Around The Diocese For Dec. 18, 2015
Holy Year of Mercy
“Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has announced that, beginning Dec. 8, there will be a Holy Year of Mercy in the Catholic Church,” writes Father Tony Ernst, pastor at St. James and Sts. Peter and Paul parishes in Haubstadt, and Holy Cross Parish in Fort Branch.
“He said, ‘I am convinced that the whole Church, which has much need to receive mercy, because we are sinners, will find in this jubilee the joy to rediscover and render fruitful the mercy of God, with which we are all called to give consolation to every man and woman of our time.”
Father Ernst encouraged his parishioners to “pray about how you are in need of God’s mercy and approach Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Feel that mercy deep within you so that you can share it with someone in need of that same mercy.
“And let us especially pray for all those who feel alienated from Christ and His Church, that they may experience His Mercy and return to the Church.
“May this year be a time of great renewal in our lives and in the Church throughout the world.”
Happy Birthday!
Father Crispine Adongo, a priest from Kenya serving in the Glenmary Home Missions and associate pastor at Holy Rosary Parish in Evansville, celebrates his birthday Dec. 25.
Deacon Thomas Lehman, St. Boniface Parish, Evansville, celebrates his birthday Dec. 29.
Good Steward of the Month
Roberta Jochim has been named the Good Steward of the Month at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Dale. The parish newsletter states, “Caring for others is just in her bones. If there is a need, she will be there.”
Anniversaries at Holy Family
Congratulations to couples at Holy Family Parish in Jasper who are celebrating December wedding anniversaries: Kenneth and Jane Seidl, 44 years; Charles and Jan Stenftenagel, 43 years; Terry and Brenda Wagner, 40 years.
Mater Dei’s Spell Bowl Team
Members of the Spell Bowl team placed second among Class 3 schools in recent competition.
The top speller was junior Ashley Egler with five words spelled correctly in round one.
Members include Abby Burnett, Lindsey Deig, Ariel Dietz, Mackenzie Douglas, Ashley Egler, Hannah Givens, Rachel Goedde, Lauren Jarboe, Jonah Kunkler, Michaela Kunkler, Kathryn Muensterman, Valerie Muensterman, Hope Peterlin, Sammie Vaughn, Tara Wargel and Brett Weinzapfel.
Newest members
Dan Gilbert, principal at St. Joseph School in Princeton, writes, “I am happy to introduce to you the newest member of our St. Joseph school family. On Monday we hired Mrs. Brittany Hopster to work in our extended care program. She comes to our school after having previously worked at the parish office for Holy Cross.”
He added that Catholic Charities employee, Annie Simpson, “will be coming to St. Joseph and joining our staff. She currently serves the other Catholic schools in our county.”
It's a girl!
Congratulations to Scott and Allyson Gilley on the birth of their daughter, Sadie Layne. Ally is a third grade teacher at Washington Catholic Elementary School in Washington.
Winner
Congratulations to Washington Catholic Elementary School student Nolan McCain, a winner in the
fire safety poster contest held by the fire department.
Happy Birthday!
Connie Mathies, parish catechetical leader at St. Mary Parish, Ireland, celebrates her birthday Dec. 25.
