Fourth Sunday of Easter

Dear Parishioners,

     Today is what is called Good Shepherd Sunday.  Jesus preaches about what a good shepherd is like.  I have known many pastors who were good shepherds in my life.  I have also known some who were mediocre.

     A couple weeks ago we buried Fr. Jim DeBisschop, a native son of our parish.  He comes to mind this Sunday as a good shepherd.  He was not always warm and fuzzy. He could challenge me to do better in my life. He could be very affirming as well.

     He also had another wonderful attribute. He was always present to his parishioners.  His parish was his life.  If he was involved in a social occasion it was normally a parish function.  If someone needed to find him he was usually at home.  He went on vacation at times, but that was not his main activity.  If a parishioner needed him for a funeral or Anointing of the Sick he would cancel other plans.  His priorities were very set. Ministry first if possible. 

     Beyond that Jim was a person of prayer trying to follow the promptings of the Spirit.  He was always asking deeper questions and looking towards the future.  This is why his two parishes got involved in our Strategic planning initiative.  Even as he was in the dying process we talked about what was next for the Moline area.  This seemed to take his mind off his pain. He was thinking of others, not himself.

     On this Good Shepherd Sunday let’s pray in thanksgiving for the pastors that we have had that have laid down their life for their sheep.

Happy Easter,

Fr. Mark

P.S.  Thanks to all who came to the two information meetings we had on our capital needs and our Strategic Planning process on April 10^th and 11^th.  Good questions were asked and there was a good spirit at each meeting.  I would especially like to thank our presenters; Jim Harl, Don Lewis and Carm Sinatra. 

P.P.S. I would also like to thank all those who helped with the Confirmation Mass last Sunday.  Everyone pulled together, and we had a great liturgy.  The fifty young people who were confirmed will be a real asset to the church in the future.