This Week: Easter III

“"Knowing" Christ”  –Fr. Anthony Brueggemann

The Bishop’s Note
Blessed feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel! She is our Mother in a special way here at St. Gertrude the Great. About 16 years ago our church was in the midst of some pretty serious financial problems when a parishioner made a recommendation to Bishop Dolan that he should ask Our Lady for help. That kind soul even gave us an image of the Mother of Good Counsel, and Bishop started the twelve Sundays in her honor—a tradition we still continue today. Our Lady came through as she always does, and His Excellency kept promoting the devotion. His last tweet encouraged people to go to her. He died on her feast day. What a touching gesture on the part of Our Lady.

As you say a prayer to Mary, say a prayer for the re-pose of Bishop Dolan’s soul. Today marks four years since he entered eternity. We must never forget the good he has done for us throughout the years, and return that good by remembering his soul in our prayers. It is edifying to hear how often people visit the graves of Bishop Dolan and Fr. Cekada. God bless you for your charity and good example.

The school choir sang the Mass on the Solemnity of St. Joseph. They really did a great job! Oh, by the way, we might still have a few blessed St. Joseph Cords in the vestibule if you are interested. If you do not intend to use them, please leave them for someone who will. Along with the cord you will see a little leaflet explaining this wonderful devotion. Getting back to the topic of our school: they are planning a field trip to a little historical village on May 6th. I am sure that will be a most welcome break for them as the year winds down. It was a bit startling to hear that they only have about six weeks left before summer vacation. This year has passed very quickly.

Fr. Lehtoranta gave a good report about the First Communion Testing. Every child passed, and Our Lady’s Court has been selected. Isaac Brueggemann will be the crown-bearer and Grace Ball will crown Our Lady. I am proud of our little ones, as well as their parents and teachers!

Fr. Brueggemann’s parents were kind enough to bring their lamb, Margaret, on Good Shepherd Sunday last weekend. Margaret was a hit with the children! Casimir, lover of all animals, got his picture taken with her! Margaret is a little stinker though. Apparently, she got loose from her pin during one of the morning Masses and took off, the kids chasing her down the street to catch her! Eventually, she allowed herself to be caught. What an image of the Good Shepherd and His flock. Sometimes we, too, try to run away from Him, but He continues to pursue us and brings us back upon His shoulders. May we all allow our-selves to be caught by the Good Shepherd!

Stay with Our Lady of Good Counsel today. She will take care of all. She is our Mother, after all!

– Bishop McGuire

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