Nov 18, 2007

It hardly seems like a week has passed since I wrote this column, prior to leaving with the CYO group for the NCYC Convention in Columbus, Ohio. It was a good trip and a good event in my life, and in the lives of our group. Much was taught, and much was learned. Tragedy happened on early Thursday morning in Columbus, as a young girl was killed by a hit-and-run driver. The group had arrived earlier in the week from Las Vegas, and I guess were not too careful about crossing a street. Believe me, the police were very stringent on all of us at the convention in regards to walking between buildings and crossing streets. We thank them for their care for us, and their forcefulness—they cared when many did not care. Many thanks to our leaders and chaperones who were most diligent in keeping us together, seeing that no one traveled alone, including me, and looking out for our general welfare. They too, were great, and the greatest.

Well, here we are at the concluding event of our sesquicentennial year. The year was full of meetings for the many events, and many persons were involved in each one. All gave their all—100 plus percent, to make each event a success, and a memorable event for the parish. Today, we welcome the Bishop for the final event of this year, to be the celebrant and homilist at our Mass of thanksgiving. We thank all who worked hard to plan this event, to be participants, and to prepare for the banquet that follows. The whole thrust of this year was to celebrate our past, our present, and to look forward to the future. The past has given us their solidarity in upholding the faith, in building the church we now cherish as our house of worship, the TEMPLE OF GOD, and the school, with the Catholic education that has formed many of us, and continues to form our children and grandchildren. We invest so much to take care of our material needs and wants in today’s world. We plan for retirement, and work hard to make it happen. We plan for our children’s education, so that they might succeed in the world. I hope that we will always work hard to build a solid Catholic foundation in ourselves and our children, so that those values will enlighten the world, strengthen our resolve against sin and selfishness, and rebuild the generous spirit that values each person as a child of God and a partner to our own achievement of eternal life. We all depend on the grace of God to do any lasting good, and we all need to keep that connection intact. We are a family that prays together, works together, helps one another, and enjoys life together. We are the body of Christ living today, and Christ living in us. Whatever does not reflect the spirit of Christ, weakens the body of Christ—each and every one of us. This was the theme of Youth Convention—Discover the Way, Be the Way! We all move to the future!

Special thanks to Joe Dressler, who accepted the leadership position for this year of celebration. He chaired many meetings, coordinated many groups, inspired and motivated all of the sub-committees, and did a magnificent job of bringing this year to a successful conclusion. Thanks Joe, and you too, Cheryl, for sharing your spouse, and giving up your time for him and the church.

Tuesday is the Community Thanksgiving Day Service. I hope that many from our parish, Holy Childhood, will come to show our thankfulness with the community for all of God’s blessings. It will be held here in our church, on Tuesday, 7 P.M. We need you.

Thursday, Thanksgiving Day Mass will be at 9:00 AM. Come and show the real meaning of Thanksgiving— TO THANK GOD FOR ALL OF OUR BLESSINGS!

PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION

PSR classes will be held on Sunday November 18th from 9-10:15 AM.

NO PSR next Sunday, November 25th; classes will resume on December 2nd.

ATTENTION PARENTS Pick up your copy of the series "Growing In Love" in the PSR office.

Parents are invited to the school meeting room for coffee and refreshments

during class time between 9 & 10:15 AM.

Last modified: 04/06/10