7/16/2023

The latest issue of the “Catholic Key” (www.CatholicKey.org , page 10 of latest edition) has a story spotlighting a volunteer from our parish, Jolaine Zweifel. I recommend you read it. It is entitled, “Saying YES Can Lead to a Life Full of Grace.” We are proud of Jolaine, and I can honestly say that there are MANY people like Jolaine who make St. Gregory Barbarigo a special place through their gift of selves to ministries, to cleaning, to cutting grass, to feeding people at funeral dinners and Manna Kitchen, to supporting the school with fund raisers or events for the children, to wedding coordinators, to funeral coordinators, to coaches, to committee members, to… The list goes on and on. People who visit here say that we have a lot going on. It is true. The reason? So many people step forward to make things happen here. I am lucky if I can just keep track of what is going on, much less get involved in all that is happening. The article is personally about Jolaine, but she represents a much larger group, more like an army of volunteers who make this parish thrive.
The new budget is out and we have increased our offertory goals by 3.5%. That is less than the 4% inflation rate from last year, but we hope to keep pace with prices and find ways to cut some corners and raise some more money. We have just completed a good year financially, and speaking for our employees, me, and especially our Business Manager, want to offer a big THANK YOU for your support of the parish, your generosity in giving both monetarily and with your time and talent. We are so blessed.
REBOOT! Is coming soon – before we know it. I have had some questions about Chris Stefanick. Who is he? He is married and the father of six who has become a well-known international speaker whom many find inspiring – especially many youth whom we are hoping to attract. If you know of someone who has fallen away from the faith or is seeking for deeper meaning in life, Chris Stefanick has the gift of connecting with many while inspiring others. The REBOOT! event is meant to be inspirational and practical – to inspire us to see the gospel and our relationship with Jesus as the key to a more meaningful way of life, and then to supply some practical advice for living more closely to Christ Jesus. You may have seen him in the videos “The Search” or “Fearless,” which we have shown in small groups. Whether you agree with everything he says or not, I hope you recognize that he has a gift for communicating the gospel. And he is coming to Maryville! If you went to Omaha or K.C. or Des Moines, it would cost you the price of travel, a meal or two, maybe lodging, plus the price of the ticket. Originally we had hoped to hold the event at NWMSU through the Newman Center, but we could not get the date we wanted, so we moved it to the church. Our church is a fitting venue for his message. I encourage you to come, and to invite/enable others to come to this event. It is a joy to be your Pastor.

Peace, Fr. Albert Bruecken, OSB