A few weekends ago, I promoted two publications. One of these, "Living the Faith" (1564 Fencorp Drive Fenton, MO 63026-2942) which has a daily reflection from one of the readings for Mass every day of the year ($10 a year), also has a publication for kids (8 to 12 years of age) which helps them daily to grow in relationship with Jesus and the Church. It is called "Living Faith-Kids" and costs $12 a year. What a great gift to give to grandchildren. I also mentioned a book entitled "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo, about a four year old who, after a near-death experience, tells some astonishing things to his parents about heaven and people he has seen there. It is a New York Times best seller, and gives us a great deal to ponder about heaven. I hope you will consider these offerings.
I am composing this Pastor's Corner from beautiful (and cooler) Syracuse, New York where I am visiting a priest friend for a few days. Today I was given a tour of their cathedral which was beautiful in many ways. They have many small stained glass windows depicting various saints of the Church high above the floor of the cathedral. It reminded me that the saints are on high praying for us and bringing our needs before the throne of God. Let us not forget these great role models of virtue and faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ. They definitely show us the way to Him.
What a blessing it is to be in a parish where parish council members make themselves available on the second Sunday of the month (at all the weekend Masses) to listen to questions, comments, suggestions and concerns that you, our parishioners, have about any area of ministry that happens here in this parish. This input is then brought to the parish council meetings for discussion. A Council member then speaks back to the person who gave the input with the result of the Council's discussions. This back and forth communication is helpful and hopefully fruitful for all those involved in this interchange and for the parish. I would ask that anyone who communicates with me through the mail will give me the opportunity to communicate back with you, by signing your name to the letter you send to me. I want to respond and dialogue with anyone who shares with me their thoughts and feelings about anything I have said or done. Thanks for giving me this consideration and know that anything we talk about will be held in strict confidence.