FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
By Fr. Terry Kerner
June inaugurates Summer and the invitation to enjoy the outdoors and even a change of pace with family and friends. It is also a time to celebrate weddings, graduations, anniversaries, first communions and a host of other memorable events. It is particularly special for me in that I will be celebrating my 50th anniversary of ordination with my fellow classmates next Wednesday at Sacred Heart Seminary. Recalling those very early days in the seminary I remember beginning college with 93 classmates. Today we are now at three priests — one of whom happens to be a bishop in Minnesota. Priests are becoming fewer and fewer. Current estimates for the Archdiocese is that in ten years, because of deaths and retirement, we will be half the number we currently are. The facts have prompted our Archbishop to restructure the Archdiocese and create a new understanding of how the Church ministers. Beginning July first we will be functioning as a “family of parishes” collaborating with the priests and parishioners of Saints Alphonsus — St. Clement, St. Barbara, and St. Maria Goretti. I have agreed to being the Moderator of the family. Don’t let the change disturb or worry you. There will be some changes but none that with prayer and goodwill that we cannot handle. I do ask that everyone with sincere prayer and effort support the new model we will be experiencing over time.
Another response to the priest shortage is to pray for vocations. This weekend Archbishop Vigneron is leading us — priests, deacons, religious and laity — in prayer for a culture that fosters and celebrates vocations to the priesthood. The intent of the year of prayer that ends with Pentecost, 2023 is to encourage people to hear the call of the Holy Spirit and the call to serve. I invite all of us to give generously of our heartfelt prayer for vocations.
Thank you to all who have taken the opportunity to support our annual CSA drive. As of this writing on May 31st we have reached 80% of our target. But why am I surprised, this is generous St.Kateri!
Enjoy Summer!
