Around The Diocese - Week Of Jan. 18
Year of Faith
Deacon Dave Seibert, pastoral life coordinator at St. Theresa Church, Evansville, writes, "On Oct. 11, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI declared the start of the Year of Faith.
"Pope Benedict intended these months to be a time of conversion and re-dedication to our Lord Jesus and a deeper appreciation for the faith we profess.
The declaration of this Year of Faith comes at a significant time. We celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of opening of Vatican II. This is also the twentieth anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Both of these events are significant because of the immense impact they had, and continue to have, on the development of a deeper understanding of our Faith. Both events also have moved us away from being Catholic “observers” in our liturgies, prayers and even everyday life. We now share with the clergy in the life and prayer of the Church in much deeper ways. As the famous document, Sacrosanctum Concilium, from Vatican II stated, we are called to a “full, conscious and active participation” in our liturgical life."
The deacon adds, "The Catholic bishops of this country are encouraging us to actively participate in this Year of Faith by study, prayer and penance. They recommend several exercises that will help us grow and appreciate the richness of the Catholic Faith. First is to participate in monthly Eucharistic Adoration for an hour. Second is to pray a daily rosary. They ask that you dedicate your intentions to the preservation of life, marriage and religious liberty. Third is to perform some act of penance each week. One suggestion is to abstain from meat on Fridays or observe a day of fasting. Finally, study your faith. Come to understand better not only WHAT we do, but WHY we do it."
Happy Birthday!
Father John Boeglin, pastor of Holy Family Church, Jasper, celebrates his birthday Jan. 22.
Benedictine Father Godfrey Mullen, pastor at St. Mary Church, Huntingburg, celebrates his birthday Jan. 22.
Father Jeff Read, associate pastor at Holy Rosary Church, Evansville, celebrates his birthday Jan. 22.
Father Eugene Heerdink, a retired priest of the Diocese of Evansville, celebrates his birthday Jan. 23. He resides at 212 W. 13th St., Jasper IN 47546.
Father Joseph Kane, sacramental minister at St. Philip Church, Posey County, celebrates his birthday Jan. 23.
A spirit of giving
Marianne Webster, principal at Holy Redeemer School, Evansville, says 2013 is a continuation of the "spirit of giving" at her school.
"So far this school year the entire school donated 15 large bags of shoes to Haiti , $216 to Riley Hospital, and $109 to our local Catholic Charities.
"The Student Council donated $150to the Sam Strong Fundraiser and $81.50 to Grace House. The third grade donated the money made from their Angel Store to Salvation Army. The second grade collected supplies for Birthright, and the fourth grade made a donation for the Hurricane Sandy victims
"The PTO donated $250 to our Connected in Faith parish campaign in the students’ name, and $600 was collected from the Walk for the Poor for St. Vincent DePaul."
A new ministry at Holy Family
There is a new Respect Life ministry at Holy Family Church in Jasper, according to the parish newsletter.
The primary mission of the ministry is to help parishioners become well informed on the "difficult life issues of our times -- including but not limited to contraception, abortion, sterilization, in vitro fertilization, euthanasia, what it means to be 'open to life,' and the sacredness and dignity of all human life.
"Reading materials are available in the narthex." Parishioners are encouraged to "reflect and pray on what your role might be for this new ministry, with prayer being the foremost and essential element to this call."
Presents for the poor
Students in the religious education classes at St. Anthony Church, St. Anthony, and Sacred Heart Church, Schnellville, sent 39 boxes filled with Christmas presents to children in Third World countries.
Happy Birthday!
Liz Hirsch, parish catechetical leader at Holy Cross Church, celebrates her birthday Jan. 26.
Many thanks
Shirley Jeffers, youth minister at St. John Church, Loogootee, offers "many thanks" to those who helped with the bingo at Parkview: Christopher Hager, Carson Rayhill, Patrick Allbright, Cora Hedrick and Savannah McAtee.
