Forward!

“If we are not moving forward, we are falling behind.” I have heard these words uttered by several people. Its main point is that moving forward personally, as a parish, and as a Family of Parishes, necessitates that we look to moving toward what could be. We must avoid becoming a calcified institution instead of a missionary outpost, as Pope Francis has said a parish needs to be.

Over the past few weeks, we announced the priest assignments and have moved into Lent. Getting four priests has excited many people, and again, I would appreciate your prayers and understanding of Ss. Peter & Paul and St. Michael as they lose a beloved pastor. It is not easy for them, and it is not going to be easy for any of us. I really do appreciate the excitement you have all shown and expressed. Many of you have stated that you can see how as we move forward in the Beacons of Light process, there will be many adjustments to parish life. We will be sharing resources, we will have different priestly personalities, we’ll have to coordinate activities at different campuses, and we’ll have to get to know and grow with people at the other parishes. This will result in a community of believers that seeks to be Saints and journey together toward heaven.

In this vein, I am very grateful to Sacred Heart in McCartyville. When we had the massive snowfall back in February, Holy Angels had to cancel our Confirmation retreat. When Sacred Heart’s staff heard this, they offered to let Holy Angels Confirmation candidates join their Confirmation candidates for their retreat, which was last Saturday. It was a beautiful first step in building up unity in our new Family of Parishes. Fr. Shoup and Fr. Mondiek have also been wonderful in helping me to get to know people at St. Michael, Ss. Peter & Paul, and Sacred Heart. For this, I can never be grateful enough.

Speaking of unity and community, next Saturday, March 19, we will have our St. Joseph Brinner following the 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass. Please come out to celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph and to build friendship with your fellow parishioners and earthly pilgrims.
I would also encourage you to consider going to Stations of the Cross a couple of times throughout the season of Lent. Many saints have noted that reflecting and meditating upon our Lord’s Passion is a most fruitful exercise for growing in many virtues and gratitude for what the Lord has done for us.

On Monday, March 14, the Parish Office will be closed for the office staff day of recollection.
A note of gratitude to our staff here at Holy Angels. They must put up with a lot and not the least of that, “a lot” is dealing with me. So please remember to thank them for the good work they do. We cannot pay them as much as they deserve, but we can pray for them and thank them for what they do.

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Jarred Kohn