As we come to an end to Vocations Awareness Week (January 13-19), we can and should give thanks for all those who have answered the call to serve The Lord in lay ministry, the priesthood, religious life, and the permanent diaconate. I give thanks as well, for the prayers and support that are offered to those who are in ministries of service in the name of Jesus Christ. Some of this support is monetary, and your response to the Retired Religious across our country in early December ($11,953) and to the priests of our diocese through the Christmas collection ($15,406), says in a tangible way, that many of you greatly appreciate the ministry of so many people for so many years. On a personal note, I want to thank all those who showed love and support to me during the Christmas season with beautiful Christmas cards, kind words, and gifts of appreciation. While many vocations spring up because of the encouragement of those who are living those vocations, so your ongoing support toward those who have answered the call to serve The Lord, strengthens those individuals in their daily call and leads them to continually give thanks to The Lord. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.
The "Epiphany Proclamation" which was done last weekend at all of the Masses, highlights the dates on the yearly calendar of "holy occasions" that are important for us to remember and celebrate at church and in our homes. While the earliest date mentioned, February 13 (Ash Wednesday), is coming up in about a month and marks the beginning of the 40-day season of preparation for the "Paschal Triduum", I hope you will all circle the days of February 4-7 when we will be blessed to offer a parish mission by a Vincentian priest from Missouri, Father Oscar Lukefahr, entitled "Being a Faith-Filled Catholic". This will be a great opportunity for all of us during this Year of Faith to renew and strengthen our identity as Catholics AND to possibly lead people who are not practicing the Catholic faith anymore to come back. Your efforts to invite and encourage such people to join you at the missions is vitally important to them taking a big step in their faith lives. Since we have almost a month until the mission starts, I ask you, firstly, to pray for the success of the mission, (the Mission Prayer follows this Pastor's Corner), then pray that active parishioners and potential parishioners will be inspired to join us for the four sessions that will happen on four consecutive days. I know it's a big commitment, and I believe that those who come for the entire mission will be blessed abundantly and will be readied for a fruitful Lenten and Easter season.
The Pastor's column is not available this weekend due to a very early printing deadline and the Winter storm we had over the Christmas holydays. Look for Father Bill's thoughtful comments next week.