Hello! This past Saturday at St. John's, I baptized two children - Josie Marie Bazinette and Wren Estelle Carey. Josie is the daughter of Nick and Diana Bazinette (Black). Wren is the daughter of Ryan and Kylie Carey (Eimerman). Please continue to pray for them and their families and support them with your love and care!
Tomorrow evening, Wednesday, July 22nd, you're invited to come for a bonfire and s'mores at St. Joseph parish at 7:00pm. We'll have lawn games set up, too. The college-age Totus Tuus missionaries will be there. It looks like any rain will be early in the day and it should be great bonfire weather at 7pm ~ bring the whole family!
This past Sunday, a crew of skilled parishioners worked on the bikes we obtained from the Police Department and got many of them into working condition. Thanks to Pete Niepoth, Mike Schneck, his friend Dan, Matt and Andy Pillifant, Deacon Steve Schafer, Jackson Larson, and Brandon Yanni for fixing them up! We'll have a Community Used Bike Sale on Saturday, August 2nd from 9:00am until Noon at St. John's in the Pine Street parking lot. We have 40 bikes in working condition, both adult and children bikes, most will be under $50, and numerous bikes for $5 that can be stripped and used for parts. Proceeds will go to St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Knights of Columbus seminarian fund to support men preparing for the priesthood in our diocese. Please spread the word!
I know many people and families have felt concerned about coming back to Mass, and I want to do all I can to provide ways to return. To that end, beginning this Sunday, July 26th, the 11:00am Mass at St. Joseph parish will be outside in the north parking lot. Individuals or families can park and either stay in your car or bring chairs to sit outside. You'll be able to use your car stereo to pick up the audio on an FM station. Holy Communion will be brought around to you. If it's raining, I'll set up the altar under the awning by the hall doors. I expect this will work alright and we'll be able to continue this each Sunday. It will be a sacrifice for some, I know, but I hope a great benefit for lots of people. I also encourage you to read this article by Anthony Lillies entitled 'Dare We Go to Mass?' for some encouragement to return!
This is also a good article by Dr. Jeff Mirus from Catholic Culture thinking about current events: 'On toppling statues and reading the riot act.'
Finally, if you know someone in the hospital or nursing home who is nearing death, please do call me or email me to let me know. They have been good about letting me in to pray and give Anointing of the Sick and Holy Communion to those who are near death. I don't want anyone to go without the Sacraments during their final days in this life. Thanks!
You remain in my daily prayers!
Father Ryan