I would like to formally introduce Ms. Delaney Brewer, who is the new CRE for our parish and school. Kyra Gulledge has taken on a new assignment. I thank her for six years of ministry at St. Francis Borgia.
What does the CRE do? They work with sacramental preparations for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation; run the PSR and Vacation Bible School programs, work with teachers preparing Masses for the school, assist the teachers with their religion classes, and organize any other religious celebration or program for spiritual development.
Delaney is a recent graduate of St. Benedictine University with a degree in theology. She recently has taken up residence in Washington. I am very happy with our selection of Delaney as our CRE. Several of us from the parish, school and PSR interviewed her and were very impressed. I believe that you will also be impressed.
Fr. Anthony Ritter (Fr. Tony) has begun his ministry here at St. Francis Borgia and is speaking at all the Masses today. I have met him several times and many people, including a classmate of his, and they have shared with me that we are getting a good priest. I know that you will open your hearts to him as you have to all the priests who have served here at St. Francis Borgia.
When I was ordained in 1976, the offerings for Masses was $2. Then sometime during my first five years as a priest, it went to $5 offering for Masses. As of July 1, the bishops of the state of Missouri have agreed that the suggested offering will be $10 per Mass. As it stands right now, we have 31 Masses left for this year. Other dioceses may charge more or less depending on their state bishops’ agreement.
It is the priest’s responsibility to unlock the church and Jesuit Hall on weekends and holy days. I have decided that we will open an hour before Mass and not the hour and half as we have done in the past. The church will remain open for most of the day for prayer and visits.