What I’m Reading
I don’t normally have as much time to read as I would like. Oftentimes I have a stack of books on my “to read” shelf and only a handful of minutes a day to crack one open. There are a couple things right now that I’d like to share with you.
The July edition of The Catholic Telegraph is full of familiar faces. Just so you know, I didn’t bribe anyone to have it full of Petersburg parishioners. In case you missed it, there is an article about Believe art from the Heart which is located in between Anna and Sidney. The ministry/shop is owned and operated by Immaculate Conception parishioner Teresa Harshbarger. Also in the July Telegraph is an article about Journeys’ Revealed Ministries which was founded by Julia Monnin from Immaculate Conception and she works alongside Kecia Flaute from St. Lawrence. Finally, I was also in the July edition of the Telegraph, which is rather humbling.
Last week I read an article published by Acts XXIX which is an apostolate based in Detroit to serve Catholic dioceses and parishes. The article was entitled “Re-Imagining What Catholic Parish Can Be: A Destination of the 21st Century.” I was thoroughly impressed by the article and the insight into the current reality of parish life and laying out possibilities for the future. If you want a copy of the article, email the parish office and we can email you a copy.
The article begins by describing the rapid transformation that has happened in our culture over the last few decades. Even in our own area life has changed and is transforming. Things haven’t changed quite as much around us as they have in larger cities, but society is still changing. Many of us grew up in an era when Christianity had fertilized the basic assumptions of life. Now we live amongst people whose basic orientation to life and society is very different from authentic Christianity. In this change of climate our strategies for spreading the Gospel have been increasingly ineffective.
This leaves a situation in which the world is crying out for God and a Church is crying out for renewal. The good news is: we were born for this very moment. We were created for this moment: a world yearning for God and a Church in need of renewal. The same Holy Spirit that has raised up thousands of saints, is present to us today. We must accept the call and allow the Holy Spirit to renew us, to strengthen us, and embolden us. More than ever, the world needs bold witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I say this to follow up the letter from Archbishop Schnurr. His letter is communicating to us about the Beacons of Light initiative. After the celebration of the Archdiocesan Bicentennial, this is the new focus of the Archdiocese. We pray that it is a process that transforms our parishes to radiate Christ, despite the challenges that process will entail. Let us trust the Holy Spirit to renew our hearts.
This weekend we welcome Fr. Bill Nordenbeck, CPPS as our missionary Co-operative speaker. He is celebrating Masses this weekend at St. Lawrence and Immaculate Conception. He will have the Masses at St. Joseph and St. John on July 24/25.
Finally one small announcement. Beginning on Monday, the office will open at 8:30am instead of 8:00am. This will give our staff an opportunity to attend Mass at 8:00am on the days Mass is at St. Joseph. If you are a collection counter and this may affect your time, please contact Cindy Quellhorst to inquire about any potential changes.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Sean Wilson
