October 7, 2018

​My Dear Parishioners,
   Glory and praise to God our heavenly Father.  God gives us the Blessed Virgin Mary as our spiritual Mother.  Mary prays for us and all people until we are in heaven with God and with all the angels and saints.  Throughout this month of October, we are to give greater devotion to the Holy Rosary, to pray for the eternal life of those who have died, and for the greater love and faith in God for those who are still alive.  I would encourage everyone, old and young, to pray one Hail Mary for each person in your family everyday throughout this month of the Holy Rosary.  Also, I would encourage everyone to come to church early, about 20 minutes before Mass, to join our church family in praying the rosary for your loved ones and for our church family, etc.… Also, we need volunteers to lead the rosary before every Mass.  You can lead the rosary by yourself, with your spouse or with your entire family.  You can lead the rosary in your pew or by the cantor’s microphone.  Your Sunday will be more pleasing to God if you put God first and help others lift their hearts, minds and souls to God.  As a pastor, I also would like to pray with everyone during Mass three Hail Mary’s for the intention of our bishop and Holy Father, Pope Francis.  When you pray, please know that God is with you and in your heart, mind and soul.  Holy Mary, pray for us sinners until we are all in heaven with you.
   Sunday Mass Counts:  The diocese is requesting Mass attendance count throughout this month.  I need volunteers to click people as they are entering the church.  Two people are needed at every weekend Mass, one for the west doors and one for the east doors.  Please visit with me about 20 minutes before Mass and I can show you how to use the clicker.  Last year, our average Mass attendance for a weekend was 1,017 people.
   New Parish Picture Directory:  The last parish directory was done in 2015.  It’s time for a new one so that we can update our membership.  Registration for the dates and times to have your picture taken is now available in the gathering area after every weekend Mass or please visit our website to register online.  I would like to see every family have their picture taken for our parish and for their family.  Your family will receive a free 8x10 professional picture sent to you before Christmas.  You also will receive a free picture directory from our parish.  If you have not registered with our parish yet, we would love to have you.  The registration form is available in the back of the church and in the pews for your convenience.  Please know that only when you are registered with our parish can you share all the benefits of our parish such as using our facilities at lower rates.  Also, I cannot give any recommendation for you or for your family members, such as to be godparents or permission to receive a sacrament in another parish, unless you and your family members are registered with our parish.  Of course, no priest should allow anyone to receive a sacrament in their church without that person registering with their parish or in another parish, unless it’s an emergency.  So, please know that registration is required for every Catholic family and please be sure that your children living at home or attending college are also included on the form.  Thank you for your cooperation!
   Finally, the schedule for Bishop Gerber’s funeral at the Cathedral are visitation on Monday, October 8, at 6:30 p.m. with the recitation of the Office of the Dead, follow by all night rosary starting at 8:30pm.  His funeral Mass is on Tuesday at 10:00am, follow by a luncheon and burial service.  Everyone is invited.

Holy Mary, pray for us sinners, Fr. Hien