I want to sincerely thank all of you who shared in the celebration of my Silver Jubilee to the priesthood last Sunday.  Your outpouring of support and generosity were gratifying and humbling.  I pray that our Lord bless you many times over.  I thank you not only in my own name, but also on behalf of my family who were truly impressed with our celebration, warmth, and goodwill.  In a special way, I am indebted to the many people who planned and generously donated their time and talent in making the jubilee a special event and one that I will treasure for many years.

 

Father Bart's Silver Jubilee Mass 

 

Father Bart's Homily

 

      I have also had the opportunity to reflect on the priesthood and it's meaning, not only in my own life, but also in the life of the Church.  There is no doubt that priesthood is moving in a new direction and is evolving, but it's value and centrality in the life of the Church and the parish is undiminished.  If anything, it may become more critical, not only in the sacramental sense, but also as the facilitators of change and what these changes mean and what they are bringing forth.  Hopefully, bringing forth new life for the Church.  I ask you to pray and encourage vocations.

 

Father Bart and Altar Servers, Derek & Sean

 

     Congratulations are also in order for Father Rich Siepka.  As you know,he has stepped down from his duties as Rector of Christ the King Seminary after 12 years.  This past week, Bishop Kmiec assigned him as the Pastor of St. Andrew's Parish in Kenmore.  I know that, along with me, you wish him well and pray for him as he begins this new ministry.  Of course, he will no longer be able to celebrate the Eucharist with us.  Some time in the near future, we will be inviting him back to celebrate with us one last time and have the opportunity to say goodbye. 

 

     A few weeks ago, we had another "Journey in Faith and Grace" meeting with the folks at St. Barnabas.  The good news is they were able to pay off the mortgage on their church.  We also reviewed the surveys that went out to the organizations and ministries of each parish.  The next step of the process is to go through each parish's surveys, and then begin to ask - "How could the organizations and ministries in both parishes collaborate and work together?"  We will be asking them if it could be done and how, and if it could not, why?  Please remember that by 2010 we need to decide if a merger is possible.  In my opinion, at the very least, both parishes need to work together more closely.  Things such as:  Religious Education, Masses, Outreach, etc. are all areas where we have to find creative ways of being Church not just a parish.

 

     This Sunday, I have the pleasure of installing our new Parish council for the upcoming year.  They will be installed at the 9:30 am Mass.  Please pray for these folks.  These are challenging times for all parishes and for our diocese.  These are the people who will be helping chart the future direction of our Parish.

                                      Let us pray and care for each other...Fr. Bart

 

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