9/10/2023

Next weekend there will be a missionary here to celebrate Mass and speak to us: Fr. Carlos Ferraro, IVE (Institute of the Divine Word). He has been stationed over his career in South America, Europe, Africa, and is currently living in Bethlehem in the Holy Land. There will be a second collection for the missions. The Institute of the Incarnate Word uses the funds collected from the mission appeals to care for the disabled, the elderly, and the sick, provide homes for the poor and for abandoned children, manage schools and educational institutions in rural areas in developing countries, and promote pastoral formation of our missionaries related to human, intellectual, and spiritual development. Please welcome Fr. Ferraro.
This week we will host Chris Stefanick in our church on Wednesday September 13th from 7 – 9 PM. His talks are called, REBOOT! ALIVE! Why have we invited him?

1) It is part of our drive to get back to normalcy after the hiatus caused by COVID. Hopefully we can encourage some who are hesitant about returning to come back. Please be welcoming to all who attend!
2) It is also part of our plan to have events which can inspire each of us to deeper faith. This past year we have had a two day mission on the Eucharist and Mary, videos at The Hangar, our Welcome retreat this past May/June, and now this prominent Catholic speaker. In addition we are doing events like the Fall Fest September 30th. We are trying to create what Matthew Kelly calls “Holy Moments” which move people to a happier life through a deeper, more vibrant and active faith. Books, retreats, inspirational speakers, videos (e.g. FORMED.ORG presentations on the Internet), and small group activities are all attempts to help us grow into a more Dynamic Parish.
3) Events like these are open to those who are non-Catholic as well as to present and former parishioners. Your excitement and interest in our faith resulting from these events can act like a magnet in attracting others to our community, especially those seeking a deeper meaning in life. This is why I asked you to not only come yourselves, but buy a ticket or two for friends or relatives who are not part of this community.
4) Why Chris Stefanick? I guess this is the movement of the Holy Spirit. Our parishioners have seen him and like him and one in particular asked if we could invite him to come, and to my surprise he accepted! He is accomplished, having received the Papal Benemerenti award, and he will be one of the speakers at the 10th National Eucharistic Conference next July in Indianapolis. In addition, the talk does not cost the parish anything. The tickets pay for the event, and proceeds go to his non-profit organization, Real Life Catholic.

I pray that those who can attend the presentation will find it inspirational and share their enthusiasm with others.
It is a joy to be your pastor.

Father Albert, O.S.B.