Around The Diocese For July 5
St. Nicholas Parish
initiates a new altar
server program
“On Sunday, June 9, five young people and two adults were blessed and commissioned as ‘Master Altar Servers’ for St. Nicholas Parish in Santa Claus,” according to Jack Tuinier, parish DRE.
“Having previously been trained as typical altar servers, they entered into a seven-week period of more intense study.
“Going beyond the rudimentary duties of an altar server, this Master Altar Server class explored every part of the Mass in detail including the structure of the Eucharistic prayer and such related terms as preface, epiclesis and anamnesis.
“Additionally, those participating in the class were ‘quizzed’ over all the names for each sacred vestment and vessel of the altar, the use of the sacred oils and how to differentiate between them, and the liturgical-theological significance of the ritual signs and gestures used throughout the Mass.
“During the rite of blessing, these Master Altar Servers were given a distinguished cross that they will wear while they perform their ministry and a special certificate of completion. Part of their new responsibilities will be to guide and mentor the younger altar servers and to help foster a prayerful and reverent attitude during each Eucharistic celebration.:
Happy Birthday!
Father Edward Schnur, pastor of St. Wendel Parish, St. Wendel, and St. Francis Xavier Parish, Poseyville, celebrates his birthday July 10.
Father Anthony Kissel, teaching at St. Leo College in St. Leo, Fla., celebrates his birthday July 11.
Father Jack Durchholz, pastor at St. Ferdinand Parish, Ferdinand, celebrates his birthday July 11.
Anniversary of ordination
Father Kenneth Steckler, a priest of the Diocese of Evansville on leave, was ordained to the priesthood July 13, 1996.
Happy Birthday!
Mary Altman, parish catechetical leader at Holy Family Parish, Jasper, celebrates her birthday July 11.
Michael Hagerdon, parish catechetical leader AT St. Joseph Parish, Jasper, celebrates his birthday July 13.
Karen Kane, parish catechetical leader at St. Peter Parish, Montgomery, and All Saints Parish, Cannelburg, celebrates her birthday July 13.
A prayer for college freshmen
Mater Dei graduate Katelyn Klingler has submitted a prayer she wrote as she prepares to enter college this fall.
Lord,
I truly believe that this path down which I am heading is Your will for me. Yet, in a shallow and worldly way, I'm still scared.
Will people like me?
Will I find friends who share my values?
How will I adjust to living apart from the family and friends whom I love so much?
The life that I know and enjoy is about to change in countless ways.
Help me to view college not as a scary experience, but as an opportunity to come closer to discovering and following Your plan for my life.
Guide me into friendships and activities that reflect and honor Your will.
Yet, keep me from judging those whose lives do not reflect Your message, so that I may see in every person and situation an opportunity to grow and to share Your love.
Implant in me the desire and the strength to grow in my faith in this environment that is far less sheltered than my environment now--for true followers are faithful in every situation, not just when it is easy.
Help me to feel Your comforting presence and look to You in all moments, even when I am feeling lonely, nervous, or exhausted.
Most of all, Lord, give me the grace to live in Your love always, for a life in Your love is a life of lasting, unconditional peace and joy.
Amen.
