June 28, 2009

Dear Cathedral Parishioners,

We got a blast of summer heat and humidity this past week; but after last winter, who’s complaining? It sure made the corn grow! Pray that we don’t get any severe storms.

Yesterday our diocese was blessed to celebrate the ordination of five new priests: Father Gregory Bohren, Father Jesse Burish, Father Victor Feltes, Father Gregory Michaud and Father David Rybicki. May they have a long and fruitful ministry in the vineyard of the Lord. While we rejoice to receive these five new priests, we must continue to pray for vocations. Note the announcement of the monthly Holy Hour for Vocations at the Diocesan Center. Jesus himself commended this prayer to us: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

On Saturday we will celebrate Independence Day. This is a great opportunity to celebrate what is good about America, too much of which we take for granted. Why not start the day with Mass at 6:30 or 9:00 to ask God’s blessing upon our nation and to pray for peace in the world! Let us remember to pray for our military personnel putting their lives on the line for the sake of peace and the brotherhood of mankind.

Recently a gift in the amount of $1,500 was made to the Cathedral Parish in support of our Catholic Schools. The gift is from River Bank.

Effective this Wednesday, July 1, Coulee Catholic Schools will become Aquinas Catholic Schools, although the building names remain unchanged. The new web-site address will be www.AquinasCatholicSchools.org . Although our schools are not in session, much work is being done to prepare for the next school year. We are anticipating the same number of students as last year systemwide. Registrations are still being accepted and financial aid is available.

Pray this week for our new priests and for our seminarians, including Joseph Richards, Jr., from our parish. Remember also the religious sisters and brothers who serve the Church in our diocese. Pray, also, that more young people will respond to the call to a church vocation. Mary, Mother of the Church and Queen of the Clergy, pray for us! Mary, Patroness of our Nation and Queen of Peace, pray for us!

May God bless his people with peace.

Father Gorman