The Bishop’s Note
The school year is winding down here at St. Gertrude’s— their last day of class is in two Fridays. Still, this coming month of June will be one of the busiest of the year as far as ceremonies and feast days are concerned. Confirmations, Pentecost Week, Trinity Sunday Graduations, Corpus Christi and its Octave, First Holy Communion, the parish bonfire, the feasts of the Sacred Heart and Saints Peter and Paul all occur in June, thus making for a later than usual year for big ceremonies. Though many will begin their break from school it is not yet time to take a break from church. But what am I saying?! There is never a time to take a break from churchgoing! Shall we see you at these wonderful events?
We have lost one of our faithful MCs. Thomas Lawrence left to become a Brother with the CMRI this past week. He is a very good young man and will be missed. Our number of MCs is down by one now, which will make it a little more difficult for the big ceremonies. However, I am confident that our other MCs will continue their excellent work in the sanctuary. We have a very enthusiastic group of servers, always ready to serve another Mass like their patron St. John Berchmans. May their love for the true worship of God continue throughout their whole life.
I want to thank those of you who sent me a card for my anniversary of consecration. Above all, I thank you for your prayers. It is so very encouraging to have such charitable parishioners. We priests and bishops depend on your prayers an awful lot. Know that your kindnesses are recognized and that we pray for you in return.
The Catholic Mothers’ Consortium (CMC) took place last Tuesday. Some say it was the best one yet. I did notice that everyone seemed to be extra chatty! Actually, it was quite nice to see all of the mothers enjoying one another’s company. Come to think of it, the St. Monica Club meeting on Thursday also seemed to go well, and it was gratifying to see some of them return to the social hall after the conference and prayers and continue talking with one another. The social aspect of these groups is very important, especially since we do not live in a world where we can freely and without danger associate closely with people outside of our Catholic circles. Thank God for good Catholic friends!
This week is a week of prayer. Today’s Gospel reminds us of this, and Holy Mother Church makes it a week of prayer as the Rogation, or asking, Days fall on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. We also have the Holy Day on Thursday and begin the Pentecost Novena on Friday. I hope to see you on the Rogation Days. Remember, we are supposed to bring all of our intentions to Our Lord on those days so that when He ascends to Heaven He will take all of them to His Father. Now, I know you all have some intentions you have been praying for! So come join us for the processions and give them to Our Lord!
– Bishop McGuire