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Last Sunday at St. John’s regretfully I had to inform the congregation of the Diocesan mandate to end Sunday and weekday Masses at their church. Easter Sunday will be the last weekend for Masses at St. John’s with the exception of funerals and weddings. To my knowledge, two or three years ago the Diocesan Pastoral Planning directives asked that the Sacramental Records and the financials for the parish be turned over to Sacred Heart, essentially becoming ‘one’ parish. Along with the change in St. John’s status all weekday and weekend Masses were to end; however, since Fr. Jim Bruch was retired and residing there as he recuperated the Diocese gave us an exemption. From time to time the Diocese reminded us of the need to take the final step of ending the Masses at St. John church. Both Fr. Ross and I resisted their expectations, acknowledging the faith and spirituality of the parishioners. In October the Diocese requested the final step to be taken within six months; two weeks ago the Diocese informed us the final date would be Easter Sunday weekend. I’m sorry. Though I may not always understand such decisions, witnessing the vital faith within St. John’s (as well as other parishes without Masses), my hope lies in the active and firm faith of our parishioners looking to the future. Bishop Nickless foresees a diocese with only 44 active priests (down from 140 when I was ordained nearly thirty years ago), with several hampered with serious health concerns, and ten who will reach retirement age in the next six years. I came from a small parish that has faced diocesan cutbacks, and such change is more than difficult—it is emotionally painful. I’m sorry. Per regulations from the diocese, we can hold funerals and wedding services at St John church, our facilities can be used for Religious Education, Adult Education, prayer groups, adoration, social gatherings, personal prayer and special Mass for the feast day of St. John. As in the past couple years, the church, facilities, rectory, grounds and cemetery will be maintained—and our church doors open as has been the norm. If you have concerns—as I know you do—you may contact me or the office. Our Bishop Nickless has had to make some painful and unpopular decisions as he looks forward—please keep his ministry in your prayers.
As we come out from under the COVID regulations, we need to return to ‘teams’ of parishioners counting and recording our weekly tithing and donations. If you have helped in the past—counting money—or have no experience, the procedures will be explained as well as the paperwork. To ensure the protection of the individuals counting the money—and the fiscal responsibility of our parishes—the diocese has setup certain guidelines which will be explained. Please consider volunteering to help, with a bi-weekly rotation or so. Thank you for your help.
Ash Wednesday is now before us. Last year we were asked by the diocese—for the wellbeing of all participating—to administer the Ashes on the top of the individual’s head. Fr. Ross and Deacon David, Deacon Vern and Deacon Dave and I will attempt to offer the Ashes to all who come to the services on that day: 7am, noon, 5:30 in Boone; 5:30pm in Madrid; 6:30pm in Ogden. We will maintain our regular schedule of weekday and weekend Masses throughout Lent with the exception of Holy Week. In addition we will offer Stations of the Cross following certain weekday Masses, and on a rotation following weekend Masses. We hope to offer this unique Lenten Prayer to individuals and families who may not have had the opportunity. Lest we forget, we make an effort to Fast and Abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday; Abstain from meat on all Fridays during Lent; Fast and Abstain on Good Friday, with a conscientious effort to fast from certain foods, drink or behaviors during the season of Lent. Or a fast may consist of “doing” something such as visiting individuals in a care center on a weekly basis. Almsgivng is a crucial aspect of our Lenten journey, setting aside a portion of our monies in support of a certain charity. Your path of ‘almsgiving, and ‘fasting’ is a creative personal endeavor to inspire our faith and relationship with our God who gave us the gift of His Son Christ Jesus—and to do so with humility and gratitude. And prayer, whether personal, or receiving the Eucharist, sharing with your family. Consider the thoughts of three Catholic-Christians as they embarked on their Lenten journey:
"Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. So if you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy, if you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. If you do not close your ear to others, you open God's ear to yourself.” (St. Peter Chryosologus)
"Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves... What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit? Whatever it is, let us relentlessly tear it out, without a moment's hesitation.” (Catherine Doherty)
"O Lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen.” (Henri Nouwen)
I’ve always respected a friend’s Lenten fast. Each Lent she renewed her ‘fast’ to visit individuals in the care center within her community. Weekly she would take time to visit not knowing how long she would spend with them, just being present. I understood the grace of her ‘fast’ whenever she spoke of a certain individual or story they may have shared. As Jo shared her experiences, her smile and inflection of voice conveyed a meaningful Lenten journey of faith; a renewal. We each take our own journey during these forty days of Lent; may you risk a path of conscientious prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Kirsten Smith informed me earlier this week of a job opportunity she accepted at the Boone County Courthouse. Her new position will begin March 21st. Kirsten has been a part of our parishes for nearly twenty years, initially working as a part time bookkeeper for St. John’s. She then took on St. Malachy’s bookkeeper position, and a few years ago the same responsibilities at Sacred Heart. She has been a devoted and excellent bookkeeper, with a strong faith and desire for what is best for our parishes and parishioners. More than grateful for her dedication and faith. Thus, we are looking for a person interested in the position of bookkeeper/business manager beginning sometime in March. If you are interested or have questions, or know of someone who would be, please contact me at the parish office. Thank you.
May God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI: “It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” (Charles Dickens)
