From Father George's Desk 9/27/26

Sometimes the best laid plans can go awry. We were all set for another great Holy Family Parish Picnic last Sunday but the weather was just did not cooperate. Given the heavy rain we had in the wee hours of Sunday morning and the off-and-on showers through the day, cancelling the picnic was the right call.  I hope no one was too disappointed or caught off guard. The Parish Picnic will return in September of 2027.

The weather did not put a damper on the return of St. John bingo last Sunday afternoon.  We had a great turnout and everyone had a good time.  Thanks to everyone who helped make it a successful afternoon...all who patronized our bingo and everyone who worked before, during, and after to make it go so smoothly. Proceeds from the bingo will be used to help cover some of the expenses for St. John the Evangelist Parish’s 125th Anniversary celebration next month. 

I will be away from the parish for most of the week attending the annual Diocesan Priests’ Retreat up in     Indiana.  It is the bishop’s hope that calling all of the priests of the diocese together for these days of prayer and reflection will be time of renewal and strengthening our ministry.  Since retired priests are not required to attend, Msgr. Roger Statnick has graciously agreed to celebrate daily Mass in my absence.  Please keep me and my brother priests in your prayers this week!

As we turn our calendars to October later this week, we are gearing up for a number of big events over the coming weeks...

¨ Next Sunday, October 4 we honor the memory of St. Francis of Assisi with the customary Blessing of Animals at Noon in the area around Our Lady’s Garden at St. John. Because this most beloved saint had a great love of and respect for all of God’s creation (the classic hymn All Creatures of Our God and King and the contemporary Marty Haugen hymn Canticle of the Sun are based on the Canticle of the Sun, which St. Francis wrote 800 years ago), he is the patron saint of animals and of ecology.  While dogs and cats usually make up most of the attendees at this celebration, all critters are welcome.

¨ Our annual Parishes’ Appreciation Dinner for volunteers is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7 at 6:00PM in the CDT cafeteria.  It is a small way to say “thank you” to everyone who does so much in bringing life to our parishes all year long.  Please get your RSVPs in soon!

¨ Holy Family Parish will be hosting a Diocesan Mass of Remembrance for the Loss of a Child to be  celebrated by Bishop Kulick on Tues. October 13 at 6:30PM.  The loss of a child, no matter their age is a devastating loss. This Mass is an opportunity to find support and strength with others who bear the same cross. 

¨ The aforementioned 125th Anniversary celebration of St. John the Evangelist Parish is coming up on Sunday, October 25.  A Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Bishop Kulick and concelebrated by former pastors, administrators, and parochial vicars will begin at 3:00PM followed by a festive dinner at Cooperstown Event Center.  Tickets for the dinner are $25 per person and are available now.

More information on these and all of the other things happening around our parishes can be found on the pages of the bulletin today and every week.