There is a great deal to celebrate this time of year. This past Sunday, I went to my classmate’s Silver Jubilee celebration in the Wisconsin Dells at St. Cecilia Parish. Twenty-five years ago, most of the seminarians from La Crosse and Madison went to study at Mundelein Seminary. So there is a good group of priests that I know from the Diocese of Madison. We are so close and yet time gets away from us, so we have not gotten together that much over the years. This was a good day to gather in a positive way.
There are many in our area also graduation from High School and University. Congratulations to all of you on your efforts and may God bless your future endeavors. At Sts. Casimir and Peter we are offering a blessing to our graduates.
“The Answer Eucharistic Rally” in La Crosse on June 7th is part of the larger celebration of the gift of the Holy Eucharist in our nation. If you can make it that day to be a part of the procession, Mass or talks, I believe you would be greatly blessed. Of course, any time of adoration is a moment of grace. We are all busy, yet making that time for Jesus will bless us in ways we do not plan and it also opens our hearts all the more to God’s plan for our lives.
There has been a lot of activity concerning the Picnic here at St. Peter Parish. I am impressed by the number and work of all the volunteers. Yes, there is always room for others to step forward and help in multiple ways, so don’t wait to be asked….but step right up! I am excited as this will be my first picnic here as Pastor having arrived last July after everything was done.
Leaving right after the Picnic, I will be at a retreat for two days helping with the sacraments. The Institute of St. Joseph is a public association of the faithful in our diocese that brings people together with the charism of formation that lifts up the world to God and brings the Lord ever closer to daily life.
As we enter the summer months, we are reminded that God is always with us and so to intentionally make that time to be with the Lord. Daily prayer allows us to do that. Perhaps your schedule changes in the summer months? Why not try attending daily Mass during the week? Adoration also continues on Wednesdays as usual throughout the summer, perhaps your evening has opened up for you? In these coming days, please find the things we need to celebrate and reasons to grow in gratitude; the world already points out all the negatives. Let us positively celebrate the blessings we have been given in life.