The Opportunities

A few weeks ago, I was able to go on vacation with some brother priests to Padre Island, Texas on the Gulf shore. We did not have the nice weather we had been hoping for and while it certainly changed our plans, I was reminded of an observation made by C.S. Lewis about children and how they approach different types of weather. When it is sunny, children are excited because they get to go outside and play. When it snows, they are excited to build a snowman or have a snowball fight. When it is rainy, they look forward to jumping in puddles. In every weather situation, children look at the opportunities and don’t even seem to notice the negative effects of weather. Although Texas was not the sunny getaway we priests had expected, it nonetheless resulted in more prayer and reading, and I believe brought a depth to our conversations while also contributing to an abundance of laughter.

Such things happen when we look at the positive and the opportunities. In parish life, there will never be a shortage of things to critique and complain about. At the same time, there are innumerable opportunities that lie open to us. Opportunities to learn available from Fr. Mondiek and Fr. Reckers, chances to pray before the Blessed Sacrament in Adoration three days a week, opportunities to receive mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Opportunities to be grateful that we have been blessed with more vocations than many places in the country, even as our number of priests continues to decline. Chances to educate our children in religious education and to support parents in their primary duty to form their children in the Catholic Faith. The list could go on, but in short, we have so many opportunities and perhaps we could approach our lives and parish life like children approach the weather...as an opportunity!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to spend abundant time with your loved ones. For there is much to be thankful for and I hope the Lord poured and continues to pour blessings into the lives of your family and bestows His peace upon you all.

To follow-up on pastoral council elections, here are the representatives for the new Family Pastoral Council that will begin in earnest January 2024. Third year representatives: Jeff Banks (SHJ), Leslie Higgins (HA), Diana Paulus (SPP), and Kim Ruhenkamp (SM). Second year representatives: Sarah Albers (SHJ), Sheila Bensman (HA), Brenda Schmitmeyer (SPP), and Sarah Werner (SM). First year representatives: Steve Baker (HA), Paul Hoying (SHJ), Matt Eilerman (SM), and Michelle Seger (SPP). I am grateful for each of them for giving their generous yes. I look forward to consulting and hearing their insights as we move forward.

Please remember that the pastoral council is a consultative body not a decision-making body. Pastoral council is only convened when the pastor is present. The pastoral council makes recommendations not deliberative mandates. The council members provide the pastor with feedback and advice. Members of pastoral council are not responsible for decisions made as they offer their recommendations, there are innumerable factors that pastor, priests, and staff must weigh in any decision.

Thank you to those of you who have shared kind words with me and the other priests. As I have heard from each vicar and experienced myself, your appreciation and praise in different ways. So, thank you for being grateful people. The Lord has indeed been so good to us. May He be praised always and be found by those who seek Him.

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Jarred Kohn