Around The Diocese For Oct. 10
Happy Birthday,
Bishop Gettelfinger!
Bishop-emeritus Gerald A. Gettelfinger, fourth bishop of the Diocese of Evansville, celebrates his birthday Oct. 20.
Happy Birthday!
Father Leo Kiesel, a retired priest of the Diocese of Evansville, celebrates his birthday Oct. 15.
Deacon Francis Hillenbrand, Christ the King Parish, Evansville, celebrates his birthday Oct. 15.
Father Thomas Kessler, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish, Newburgh, celebrates his birthday Oct. 19.
Father Jason Gries, associate director of Vocations and pastor at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Daylight, and Holy Trinity Parish in Evansville, celebrates his birthday Oct. 19.
National Merit
Mater Dei High School seniors Aaron Hoefling and Michael Kercher have been named 2015 semifinalists in the annual National Merit Scholarship program.
Seniors Leland Braum and Emily Heldman were named commended students by the program.
Happy Birthday!
Mary Jane Durcholz, parish catechetical leader at Sacred Heart Parish, Schnellville, celebrates her birthday Oct. 17.
Linda Weyer, parish catechetical leader at St. Ferdinand Parish, Ferdinand, celebrates her birthday Oct. 18.
A welcome note from Father Bhastati
In the newsletter at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Haubstat, Father Sudhakar Bhastati writes, “Though I am appearing for the first time on our parish newsletter, I think I need not introduce myself. I may not know you by name but I am sure you know me because I am experiencing your care and concern.
“It’s been a month that I am here and I hear from the most of the people saying to me ‘we need you.’ I remember, once Mother Teresa was asked a question, if an angel and priest come to you whom do you welcome first? Then she replied, priest. Why? Because an angel brings down only the message of God but priest has the power to bring down God through the celebration of the Eucharist and blessings and graces of God through the celebration of other Sacraments.
“That is true. When I hear the expression ‘we need you’ I feel that you say from deep within your hearts and spiritual experience. At the same time it reminds me of the call and responsibility of serving the people of God. But finally I understand that how much you feel the need of me and your love and concern.”
He added, “One thing I like is that people in our parishes are God-fearing, loving, sincere, hard-working and generous. Someone said, ‘Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.’ Perhaps it is because of this that God has blessed America. I pray that God continue to bless you and America.
“Thank you for welcoming me with such open hearts.”
Happy Birthday!
Andrea Lodato Dickel, principal at St. Philip School, Posey County, celebrates her birthday Oct. 19.
Altar Society,
Christian Mothers
“Chris Peter and her committee are interested in establishing an Altar Society and Christian Mothers group for our new parish,” writes Father Kenneth Walker, pastor at St. John Parish in Loogootee.
“We have been blessed with the altar societies in the former parishes and it is my hope to bring that zeal and enthusiasm to this new organization. I am 100 percent behind this and encourage any of the ladies of the parish to join and become active members.”
Youth Salute
Samuel Martin has received the Youth Salute in the parish newsletter for the Catholic Community of North Spencer. He is a master server and a church camp junior counselor. He is known for being “always willing to lend a helping hand where needed.”
