Fourth Sunday of Easter (Jn 10:11-18) “A Good Shepherd”
Fourth Sunday of Easter (Jn 10:11-18) “A Good Shepherd”
Jesus uses a metaphor in the Gospel to describe how he relates to his followers. He says that he is a good Shepherd. Several metaphors are used in the Gospel of John that are very powerful. Who could forget Jesus calling himself the Bread of Life, Living Water, The Vine that gives life to the branches.
What is a good shepherd versus a poor one. Jesus speaks very frankly when he says. A poor shepherd has the wrong motivation. If a shepherd is hired for pay, for example, they probably aren’t going to put their life on the line when the wolf comes, nor will they drive off the thief in the middle of the night.
A good shepherd is inspired in several ways to take care of his flock. One reason they do is that they take pride in their work. A shepherd doesn’t want to lose any of his sheep, it is a point of honor. A good shepherd also has an emotional connection to the flock in his care. The lambs are almost like his children.
The image of the Good Shepherd translates easily into what a good pastor is. In the Catholic church the pastor of a parish has a special responsibility. Some pastors generously serve their parishioners, others don’t. Pastors set the tone for their parishes if they make sacrifices for the good of the church then probably church members are going to do the same.
During the last few years, we have commemorated the building of Sacred Heart Church. One hundred years ago this church was finished. Building this church was a long process. And the dream for this church started with Fr. John Baptist Culemans. I have heard stories about him during my ten years as pastor. I have also read archival material concerning his life. He took pride in his vocation as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish. He was the first leader of our parish, starting his ministry in 1904 when he was only 24. He labored here until his death. Church leaders were quite prominent in local communities in the early 20th century. Often, they were the spokes persons for immigrant communities. At the time he came to Sacred Heart there were several newspapers in town. A few were written in Flemish. Of course, there were English language newspapers as well. Fr. Culemans would use them to evangelize the community. He would also use them to remind people of their moral obligations. At the end of his letters to the editor, he would simply sign them, “The Pastor.” We might notice the old confessional to my left. On the door there is a brass plate. The plate reads, “The Pastor.” In that confessional Fr. Culemans absolved the sins of his parish as he continued the saving work of Jesus. Being a good pastor was the most important thing in his life.
We hear in the Gospel today that a good shepherd will lay down his life for his sheep. Fr. Culemans struggled with his health throughout his life. When the first church was dedicated, it stood on 16th Avenue. The building was blessed in 1907. Fr. Culemans, although only twenty-seven, was too ill to celebrate the Mass. He quickly recovered his strength. The very next year he traveled to Peoria to meet with Mother Pacifica of the Heading Avenue Franciscans. He arranged for sisters to come and teach here. Our school started in the fall of that year. We are pleased that three Franciscan sisters are here with us today at this commemoration.
Fr. Culemans life followed a pattern. He would have a flurry of work. He would have some health problems. When he regained strength, he would set to work on new projects. He was a man of vision. He wanted what was best for his flock. He was like so many immigrant priests. He didn’t spare himself as he laid down his life for those that he served. He died at 63 years of age.
Fr. Culemans good example set the tone for this parish that continues to this day. When a new challenge has presented itself whether it is expanding the school, starting a new religious education program, establishing lay ministry, engaging in liturgical renewal, Sacred Heart parishioners relying on God’s grace have met the challenge.
A lot has happened here in the last 100 years. We give thanks for that today. But we also look forward to new challenges. Fr. Culemans, like so many church leaders, would problem say this to us today. “I had many human limitations, but God allowed me to be his instrument. Now it is your time. Continue to build the Kingdom. Roll up your sleeves and get to work, but first celebrate.”
Reflection Questions:
1. Who was my favorite pastor? Why?
2. How might I be more supportive of the parish? What could I do?
Dear Parishioners,
I am pleased to announce that there is a new enrollment initiative that has been started by the administrators of our Catholic Schools. It is called “Faith in Our Future.” There are financial incentives that are being offered to encourage children to enroll in Seton, Jordon and Alleman Catholic Schools.
This is a new and exciting program. We know that a robust enrollment is good for the life of our schools. It is also good for the faith of our children. Every year school families explore joining our church because of the school’s ministry on our campus. This year we had several students receive the sacraments of initiation because of their experience at Seton School. Schools have always been part of the church’s evangelization plan. This blends with Bishop Tylka’s desire that we engage in making disciples for Jesus.
If you know of families who would like to explore Catholic grade school or high school education encourage them to go on the Face book page for Seton, Jordon and Alleman Schools to learn more.
I thank all those who support our educational efforts.
May Mother Seton pray for us,
Fr. Mark
P.S. This week we begin our annual Birdies for Charity drive. Please support Sacred Heart Church in this unique way. Your gift is multiplied by a subsidy from the golf tournament.