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Pastor's Message
July 26, 1998
MANY ARE CALLED...
Last weekend was a time for me to reflect on priesthood. It started with the very moving ordination cermeony on Sautrday at our Cathedral in Toledo. Randy Giesige and two others reeived Holy Orders at the hands of our Bishop, James Hoffman. Randy, who spent last year here at St. Peter's, then celebrated his first Mass on Sunday afernoon at his home parish of St. Michael's, Kalida.
Even though we are in the midst of what is called a 'priest shortage,' God still calls persons to priestly ministry. Furthermore, I am convinced that God has eyes set on some members of this parish. Priesthood is a great and exciting call, one that assures a person of a happy, challenging, and worthwhile life.
Since I was ordained twenty-four years ago, I have never regretted accepting the call. Perhaps I am fortunate, but I have always enjoyed the parishes I've been assigned to and have relished the various types of ministry. When I was younger, I taught high school and did lots of youth ministry. It was most gratifying. Through the years I have worked with Hispanic ministry, inner city and social outreach, and lots of adult education programs. Visiting the sick in their homes and in the hospital has become very rewarding. Yet I think what I like most is spending time with families or individuals who are trying to find faith in their lives -- often returning to the church or wanting to join the church.
Our Sunday morning gatherings are natural highlights for me. Presiding at liturgy and preaching the word of God are the primary focus of the week. The first step towards discerning the call to priesthood is discovering and savoring the presence of God in your life. Coming to Mass during the week or stopping by the church for visits can't be beat as a way to tune in to God. Perhaps God is calling the person who is reading this message today. Please try to listen to the Lord to hear the call.
- Fr. Herb
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July 19, 1998
FRIENDLY TRACKS
On a quiet Sunday afternoon I spent a few hours following railroad tracks through the countryside.
As I walked along, I noticed that the rails and ties slashed through corn fields, divided woods, stopped traffic on the highway, crossed ravines, and progressed proudly through a small town. No matter what the terrain, the run of the tracks was constant.
I was reminded of those very special friends who have been present through the woods, ravines, and highways of my life. They have rejoiced in my successes and quietly listened during my moments of pain. Like never-ending railroad tracks, their friendship has not stopped because of my relocations or changing ministries.
Many friends pass through our lives. Only a few remain constant throughout. Those special friends are treasures to be cherished. Their friendship needs to be nurtured.
- Fr. Herb
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July 12, 1998
ONE DAY TO BLOOM
It is tiger lily season again. Seeing the orange and yellow flowers blooming in front yards and along roads reminds me of a simple study I made when I was a child. After careful observation I discovered that each bud opens and blooms for one day only. By the end of the day, that particular flower begins to close forever; the next day another bloom takes its turn. (Only years later did I realize that all these lilies are called 'day lilies' for that reason.)
What if each person had just one day to bloom, one day to show off his or her special colors and blossom? What if, after waiting for that special day, it happened to be raining? Tiger lilies go ahead with their flowering regardless of the weather.
In a sense, we each have one day to show our best. That day may be thirty, sixty, or even ninety eyars long, but it passes like the blink of an eye in the over-all scheme of things. At times, it may seem like it is a very rainy or stormy day instead of a sunny one.
But this time is the only time we have on this earth. It is the special time that has been given to us. During our brief time we can perhaps add some beauty to the world. If we don't add that special something during our day of blooming, it surely will be missed.
-Fr. Herb
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July 5, 1998
HARMONY
I was listening to a tape produced by the Glee Club of one of the nation's military academies. Hearing the rich blend of men's voices doing old and new songs was a thrill. I started waiting for the harmonies when the many different voices would come together to produce a unified sound.
Harmonies are made of different, complementary notes being sung at the same time. Usually one person or group is singing the melody line. The others sing non-melody lines that by themselves don't sound so good. But when they are added to the melody, the result is that they actually enhance the melody and give it a depth and color that it did not have before.
Like a well-trained and disciplined glee club, a healthy parish has many voices coming together. We don't try to make them all sing the same line of music. But we do encourage everyone to participate and add his or her notes. When we put it together, working for the same goal, it can be true music.
St. Peter's is large and very diverse. That is our blessing even as it challenges us more actively to reach out to others. If you are a long-time parishioner, please take the time to welcome and accept new members. If you are new, welcome! We want you to add your voice to ours as we come together in harmony.
- Fr. Herb |
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