Sundays 7:30, 9:00, 11:30 AM, and 5:45 PM
The Bishop’s Note
God is good, infinitely good! We have so many proofs and confirmations of this truth, both in the history of the world, and in our own personal lives that one would be foolish not to believe it with every fiber of his being. Today, First Communion Day for some of our children, is a fresh reminder of just how good God is to us. God gives Himself to these children as medicine for their souls, as food to keep them strong, and bestows so many graces of consolation. Knowing the weakness of man, his inconstancy, and fickleness, He feeds him with His own Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, in order to help him get to Heaven. Who are we to deserve it? But it is not to be questioned. God is good. I could repeat this all day long. God is good…and that is why He gives Himself in Holy Communion. Congratulations to our First Communicants. May they always be devoted to Our blessed Lord in the Holy Eucharist!
Corpus Christi Thursday was a spiritually refreshing day for all. How edifying to chant the entire Office with fellow priests in front of Our Lord. The Oblates attended the entire Office, too. The attendance at the different ceremonies was very good. May God reward you for your devotion to Him—I know He will.
Fr. Arnoldo, who has an apostolate in Tijuana and Mexicali, seems to be quite busy with his work. He has a lot of young souls with whom he works and is serious in teaching them their catechism. Sr. Guadalupe helps with that. I am very much looking forward to getting back out there to see Father and the children. Fr. Martín Gomez is preparing for my visit to Veracruz and Dos Rios in July for the chapel’s patronal feast and Confirmations. There are rumbles that Fr. Benegas, the priest whom I ordained over a year ago, might be coming, too. I look forward to seeing him again.
Bishop Sanborn’s anniversary of consecration was June 19th. However, he will have been a priest for 50 years on June 29th. This week, on the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, two of his seminarians will be ordained to the priesthood at Queen of Martyrs Church in Fraser, Michigan. Frs. McKenna, Brueggemann, and I plan to attend the ceremony and reception afterwards, while Frs. Lehtoranta and Simpson stay home to tend to things. Fr. Brueggemann then gets a much-deserved break and plans to go away on a little trip.
Our own seminarians have pretty much wrapped up the scholastic year, but will stay in Seattle through the retreat that begins on July 7th. Two of the seminarians, as I may have mentioned more than once already, will receive Clerical Tonsure at the end of the retreat. I believe that all three of them will be coming to St. Gertrude’s for much of the summer. We are all looking forward to seeing them.
The Sisters have been most helpful in getting a few projects done around church. Mostly, besides their own duties, they have been assisting me in unpacking the statues and books that the Sieverding family left us. The items that were on the “Free” table last week were from them. If you took anything please remember to say a prayer for the repose of the souls of Henry and Thelma Sieverding, and for the conversion of their children, who are such nice people. The Sisters are also helping to go through some of Fr. Thielen’s things, taking pictures of sacristy items to send to Fr. Mardones in Mexico City, who might want some of the items. The next big job is the cleaning of the garage. Thank you, Sisters!
The Oblate housing project is moving, but slowly. Plans are being submitted to various companies at this point as we try to find someone who will be able to build what we want at an affordable price and in a timely manner. It is a test of patience, to be sure, but all things come in God’s time. Keep asking St. Joseph to help us move things along in the right way.
Don’t forget the parish bonfire on Monday. The evening starts with Solemn High Mass and then a barbecue, as well as the Blessing of the Bonfire, Rosary, and campfire songs. It is always a fun evening with good friends. Come one and all!
– Bishop McGuire
P.S. A big thank you to our choir and organist for their part in the worship of the true God. We look forward to having you back in September!
Support this Mass by supporting our apostolate! Are you a regular member of our internet congregation? If so, please consider donating online using the "Donate" button. You may also mail a check to the address below. May God reward your generosity!
See the sgg weekly bulletin for a list of services. Are there Spiritual Benefits from Internet Masses?