fluctuate due to many visitors all year long. But the great news is the wonderful—and growing—attendance for the Tuesday Mass and Novena, “two rails full,” as we say. I know Fr. Cekada is so appreciative of your prayers and support. Father is having his second session of chemo as I write this, and should be on the mend this week. But it is God who grants the miracle for which we perseveringly pray. Thanks for your prayers.
Thanks again to all of our “mulchers” who came the other Friday for some much appreciated grounds work. It ended up being a very pleasant day. As I write this, we are preparing for our traditional St. John’s Eve, inside and out. Report to follow, but thanks are always in order.
We are busy this summer! Last week, too, saw our Girls’ Camp. With the Sisters from Florida and campers from Canada, we spanned the breadth of north to south for this admirable apostolate. Due to travel some of our bulletin news will be a little late, but eventually we’ll catch up on all of these happy events.
One of our families will be heading for Florida this week for Fr. Eldracher’s ordination, carrying all of our good wishes and prayers for this new priest. I am happy to share an ordination date with Fr. Eldracher. Wednesday, June 29, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul will be my fortieth anniversary, Fr. Cekada’s thirty-ninth, and Bishop Sanborn’s forty first. Thank you for your prayers for priests.
Bishop Sanborn’s episcopal consecration anniversary was last Sunday, June 19. His Excellency has developed an excellent European apostolate and network of priests with whom he works. At the same time, this very busy prelate is forming fine new priests at the seminary. He reports a very full house for September’s new school year. We are edified by his dedication, and very grateful for all of his work. Do support our seminary.
A question recently came up about the status of those Catholics who attempt marriage outside the church. Such a marriage would be invalid, and if one goes to a non-Catholic minister, there is an excommunication attached in addition to the obvious mortal sin.
It would be gravely sinful furthermore to cooperate with the sin of another by attending, celebrating (cards or gifts) or participating in such an affair. Catholics do not take part in or encourage mortal sin. They mourn it, all the more so when committed by a close family member.
Sometimes out of a misguided sense of love parents actually permit couples living in sin to live in the family home, or on their property. What is this but cooperating in the mortal sin of another and possibly sewing the seeds for the same sin in the next generation? (This is known as generational sin.) Gently but firmly, parents and family must make it clear that they could never approve of such sinful living arrangements. Certainly this whole issue must be handled with much tact and prudence. Talk to a priest for your own particular case. Let us work together for our dear children. Most of all, persevere in prayer.
Don’t forget First Friday and its All Night Adoration. What a great way to begin the much vaunted “Fourth of July weekend,” on our knees in a vigil of prayer before Jesus in the Sacred Host. If you’re in town, please come! Men, let us know if you will miss your Guard of Honor. May others show up and add to the power of our prayer for our families, our country, and our sick.
There was a wonderful double rainbow Wednesday evening June 15th after the storm passed through. It is sad to consider that so beautiful a symbol of peace between God and Man should be coopted by the conspiracy which seeks to destroy both, a conspiracy backed by our government as well as modern culture. Fr. McKenna reports he saw the American Embassy in Prague draped with such a “rainbow flag.” Well, let us simply redouble our efforts to ransom peace by good uncompromising Christian lives as well as by reparatory prayer.
May the Sacred Heart have reason to bless you and your home, for His image honored there.
—Bishop Dolan