Speaking of vocations, if you or someone you know is considering a vocation to the priesthood, the diaconate or the religious life, please feel free to contact me, I would be happy to assist anyone who is thinking and discerning their calls. Of course, one can always look at the vocations office website, www.thinkpriest.org for more information and resources.
I think that any of our parish seminarians would point out how important prayer has been to the discernment of their call. If we think of the Eucharist as food for the soul, then prayer is the soul’s breath. This past October 7th we celebrated the 32nd Anniversary of our Perpetual Adoration Chapel. When we step back to consider such an amazing history we can only begin to imagine the many vocations that have been discerned there, burdens lifted, strength offered, problems solved and thanks uttered in that chapel. Be sure to make a regular visit to the Chapel part of your own prayer life and, if you are so inclined, to consider committing one hour a week as a regular adorer or to sign up as a substitute for when needed. Information on our Chapel is provided in every weekend bulletin.
Also this past October 7th, the parish launched a new initiative which you have probably seen in the bulletin – The Memorare Society. The Memorare Society is a group designed for parishioners who make a planned gift to the parish, whether while still alive, or as part of their estate. No matter how large or how small that gift, remembering the parish in that way is a great gift to the entire parish community. If you would like more information on The Memorare Society or have already made a planned gift or have made allowances for the parish as part of your estate or would like information on how to do so, please contact Cheryl Peters, our Director of Finance. She will be happy to assist you and the entire parish will thank you.
As I wrote at the very beginning of this column we are privileged to have three sons of this parish in formation for the priesthood – did you know that it is the Catholic Stewardship Appeal that provides a large funding source for priestly formation? Along with this the Catholic Stewardship Appeal helps the Archdiocese to function, forms future priests and deacons, and assists the poor and the disadvantaged. It relies on the generosity of each one of us to make this all possible. I would like to ask you to consider making a donation to the annual Catholic Stewardship Appeal. If you would like more information on how to donate, please go to their website: https://www.archmil.org/2017-catholic-appeal/home.htm.
Finally, be sure to remember that this coming Wednesday is the Feast of All Saints, a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be celebrated at 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM.