Bishop’s Note
This month of September is always a beautiful one in so many ways. The cooler evenings make for a pleasant time outside and a better night’s sleep. One can sense that autumn is not long in coming. But it is also the time when a more stable routine returns for us here at St. Gertrude the Great. The summers are hectic with travel, camps, retreats, and similar things. September means the start of our school and a more regular schedule as far as traveling goes.
Speaking of travel, the last couple of weeks have been anything but regular for the Fathers! I was away on vacation for the last two Sundays and returned home for two days only to turn around and leave for St. Hugh of Lincoln to administer the sacrament of Confirmation. Normally, it isn’t a good idea to be away for so many weekends in a row, but it cannot always be helped—we have so many places that need our attention these days. Next month, for example, Confirmations will be given in Boston and Connecticut; and in November I plan to go to Mexico, and finally to France in January. I digress! Fr. McKenna’s grandfather passed away last week, which meant that Father had to go to Boston—please keep the soul of his grandfather, Richard, in your prayers. Father managed still to take care of the Milwaukee chapel, thankfully. However, Fr. Brueggemann covered for him at Holy Face Mission and Fr. Simpson is going to Dallas, Austin, and El Paso in his stead this weekend. I am edified by the young Fathers’ patience with all of the last-minute schedule changes.
Fr. Lehtoranta and Fr. Brueggemann await their seminary teaching schedule, but this should be ready soon. Fr. Lehtoranta was able to take a day or two to go to Pennsylvania to meet some of the cast from the old television program Little House on the Prairie. He even had breakfast with them! It was good for Father to get away one last time before school. At this time he is normally working on a few other big projects, too, such as the yearly Ordo which so many of our priests look forward to receiving. It is really the best one that exists today since it is modeled after the old Cincinnati Ordos from before the Council. Speaking of projects, Father recently finished writing a book about St. Therese and how she overcame sadness and depression. It was originally intended to be an article, but just kept growing and growing until it became a book! I have begun reading it and it is most interesting—and is quite an easy read. Thank you very much for writing this book, Father!
Poor Fr. McKenna has been dragging his tail feathers with so much travel and the death of his grandfather. He is home today and will be here next weekend as well to ensure that he isn’t too overwhelmed with travel. Besides, he is very useful in so many ways and we don’t often have him here for very long.
School has begun, as I mentioned. It is always so great to see the children together again. We have quite a few new students. Sr. Ulrica commented that the first graders she has this year are more well-behaved than in years past. When she arrived on the first day the students were already quietly sitting at their desks ready to begin the day. Note, those children were in Mrs. Swinney’s kindergarten class last year. She always did keep a well-ordered classroom and the children were well disciplined, while at the same time the children always knew that their teacher loved them. The fruit of Mrs. Swinney’s work is apparent. We are still very thankful to her for her dedicated work.
We are still house shopping for the Oblates’ new home. Some kind souls sent in some of their findings, but none of the options will work since we need a house that will allow for growth. We have three oblates at this time, with two more who are interested. They cannot come until there is a house since they are both from out of state. We aren’t looking for a big house, just something that will house them comfortably and allow for some growth. Close to church and in a safe neighborhood.
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, our seminary in Seattle, begins next week. Poncho Capetillo returns and seems to be quite happy at the seminary. Christopher Brueggemann also leaves for the seminary this year. Keep both of them in your prayers. How sorely we need priests, holy and well-trained priests, these days! You are in my prayers!
– Bishop McGuire