Pastors Notes from June 26, 2022
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June 27, 2022Fr. Clem Currans died last Saturday and the Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday at Immaculate Conception Church in Graettinger. Fr. Currans served Sacred Heart Parish from 1998 to 2005, known for his Irish heritage, salvaging that which can be later used, inspiring Deacon David Brown’s diaconate, creating a pastoral assistant position, and guiding individuals and families to the Eucharist. I befriended Fr. Currans while teaching at Spalding Catholic HS. in Granville where he was the parish pastor. In his casket he was outfitted with an alb and a handmade harvest gold stole. A gift of former parishioner reflecting his self giving and Irish take on life. On the same day Tom Rose died. He served on the Parish Council during Fr. Curran’s time as pastor at Sacred Heart, regularly volunteering for projects that needed to be done. Until he was physically unable to give of his time and efforts, Tom graciously completed projects—quietly and without any desire for recompense. For years he would get up in the early hours of the morning—with a fresh blanket of snow on the ground—and clean off our church parking lot/school playground, pro bono. His Catholic faith certainly directed his life as a husband and father, business owner and parishioner. “Eternal rest grant on them O Lord. May they rest in peace.”
On Friday Zach Jones was ordained to the priesthood for our diocese. He grew up in Milford, graduated from college, taught for a short time before stepping forward and responding to God’s calling. Fr. Zach most likely will be Bishop Nickless’ last ordination to the priesthood. Having reached the age of 75 this past May, the mandatory retirement age for Bishops, Bishop Nickless will serve until Rome calls forth an ordained priest to step into the episcopacy for our diocese. Fr. Zach will return to Rome for an additional year of study before serving in our diocese.
Fr. Ross is back from the Emerald Island, taking in the Irish tales and Celtic traditions. Please remember to share your gratefulness and appreciation for his ministry and presence and caring either after the two Masses at St. Malachy this weekend or after the Masses at Sacred Heart next weekend. He has been a blessing in so many ways to the young and old, Catholics and non in our Boone County.
Bringing Communion to a parishioner who is struggling with some health concerns I finally located the neighborhood within Madrid commonly referred to as “Boxtown.” And sure enough, a house was pointed out to me reflecting the original floor plan of those homes created by the mining company—simple square structures—housing the individuals and their families who worked for them. And, if I have my story right, Madrid was initially named Swede Point. Madrid’s change of name has been reported as follows. In platting of the town, a difference of opinion arose between the sons of Mrs. Anna Dalander, heirs to her estate, and her son-in-law, Charles Gaston, the administrator of the estate. Gaston employed a Spaniard who often spoke about his native country. Gaston, who disliked the Spaniard, changed the name of the town from Swede Point to Madrid to spite the Swedish brothers-in-law. Less dramatic is the story behind Ogden’s beginnings, named for William B. Ogden, the first president of the Galena & Chicago Union and the Chicago & Northwestern railroad. As for Boone, there was a town called Boonesboro, a mile north of the present city of Boone, originally the county seat. When the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad was built east and west through there, a site was platted and called “Montana,”—a Latin word meaning ‘mountainous regions’—because of the rolling character of the land. Ultimately Boonesboro became a part of the city, the name ‘Montana’ was dropped, and the municipality became Boone. Our county was named for Nathan Boone, a son of Daniel Boone, who led an expeditionary force through the territory. Then again, I may have my stories mixed up and the resources unreliable.
Sorry about my ramblings. In our gospel from Luke, chapter nine, Jesus shares too simple words that continue to ruminate in the hearts of all who claim to be Christian: “Follow me.” With all the distractions in the world such is not always easy on a daily basis. Following is two aspects of Jesus' invitation for each of us..
“The true follower of Christ will not ask, ‘If I embrace this truth, what will it cost me?’ Rather he will say, ‘This is truth. God help me to walk in it, let come what may!’”
“Leaders don't force people to follow. They invite others on a journey.”
God Bless, Fr. Tim