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We welcome Bishop Nickless to our Boone County Parishes this Sunday as he celebrates and confers the Sacrament of Confirmation. Because of the COVID restrictions we have missed his presence for the last couple years. Grateful for his gentle spirit and his sincere hope for each teenager who will be Confirmed, may Bishop Nickless feel at home within the community of faith here in Boone County. Congratulations to those who will be Confirmed and your openness to the mystery of the Holy Spirit within and before each of us; and a special thank you to the parents, the families supporting your son or daughter with the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation, and the presence of faith shared within your homes. Fifty years ago I was Confirmed as a fourth grader, having little knowledge of this Sacrament with the exception of what I had to memorize in case the Bishop called on me during the Mass. Though my memory has obvious lapses I do remember my saint name—John the Baptist—and my sponsor, Uncle Martin. My Uncle is still alive, now in his nineties, having shared a supportive and caring relationship through all these years. Somehow, more often than not, and well beyond my comprehension, the Holy Spirit has worked in my life pushing me beyond my comfort and security and wants. Quite positive I fought the ‘urgings’ of the Holy Spirit, not trusting what I couldn’t control or comprehend; in the end though, thankfulness for that grace that has brought meaning to the life God has provided. Hopefully, many of you still remember the saint chosen for Confirmation and the sponsor you asked to stand at your side. Possibly, with reflection, you recall why you chose that certain person. As to the reality and mystery of the Holy Spirit, Pope Francis offers this insight: “To put it simply: the Holy Spirit bothers us. Because he moves us, he makes us walk, he pushes the Church [us] to go forward. . . .But: to move forward! And this bothers us. It's so much nicer to be comfortable.”
“The word ‘Confirmation’ then reminds us that this Sacrament brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace: it unites us more firmly to Christ. . . .For this reason, it is important to take care that our children, our young people, receive this sacrament. . . .When we welcome the Holy Spirit into our hearts and allow him to act, Christ makes himself present in us and takes shape in our lives; through us, it will be he — Christ himself — who prays, forgives, gives hope and consolation, serves our neighbor, draws close to the needy and to the least, creates community and sows peace. Think how important this is: by means of the Holy Spirit, Christ himself comes to do all this among us and for us.”
We welcome Heather Fischer as our Bookkeeper, having received instruction and guidance from Kirsten the week prior to her leaving. Kirsten has taken on a new position at our County Courthouse, having offered over nineteen years of service to each of our parishes in Boone County. Not just her ability as a bookkeeper, but her faith and sense of responsibility blessed our parishes with the service she offered. After this Sunday’s 8:30am Mass at St. Malachy’s there will be an ‘open house’ in the parish hall allowing parishioners to express their gratitude for her work. She was hired by Fr. Bruch as St. Malachy’s bookkeeper several years ago, while maintaining her work at St. John’s parish. Heather will carry on the bookkeeping duties with the same faith and sense of responsibility, while Deanna will handle the Mass Intentions for all our churches and the scheduling of weddings, parish hall activities and rentals.
As I mentioned in the letter inserted in the bulletin two weeks ago, we will have an open ‘town hall meeting’ for all parishioners pertaining to the Pastoral Planning changes asked of our churches in Boone County. Whether you have questions or concerns, some misunderstandings or simply desire more information about the Diocesan Pastoral Planning process you are welcome to attend the gathering. Our town hall meeting will be held on Thursday, April 7, 6:15pm, at St. Malachy Parish Hall following their 5:30 weekday Mass. Deacon Mark Prosser, director of Diocesan Pastoral Planning, will give a presentation of the need and development of the pastoral planning process with time for any questions or concerns. With the sickening news from Ukraine, the tragedy of innocent deaths, homeless refugees, the utter destruction of civilization and, hopefully, our discomfort, it is good to note the wisdom of two who experienced such calamity.
“Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron.” —President Dwight D. Eisenhower
“I decided to devote my life to telling the story because I felt that having survived I owe something to the dead. and anyone who does not remember betrays them again.” —Elie Wiesel, Auschwitz survivor
Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. MT 26:52
God Bless, Fr. Tim
