Pastor’s Letter: May 28, 2023

Pastor’s Letter: May 28, 2023

26 May 2023 | Posted by: chadmin

The May 28 bulletin is available online.

Dear friend,

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! We take this time each year to remember those who died while serving in the military. As a Christian, I often think how unfortunate it is that we need a military. We all know the reality of the world and the reality of human conflict. This reality mandates that we provide protection. All of us know people who have served or are currently serving in our military. Many of us have loved ones who died during service. This time of year is a great opportunity to join in prayer of thanksgiving for the willing sacrifice of time, love, and sometimes lives of our armed forces. Please continue to pray for those who are currently in service throughout the world, that they will return home safely. As we honor our fallen heroes this Monday, may we thank God for the gift of our freedom and ask for the courage and strength to respect this freedom by the way we speak, act and live.

On Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 10:30 am, Deacon Patrick Wille will be ordained a priest by Bishop Lou Tylka.  Fr. Patrick will then celebrate his First Mass at 4:30 pm on Saturday as well as celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, May 28 at 9 am. Both of these Masses will be at St. Philomena. Depending on when you read this letter, you can make plans to attend. This past week our school kids held a pep rally for Patrick as he prepared for ordination. This allowed Patrick to receive the love and support of our school community; but, also for Patrick to inspire some future priests from our student body. For us as a parish, it is a true blessing to have one of our men ordained as a priest. Several priests were ordained from St. Philomena in the past, but the local Church needs us to continue providing men suitable for ordination. Please join me in thanking Fr. Patrick for his willingness to serve, while encouraging other men to follow in his footsteps.

Our school year ended Friday after the all school Mass at 9 am. Hard to believe another year comes to a close. Each year is such a blessing to the life of our parish. I am so deeply thankful for the families who entrust their kids to our care. We are all so indebted to the service of our principal, Jack Dippold, and the tremendous faculty and staff in our school. While all of us can grow as Christians, I am very confident in saying that we have not only a gifted staff but one that is truly dedicated to the physical, spiritual, and intellectual growth of our children. We truly have a great school and it starts with our faculty and staff. As we enter summer, we pray for time of rest and renewal, but also in thanksgiving for the gift of the past year. No matter your connection to our church or school, please continue to pray for our success in handing on the Catholic faith to the next generation.  Have a great week.

God bless,

Father David