Fr. Hien's Weekly Letter 09/17/23

My Dear Parishioners And Blessings To You All, 
 It looks like the super hot summer is behind us and the nice, cool weather is starting because the fall season will start on Saturday, September 23.  Fall is one of my favorite times of the year and I think it would be for many of you as well.  First, the nice and cool weather is much more pleasant than over 100 degree summer days or the below zero degree winter.  Second, the cool weather leads everything outside toward the winter, the changing colors of the leaves in the trees.  Fall is beautiful not only here in Kansas but especially up in the northern states, in the forests and mountains.  I highly recommend to those who have time to travel north, northeast and northwest to see the wonders of God’s creation and beauty.  One of my bucket lists is to travel in the fall to these beautiful states to see and to enjoy God’s mighty work in His creation.  I am hoping that I can do this sometime in the near future, (not this year yet due to the hvac and roofing projects we are installing).  Third, the fall is also my hunting season when I can enjoy what Kansas has to offer in its fields of corn, soybeans, tall grasses and especially in the birds of the sky, but not the coyotes, raccoons, rats and especially snakes.  Did you know that Kansas harvests about 100,000 deer every year?  Yes, there are a lot of people who like to hunt and to share their game meat with others.  Most of the time, those who are hunters, fishers, gardeners and outdoor persons are those who connect well with other people and God.  They have learned to be patient and above all, to respect Mother Nature.  Therefore, they normally do the same in their daily lives at home, work and even at church.  So, please learn to be an outdoor person, it does a lot of good to your body, mind and soul.  In addition, it’s the best method to de-stress and to have a good night’s sleep, which is very important for every person.   I am thankful to God for my childhood that made me a handyman, a gardener and a fisherman, so that I can be God’s fisher of men today.   Finally, we are three weeks away from the All Saints Marian Day on Saturday, October 7th.   Please notice that the 4pm Mass on that day is going to be at 3pm, followed by the Eucharistic procession with the statue of Mary.  Bishop Kemme will be the celebrant for Mass and the procession.  We will provide free dinner to everyone outdoors, and there will be lots of fun all day and in the evening.  Everyone is welcome to join us, regardless of your religion, race or language. 
God bless us all and I love you all, Fr. Hien