Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I enjoyed seeing many of you last week at our Diocesan Eucharistic Congress. The joy, enthusiasm and excitement was inspiring.
Please consider attending the National Eucharistic Congress next July 17-21 in Indianapolis. There will be tracks for high school students, families with children 13 and under as well as for adults. The speakers include Bishop Barron, Sr. Miriam James Hiedland, and Fr. Mike Schmitz. More information is located at https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/ I have already made my reservation and hope to see you there.
I have received countless comments regarding the time it takes around the time of the distribution of Holy Communion. This has been especially hard for families with children. Next weekend we will implement some changes that hopefully will resolve these issues as well as support the dignity of the baptized in the Mass. Our goal is to be efficient, but most importantly, reverent and helping all of us to be prayerful during the entire Mass. Additionally, you will hear bells rung during the Eucharistic prayer which draw our attention (in case we are distracted) to the Holy Spirit coming down to transform the gifts of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus as well at the elevation of Body and Blood of the Lord. The bells are also a sign of joy that God has come down from heaven to be with us in the Eucharist.
We are also working on getting the text of the readings, the creed, etc. on the screens. We are also in need of volunteers to hit “next” on the computer during the Mass. If you are interesting in helping in this ministry, please contact Fr. Aristotle.
Another area of concern has been about people asking parishioners for money. The best way to address this is to have the people asking for money to contact our St. Vincent de Paul ministry.
Again, I am grateful for your concern and love for our parish. Have a blessed week!
Bishop Tim Freyer
