This Week: Lent III

“Unclean Spirit”  –Bp. Charles McGuire

The Bishop’s Note
With the melting of the snow and the deluge of rain that we have been getting the church grounds have become, in their usual spots around the Rosary path and up by the rectory, little ponds. It is entertaining to watch the cats tip-toe around all the water and mud. Pretty soon we might be seeing ducks coming over for a swim! Black Cat seems to have hurt himself again. Thankfully, it’s not severe, but he is limping a bit. Fat Cat is the same as always. They are good company, but a little annoying at times. Now that they get cooped up indoors during the rain, they sure do fight an awful lot—but I guess it can be the same with people! The forecast calls for sun and warm weather, and getting outdoors will help both animals and rational animals alike. Get outside some this week!

Tomorrow, we have our second funeral in as many weeks. Victor Ritze died the Saturday before last. He was a longtime parishioner, one who loved the Sacred Heart and remained faithful to his post as part of the First Friday Guard of Honor. He had the Holy Hour from 3 to 4 a.m., took a short nap, and then attended the 7:30 Mass. He did this for years! He had a strong constitution. Several times over the years, we thought he was dying. In fact, he was anointed at least four times for different illnesses. Our blessed Lord decided that now was the time for him to enter eternity—and He ensured Victor was well prepared with all of the Sacraments. May he rest in peace!

Fr. Lehtoranta has applied for U.S. citizenship. All seems to be going well in that regard. He is traveling to our state capital on Monday after the funeral Mass to complete another step in the process. Father knows more about our country’s history than most of us do. I think the Civil War is one of his favorite subjects, but at dinner he often tells the priests some facts about former presidents that none of us knew. Say a prayer that everything goes well and that the citizenship process doesn’t take too long.

Mothers, don’t forget the CMC retreat this weekend. We had a very good attendance last year, and I hope that this year’s will be at least as good. Your vocation doesn’t leave you much time to reflect at length or spend much time in prayer, so this will hopefully provide the much needed time and give your soul the rest and refreshment it needs. There will be a few spiritual talks, Mass, devotions, and of course, plenty of time for quiet prayer. There will also be some time for a little private spiritual direction if anyone requests it.

Bishop Nkamuke and his priests are staying quite busy with schools and missions and a seminary. Fr. Benegas returned to Mexico from Argentina last Friday. There has been no more news from our priests in Mexico (no news is good news, I suppose). Fr. Ercoli says things at our seminary are going well. Fr. Simpson is working on getting the siding fixed at the convento, and the church reroofed, and the cloister floor completed. There was some rain damage in our bookstore which will soon be fixed. Marlys suggested plans to extend the bookstore by a few feet. It seems like a good idea. The rectory project is moving along at a snail’s pace, but progress is being made.

Whew! That is a lot of news. Lent has been extraordinarily busy. Has it been so for you, too? If so, the key to remember is not to get so distracted by the work that you forget to work on your soul! Keep that in mind and you will share in the Easter joys, both in time and in eternity. St. Gertrude the Great, pray for us!

– Bishop McGuire

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