 Fr.
Tom's Tomes October 30, 2005
I want to thank Fr. Frank Russ for filling in for me. Fr. Russ has helped me several times in the past and I appreciate all the help he gives not only to me but to all of the priests of the Diocese. Our retired priests do a great service of assisting and filling in for priest in our Diocese. Without the help and support of the retired priests of the Diocese we would have to do things differently.
(**Updated after Father’s column was written: Shortly before Father Tom was to leave on Wed. afternoon, he received a phone call to inform him that Father Russ had fallen and was being admitted to the hospital. After several phone calls trying to find an available priest on short notice, Father Ernie Gauthier agreed that he would be able to celebrate the Saturday 5:30 pm Mass and hear confessions on Saturday afternoon. Unless a priest becomes available after this bulletin goes to press, Father Tom will be returning early via plane on Saturday evening. He will be celebrating the Sunday Masses. Please keep Father Russ in your prayers. KM**)
I would invite you to keep both Fr Speichinger and Fr. Saale in your prayers. Both are retired from ministry in our Diocese. Both of these priests have given their lives in service to the people of the Diocese and in their retirement we need to continue to pray for them.
As the leaves on the trees turn we are reminded we are entering Fall. This week we will start the month of November with the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls. It is a time to think about those who have died and have gone before us to be with God. Let us take time to ponder the actions of the saints who have witnessed the love of God here on earth. We also can remember those whom we know who have died. All Souls day calls our attention to the fact we will one day die and come into the presence of Jesus Christ to be judged. We pray for those who have died and are in purgatory.
The schedule for the Holyday Mass on Tuesday is in the bulletin. Come and pray with us not only for the Holyday but also for the Commemoration of All Souls.
The First Sunday of Advent we will begin to offer communion with both the Body and Blood of Christ. In order to prepare for this change in our liturgy I am going to ask all readers, communion ministers and ushers to attend a meeting on Wednesday evening, November 9, 2005 at 7:00 pm at St.Columban’s Church. I would like to meet with all who are involved with these ministries and to reflect upon the importance of these ministries in our parish liturgy. Please come to this meeting. It will help all ministers to know what is expected of them.
As you read this column I will be returning from the National Catholic Youth Convention in Atlanta.
God bless you and have a good week.
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