The Ascension of The Lord
Dear Parishioner,
This past week I commemorated two milestones in my life. My birthday was on the 25th of May and my ordination anniversary is on the 29th of May. I thank all those who stopped by to wish me well after our Saturday night Mass. This was the 35th anniversary of my ordination. I was not planning to have an observance this year, but it was suggested. I always thought of my 40-year anniversary as the next time I would celebrate. But it was nice to have a spontaneous party.
A lot has changed since I was ordained in 1982. When we make a vocational commitment, whether that be marital commitment, religious vows or holy orders we never know what is going to transpire we make a leap of faith. That is why maintaining commitments is so difficult. We cannot see into the future. Blessings are sure to come. Difficulties are sure to come as well. If we endure through it all then this provides hope for those who make the journey with us.
Some will ask me during this weekend what the best gift might be that a priest might receive. The best gift is not any material thing. The best gift a parish priest can receive is the sense that the people of the parish have grown in faith because of the ministry of the church. I have baptized a lot of people in the past 35 years, married a lot of people, buried a lot of people, counseled countless of people and have grown from all of that.
I thank you for your great dedication to Christ. Let’s continue to work together to build the Kingdom of Jesus. If people are enthusiastic about that this is the best gift that a priest can receive.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark
P.S. Fr. Sebastian stopped by last week. He is working hard at St. Matthew in Champaign. He has not been able to get away much. He will be traveling to Canada in June to work on his dissertation. When he comes back, he will be assigned to St. Paul in Macomb. He is not sure how long he will be there. One of these days he will have to return to Africa. Please pray for him as he makes these transitions. I talked to the Society of African Mission Fathers this past week and they plan on sending a priest to Sacred Heart in late June or early July.
P.P.S. I also talked to Msgr. Wellman this week. He is feeling somewhat better after his car accident. He found out that he has a pinched nerve, but otherwise he is making progress. Please pray for him.