The Bishop’s Note
This month of the Sacred Heart has been a wonderful one thus far. Certainly, it has brought many crosses for so many of you, but this must not discourage you. The cross is a token of God’s love and is often a sign that many graces are on the way. The Gift of Wisdom teaches us to relish the cross. We might not quite be at the point of rejoicing in our trials, but at least we should be able to bear them patiently and in reparation to the Sacred Heart.
From what I have heard, the Girls’ Camp was a success. I am looking forward to getting more of the details though. Fifty young ladies attended this year! That is a lot! Theresa wrote that everyone had to move into Helfta Hall due to the tornado warnings. Thank goodness no harm was done, though I believe a tornado was in the area of Hamilton and another actually touched down on the same street where one of our parishioners lives, destroying a few houses yet leaving theirs untouched. The angels were on duty that night!
The weather in Seattle was sunny and pleasant, making for a cheery few days during the retreat. This year’s theme was the Holy Ghost and His seven Gifts. It is a really rich subject for preaching. I had no idea how interesting the topic is. It really opens up a whole new world for the spiritual life. At the end of the retreat, Chris Brueggemann received Clerical Tonsure, while Josh Balancio and Poncho Capetillo received the Minor Orders of Porter and Lector. It was nice to see Mr. and Mrs. Capetillo and their son Ben there. Fr. Brueggemann did an excellent job leading the ceremonies. Some of the Brueggemanns, Arlinghauses, and Hudsons were there to serve in the sanctuary or assist in the pews. How very edifying! The seminarians still have a few more weeks in Seattle where they will help Fr. Ercoli with Boys’ Camp, and a roofing project. Bishop Sanborn is also paying them a visit next weekend and will do Confirmations while he is there. One of the seminarians, Peter Gray, will be spending much of July with us here at St. Gertrude’s.
Fr. Benegas is with us this weekend. Father is the first and only priest whom I have ordained. He is from Argentina, but works in Guadalajara, Mexico with Fr. Manuel Odriz. He doesn’t know much English, but he has been wanting to visit our church for some time. Unfortunately, I was not able to be here when he arrived, but good ole Fr. Simpson has kept him entertained.
Fr. Lehtoranta has been working diligently on attaining his American citizenship, but the paperwork did not get processed in time for him to be able to go back to Finland for his vacation. Poor Father! Say a prayer for him. It must be hard to cancel his trip after he was looking forward to it so much. Hopefully, he will be able to visit his native land soon.
Don’t forget the parish bonfire on the Vigil of St. John the Baptist! Our Rosary processions have been lightly attended these last two months, but I trust that we will have good attendance at the Solemn Mass, barbecue, and the traditional blessing of the bonfire!
— Bishop McGuire