Pastor's Notes - 05/19/2019

Congratulations to Dave Tobben, who received the ministry of Acolyte last Thursday.  The ministry of Acolyte is dedicated to the ministry of the Eucharistic (the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ).  When he is on the altar, he will be wearing his white alb.  He will assist the servers at Mass, read the Prayers of the Faithful when a deacon is not present, be able to go the tabernacle to put in or take out the Body of Christ, he will purify the vessels and be a minister of Holy Communion when performing the ministry.  Congratulations to Dave and Lucy on receiving this ministry.  The ordination of his class is June 6, 2020 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. 

Tim Reis continues his education with three years before his ordination.  Let us continue to pray for the men who are in formation for the diaconate including their wives and families who are also making the sacrifice.

Recently, I was talking with one of my classmates who has had an associate in his Parish for a number of years.   The associate is being transferred to another parish and he is not being replaced.  My classmate was complaining to me about his situation.  If you read the St. Louis Review, you would have noticed that there is a deacon becoming a parish life coordinator, meaning, he will be running the parish on a day to day basis.

You need to start realizing the shortage of priests and how it is effecting parishes.  Prayer is so necessary, but invitation and support is also needed to the young people of our Church.  I believe that young people are still being called to ordination and religious life, but the response is not being made for one reason or another.  Please take an active role in promoting vocations to religious life and priesthood.
 
Thanks for all you do to make the Risen Lord known in our community.