Around The Diocese For Sept. 13
The teachings of the Church
are there to guide us
“Recently when I was on a hike I came to a place in the trail that had washed out,” writes Deacon Dave Seibert, pastoral life coordinator at St. Theresa Parish in Evansville.
“There was a rope along the side of the trail and small orange ribbons tied to the rope to make it more visible. Sometimes in a hard rain these trails will channel the water and so it isn’t unusual that a part of it might erode. Wouldn’t it be nice if all of life came with guide ropes and orange ribbons?
“We encounter this frequently, such as when we’re driving. Orange barrels and pylons warn us of dangerous road conditions. We see orange barricades around construction sites that tell us it could be hazardous to enter. We even run into this when we enter an office or a store – “Wet Paint!” So many potential dangers but fortunately we have plenty of warnings too.
“Navigating through life can be dicey when it comes to making moral decisions. We don’t always have the advantage of an orange barricade telling us we’re getting off the safe path. There isn’t a detour sign that takes us around the dangerous situation. And there is no GPS to help us if we get lost trying to avoid a bad decision. It often feels like we’re alone without a compass or a rudder. You just want to sit down and ask ‘What am I supposed to do now?’
“Fortunately we do have stop signs and warning signs to keep us on the right path if we know how to recognize them. Like a student learning to drive, we have to know how to read the signs but also know by their shape and color what information they contain. We have to learn to recognize moral dangers and be able to identify them when we approach them. This is where the Church, in her teaching capacity, can help us.
“Too often we think of the Church’s teachings as being negative and restrictive. Don’t do this. Don’t go there. Jokingly we even say ‘If it feels good then it’s bad.’ But that’s hardly the case. The teachings of the Church are there to guide us on the safest and most direct road. Church teaching provides us with those warning signs we sorely need to keep us from wandering off the trail and on to a dangerous slope. The Church guides in a way that actually provides freedom, not restriction. Freedom from moral danger. Freedom from the stress and anxiety we experience if we do get into a bad spot. Freedom to develop a closer relationship with God and one another.
“Sometimes we may not even see the danger when the Church tells us to avoid a particular path. It may be out of our sight. But the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, guiding the Church, attempts to keep us well clear of these hazards, seen or unseen. Take advantage of this help. It’s much easier to avoid the ditch than it is to get out of it.”
Happy Birthday!
Father Kenneth Graehler, a retired priest of the Diocese of Evansville, celebrates his birthday Sept. 20. He resides at 104 Southside Ave., Washington IN 47501.
Deacon Lancaster Dow Jr. celebrates his birthday Sept. 24.
Deacon anniversaries
Deacon Michael Morris was ordained Sept. 20, 1985. He serves in prison ministry.
Deacon Donald Haag of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Petersburg, was ordained Sept. 24, 1983.
Happy Birthday!
Marcia Yochum, parish catechetical leader at St. Philip Neri Parish, Bicknell, celebrates her birthday Sept. 19.
Youth Group leader
“Ladies and gentleman, this is Amy Lackey, your new Youth Group leader!!!” reads a note in the bulletin at St. Philip Neri Parish in Bicknell.
“I am looking forward to doing many things with you guys for our Church and community. I definitely need all of your help to continue this program and make it enjoyable for us all.”
Happy Birthday!
Hannah Everhart, principal at Christ the King School, Evansville, celebrates her birthday Sept. 20.
Sally Sternberg, principal at Holy Family School, Jasper, celebrates her birthday Sept. 21.
Tracey Unfried, principal at Westside Catholic School, Evansville, celebrates her birthday Sept. 21.
New staff member
Jennifer Gorman is the new Director of Worship at St. Mary Parish in Evansville.
From the principal
Lori Wissel, principal at Flaget Elementary School in Vincennes, writes to school parents, “The theme for all schools in the Evansville diocese is icatholicschools.
“This theme at first glance may be confusing but this theme has to do with technology. It is important because technology is vital in education. We are preparing students for careers that don’t even exist yet. Please embrace new technology with us.”
Market our school
A note in the newsletter at St. James School in Haubstadt reads, “The youngest child of each family will receive a St. James decal. Please place this decal in a visible spot on your vehicle and help market our school! Thank you for helping to support our wonderful school.”
