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Thank you to a parishioner who donated the cost of the carpet for our conference room in the convent/parish offices. Likewise, to a friend who installed the carpet as a gift to the parish. And to the volunteers who prepared and painted the room in anticipation of the new carpet. Stop in anytime to view the former “chapel” of the old convent now used for meetings, volunteer activities, parish work. Notice the restored wood table in the room, once used as the sisters’ table in their dining room (each having their own drawer for utensils etc.).
With the help of volunteers the dilapidated privacy fence on the backside of St. Malachy’s rectory has been taken down, thus improving the property, which is well manicured. Our flowers and plants around the church is a welcoming presence for parishioners and visitors alike; many thanks to the volunteers who keep up our grounds especially during these unusually dry days of summer. Our outdoor statue of Mary will be enhanced with a bit of cleaning and repainting, as well as that of St. Therese. (I believe our new neighbors on the east side will recognize a spirit of hope within our parish community.) Gratitude to Bob for his donation of the shrubs that are now highlighting the south edging of the new parish hall, the volunteers helping to maintain the plants and flowers. Been a challenging spring and summer for newly planted trees, shrubs and plants. Because of a serious split that developed in our old silver maple tree to the north of the office building we had to have it removed immediately. Possibly this fall we will plant several trees on the grounds to again provide a touch of nature, a presence of shade, and a gathering space for the birds of our neighborhood! Next weekend we will begin the “Dollar Collection” following Communion. As the ushers pass out the baskets, the children present will be invited to bring up their donation to the front of the altar. (A bit of freedom if you will for the children who are always ready to ‘be on the go.’) Our parish “Dollar Collection” will support the ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the parish facilities, with a percentage donated to certain charity/outreach programs in support of their efforts.
In light of this Sunday’s gospel passage (Mark 6:7-13), we are indeed on a journey regardless of our age, our abilities or disabilities. And the journey we partake upon or simply stand back from, is that of faith. Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick — In my twenties (some years back) I picked up a book which at the time was little known; it’s title inferred travel and thus I bought the paperback. “Blue Highways” by William Least-Heat Moon has since been regarded as a classic travel book. After his position as a college professor was cut, Least-Heat Moon decided to travel the secondary roads (blue highways) of America in his modified old van. Taking time with individuals he met in small towns and the circumstances confronted along his journey through our country. He commented, “If a man can keep alert and imaginative, an error is a possibility, a chance at something new; to him, wandering and wondering are part of the same process, and he is most mistaken, most in error, whenever he quits exploring.” As our Catholic-Christian faith leads us to understand: the Bible is a verb, the Eucharist is always alive with new meaning and challenges and healing, the vast body of Catholic-Christian tradition, history and wisdom is inexhaustible and invigorating, and our personal journeys regardless of how routine our lives may seem is, in the eyes of our Creator, moments upon moments where we can touch the grace that can renew and replenish our hearts and very souls. To wander and wonder wherever we find ourselves, however few or many the steps or miles, can be the journey that brings us before the face of Christ as we have never before experienced. “Not I, nor anyone else can travel that road for you. You must travel it by yourself. It is not far. It is within reach. Perhaps you have been on it since you were born, and did not know. Perhaps it is everywhere - on water and land. (Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass.)
For the past year and a half Bishop Nickless has had to make difficult decisions, advised by many, but ultimately his responsibility. Priest changes, parish consolidations, coronavirus mandates and restrictions have all caused him sadness, consternation and at the same time, hope. He continues to remind priests, parishioners and staff within our diocese to consider the vaccinations if you have not already, caution in larger gatherings and if need be, the wearing of masks. We are not restricted in our church gatherings, but Bishop Nickless is still concerned for the ongoing wellbeing of all, young and old, whether gathered together for the Eucharist or attending other activities. I appreciate the freedom to participate in the Eucharist without a mask, and respect the desire of those who choose to wear a mask for their personal wellbeing. Please keep him in your prayers. Has been brought up about the respect of others who may be praying following the end of Mass in our respective churches. Our gracious and convivial socializing/visiting in church at the end of Mass is a natural response to the partaking of the Eucharist. At the same time please be considerate of those who are quietly praying in their pew after Mass. Thank you.
God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI: “Walking stick was composed of all the talents the Lord has given us for this journey. The skills and charisms God has blessed us with over the years. . . .Think about your ‘walking sticks.’ What has the Lord done for you in your life and what gifts and talents has He blessed you with?” (Lauers Lightbulb)