The Bishop’s Note
Last week’s note was a short one, not so much for lack of news, but more so for lack of time. Fr. McKenna had to compile the Lenten insert and Theresa did pretty much the entire bulletin, including the schedule. I only had to give a few minor instructions. I never have to really worry about pastoral issues when I am away since the other Fathers are so conscientious about them. It is so nice to have people around who are willing to take care of those things should the need arise.
The choir has been quite busy preparing for Holy Week. I wish everyone knew just how much work they put into all the ceremonies. The organist and choir members really do not get enough credit for what they do. They have a practice each Wednesday evening, a Schola practice on Saturday, not to mention all the practice time they put in at home. It is a thankless task, but one which is truly done for the love of God. The reward that He will give is far greater than any payment we could give. Still, a thank you from time to time goes a long way. So, thank you to each and every one who helps with the music, singing, and chanting!
Sister Eulalia takes good care of the sacristy. Holy Week is one of the most stressful weeks of the year for the sacristan. In small parishes, the priest is often the sacristan, too. I could not imagine having to do the sacristy work on top of all the other ceremonies and sermons though! We are grateful to Sister, too, for taking a load of work off of our shoulders. Oh! Sister got a new vacuum cleaner last week since the other one finally gave up the ghost. I think getting the new sweeper made her day!
Monday and Tuesday were quite eventful days on the playground. One boy took a hard fall and scraped his face pretty badly, but he recovered quickly. Then two little girls were sneakily standing right behind me as I was watching some other students playing pickle ball. Not knowing they were right behind me, I backed up and tripped over them, almost falling over into a big puddle and bringing them down with me! Thankfully, our Angels were watching and helped me to catch my balance, thus sparing two girls and injury and my having to get a cassock dry cleaned a little earlier than planned.
It’s Holy Week now! The world will try to get you distracted with temporal matters, but do not forget that this is the most sacred week of the entire year. Our Lord came down from heaven to earth to suffer and to die for our sins. This is the week in which the human race was reconciled to His Heavenly Father, and in which we were ransomed from the devil. As much as possible, let this thought fill your mind. And if you haven’t made the best of Lent, remember that you can make up for it during this week if only you won’t let it slip through your fingers. Come to an extra ceremony or two, at least. With a little imagination, and a little planning, it can be done.
Blessed Holy Week to you all!
– Bishop McGuire