September brings with it more regular meetings on many levels. Being involved means that I am never bored. My priest group will be meeting this Monday and Tuesday to prepare our calendars for the upcoming year. Coordinating and communication is a big part of many meetings, a reminder of how we are connected and called to collaborate using the talents that God has given. Noting that someone can do something better than you and appreciating their efforts is a sign of growth and a way of building others up.
Ministering to mourning families happens not only in preparation for a funeral here at the parish. Funeral homes are part of the grieving process. Another level of ministry is our Catholic Cemetery. Being the Dean allows me to be a part of the process in which we lay our loved ones to rest. We can drive by the cemeteries and notice how well maintained they are not realizing that is an aspect of respect we have for those who have gone before us. That there’s a respect for the body and even the ashes we are to maintain. Having a place to mourn is part of the healing process.
I ask for your prayers as Fr. Joseph returns home. Pray for a safe journey for himself and all his luggage. Such a long trip and no luggage when you get home is not a pleasant experience, so invoke St. Anthony.
You will notice an insert this weekend. The Marian Messengers are an apostolate of the Diocese of La Crosse. They are just beginning their work of making the message of our Lady of Guadalupe more known. They also serve to help parishes in their efforts of evangelization. Mary has always pointed to her Son that we may come to know Him all the more and how to follow Him as zealous disciples. Please mark your calendars to attend these two nights.
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