“Propagation of the Faith”  –Bp. Charles McGuire

Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul

Bishop’s Note
Just the other day, towards evening, I heard the soothing sound of the locusts off in the distance. It is one of those things I have always enjoyed about the summer months for some reason. The birds have been active, too. A young robin which didn’t yet have all its tail feathers managed to fly right through the kitchen doorway one day this week. I thought I must have imagined it because I couldn’t find any bird inside and so I went about my business. The next morning, after letting the cats in, I heard a bird screeching inside the rectory and eventually found the little thing on the floor trying not to get eaten. Actually, it did a good job of catching Black Cat by surprise and causing him to run into the corner. So I scooped up the bird and let him go outside. Fluffy, the church cat, left a mouse on the porch for Sister. Sister was touched by such kindness, but turned down the gift (understandably so). It is the thought that matters!

The St. John Bonfire was not as well attended as in previous years, but was still such a wonderfully edifying and fun time. Thanks to Mr. Hudson for the grilling and Theresa for the shopping! The young men from the Capetillo and Simpson families (including Fr. Simpson!) brought their guitars and banjos and sang some songs for us. They have really gotten quite good and are very enjoyable to watch. The younger England boys showed me their boomerang and are quite expert at throwing it! I never could get mine to work as a kid. The kids all had a nice time doing what kids do. It was so nice to spend time with them again. Many of the younger boys spent much of their time showing off their cowboy boots (little Casimir loves the noise they make).

Last Thursday was Fr. Hecquard’s priestly anniversary. Frs. Lehtoranta and Brueggemann were trying to figure out how many years it has been but none of us could remember. It has been fourteen years now since Father was ordained in Rennes, France. We managed to pull off a Solemn Pontifical even though most of the servers had probably never even seen one. Fourteen years! Time flies. Father runs a nice apostolate in France, taking care of a few different missions, giving spiritual retreats, and writing an edifying newsletter called “Les feuilles du Sacrè-Coeur.” Please remember this good priest in your prayers.

Congratulations to Leo and Katelyn (McConnell) Arlinghaus who were married yesterday on the feast of Ss. Peter and Paul. They will make a very nice couple. Congratulations to Nick McClorey and Katie Bucheli who were betrothed after the High Mass today.

This week we will have High Mass on Monday and Tuesday, the feasts of the Precious Blood (Fr. Larrabee’s priestly anniversary) and that of the Visitation of Our Lady. Don’t forget to come to Mass and pray for our country on July 4th! We have First Friday and First Saturday to think about, too. So much to choose from! Come to at least one extra Mass and bring the children, especially the First Communicants.

– Bishop McGuire