FROM FATHER STEVE

On this Fifth Sunday of Easter, Luke (in Acts 6) records the first crisis in the church—the church was growing! There was a growing demand both upon the preaching ministry and the service to the poor. The latter was helped through the creation of the new ministry of deacon. In today’s church we continue to have demands upon the preaching ministry, service to the poor, and countless other needs. While the current shortage of priests has caused a strain, we continue to be blessed by the ministry of the laity. Both priests and laity are called “living stones” (1 Peter 2) formed to create God’s holy dwelling. Our privileged task—as priests and people—is to use our complementary gifts to build up the church and to lead people to God.

I know you have joined me in prayer for our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, who will conclude his pastoral visit to the United States today. Hopefully his visit has renewed our faith and encouraged us in our witness to Christ in our society.

Last year the Bishops of the United States approved the statement Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility. While the statement provides good guidance in any year, it is particularly pertinent this election year. A summary of the statement Faithful Citizenship is provided as an insert in today’s bulletin. We have a limited number of copies of the complete statement in the parish office. They’re free!

                Seminarians Dan Bedel and Ben Syberg were here last Sunday evening to speak to our high school students about priestly and religious vocations. Dan and Ben are students at Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary in Indianapolis.

It was my privilege—along with Beth Fajt—to receive the Floyd Miller Award on behalf of St. Paul’s Parish during a special banquet April 10 sponsored by the Care Net Pregnancy Center (CPC) of Putnam County. The award recognized St. Paul’s for its “outstanding church participation” in the work of CPC. St. Paul’s has supported CPC by financial contributions, crib donations, Ladies’ Guild rummage items, crocheted blanket donations, to name a few. I am gratified by the participation of so many parishioners.

                We are invited to contribute to the Catholic Home Missions Appeal next weekend, April 26-27. For 10 years now, Catholics from our more prosperous parishes across America have given generously to offer desperately needed help to the mission Church here at home.

                Quote: “The only alternative to talking is the building up of resentment and anger, which in time must inevitably become open hostility and conflict.”

                                                                                                                Father Steve

Prayers for Priests

This week please pray for:  Archbishop Daniel Buechlein, Fr. Stephen Jarrell, Fr. Charles Kraeszig, Fr. Vince Lampert, Fr. Paul Landwerlen, Fr. Herman Lutzs, Fr. Louis Manna, Fr. William Marks and the following seminarians; Jose’ Hernandez, Marco Rodriguez, Aaron Jenkins, Joseph Newton, Sean Danda, Jeremy Gries and John Hollowell.

ATTN:  2008 GRADS

If you are/or you are a parent of a High School or College graduate this year please call the office with the graduate’s name and school name and school of graduation by Sunday, May 4^th.  We will recognize the students at the 8:30 am Mass on Sunday, May 4^th.  Please mark your calendars with this date.