The Bishop’s Note
It sure is nice to see the weather starting to change, isn’t it?! It is that strange period when the weather cannot make up its mind, being warm one day and cold the next. Still, it is changing from bitterly cold January winter. The cats are going outside more, which is always a sign of better weather. A pack of coyotes was heard Monday night, and I even saw one up by the rectory as I was on my way back from locking up the church after choir practice. Nature is enjoyable to watch this time of year. Spring will be here before you know it!
Fr. Contreras wrote to remind me that March 6th was the third anniversary of Bishop Morello’s death. Bishop Morello was the bishop taking care of the Company of Jesus and Mary. Say a prayer for the late Bishop Morello’s soul, as well as Fr. Contreras and his priests. It will be three years on April 26th, the feast of the Mother of Good Counsel, since our own Bishop Dolan died. The time seems to have gone by so fast, yet so slowly. We miss our bishops very much, and while we must look with gratitude to the past, we must always keep our eyes fixed on the future with the desire to do only that which Our Lord wishes us to do. Onward and upward!
This past week was a busy one for so many of our church volunteers, and it was edifying to see them sacrificing so much of their time, even changing schedules to make it work. Generally, things stay quite busy in the sacristy and sanctuary from Friday evening through Sunday evening. That is a given! But our workers kept themselves on the proverbial conveyor belt this entire week without a break. Choir rehearsals, extra sacristy set up, school planning, seminary teaching, etc. It might not look any different when seen in writing, but it was quite a lot in real life. A big thank you to everyone! Your sacrifices will certainly be rewarded.
Fr. McKenna left for the missions last Tuesday even though he was under the weather. Poor Father doesn’t get sick often, but when he does it is usually for one of his big mission trips. This time was no different. Fr. Lehtoranta wasn’t feeling well this past week either. Oh, and Dr. Stanislowski, our school principal, was out for a few days, too! I sure hope the rest of our clergy, oblates, and helpers stay healthy!
I hope you have found a good St. Alphonsus book to read for Lent. His writings are some of the best spiritual treasures that can be found! May St. Alphonsus help us by his intercession to have a grace filled Lent!
– Bishop McGuire