Note from Father
The weather here all week long has been warm, but still quite nice. The skies have been blue, the sun has been shining, there has been a light little breeze. It was nice not having to worry about whether or not our Fatima Rosary Procession could take place outdoors…no umbrella needed, just maybe some sunscreen.
Bishop McGuire and all the priests spent last week out in Seattle, where the Bishop conducted the annual clerical retreat. I am sure it was an incredible and spiritually rejuvenating time for all the priests and one which is certainly well deserved for all their hard work. Following the retreat, they all scattered to various places to share the fruits of what they have gained in their time of prayer, meditation, and attending spiritual conferences. Bishop McGuire traveled to Colorado for Confirmations at Fr. Peter Raleigh’s chapel, Fr. Simpson heads to Milwaukee and then to the northern missions, Fr. Brueggemann travels to Dallas, and Fr. Lehtoranta has come back here to St. Gertrude’s to help me for the weekend. It’s a bit ironic that the only person who hasn’t had to travel this past week and during this weekend has been me! I stayed here to hold down the fort.
In writing the note for this week’s bulletin, I realize that I probably need to cover the usual bulletin subjects. I spoke about the weather at the outset, so this means that it is now time to talk about the cats. Surprisingly, I haven’t really seen them too often. The nice weather has them wanting to spend their days outside. They occasionally come in to get a quick bite to eat, but often then hurry right back outside. Even coming in for a meal has been inconsistent for the two cats. I think they are finding food via hunting on the property. I witnessed the fat cat catch a bunny and later a bird all on the same day! Of course, cats are basically psychopaths, so it wasn’t enough to catch and slay the critters, but he dragged out the process. I saw him tossing the bird up in the air and than catching it with his paws. When fat cat eats food inside the house, he basically inhales it in seconds; however, apparently when it comes to living food, he has all the time in the world.
This upcoming week, we have our annual girl’s camp, starting on Tuesday. It’s always a wonderful time of games, crafts, friends, and time for Mass and prayers. Hopefully the weather will be as favorable next week as it is this week. While we are always able to find a workaround to ensure everyone has a great time if it rains, it is much more enjoyable if everyone can go out and have some fun in the sun!
– Fr. McKenna