First Sunday of Lent
Dear Parishioners,
On March 3rd a historic event will happen in our diocese. Bishop Daniel Jenky will be retiring as bishop of our diocese and Bishop Lou Tylka will become the ninth Bishop of Peoria. Bishop Jenky has been our bishop for twenty years. A lot has happened in that time. The sexual abuse scandal has been constantly unfolding, the great recession has happened. A twenty-year war was fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. The pandemic has impacted church life the last two plus years. These things would have been a challenge for any leader. Bishop Jenky has earned his time of rest. I am positive all of us will pray for his health. He met with the priests this past week and one of the things he asked for was forgiveness for his shortcomings. I am sure his request was sincere.
Bishop Tylka will have his own style of leadership. So far, he has gone out of his way to engage people. He has visited many parishes all over the diocese. The good news is that he has had time to learn about the history and problems of our diocese. Maybe this will help him to get off to a good start as he begins to shepherd us. This is a challenging time to be a bishop. His job will be tough. Let’s pray for him also.
Bishop Tylka has already visited our parish three times. He will be here for confirmation in April. Let’s continue to welcome him and make him feel at home.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark