Pastor's Message

June 27, 1999

RESOLUTIONS

A couple of weeks ago one of the women of the parish showed me a note that she found in the pew after Sunday Mass. Written with a crayon, in a child’s hand, on a small piece of paper was the following: “I will help my mother. Expires tomorrow.”

We laughed at the note. It must be common these days to think that any commitment (warranty or service agreement) has an expiration date. Apparently, even personal resolutions — at least in the mind of the writer of the note — don’t last forever.

Is that the way we want it to be? Shouldn’t there be some things that last more than a day? Not to be critical of the child in question — who knows, maybe it was a family joke — but one wonders if people think of some things like helping at home as being “optional.” If they are options, then perhaps expiration dates could be added. If, on the other hand, being available to parents or brothers or sisters for help and support is basic to what a good family is, then those resolutions never go out of style.

During the hot summer months and many family vacations that are happening, families that do not try to really help each other and work together may end up turning good days into bad. When each member of the family is helpful to the others, however, family life can really be fun.

- Fr. Herb

Pastor's Message June 27, 1999 RESOLUTIONS A couple of weeks ago one of the women of the parish showed me a note that she found in the pew after Sunday Mass. Written with a crayon, in a child’s hand, on a small piece of paper was the following: “I will help my mother. Expires tomorrow.” We laughed at the note. It must be common these days to think that any commitment (warranty or service agreement) has an expiration date. Apparently, even personal resolutions — at least in the mind of the writer of the note — don’t last forever. Is that the way we want it to be? Shouldn’t there be some things that last more than a day? Not to be critical of the child in question — who knows, maybe it was a family joke — but one wonders if people think of some things like helping at home as being “optional.” If they are options, then perhaps expiration dates could be added. If, on the other hand, being available to parents or brothers or sisters for help and support is basic to what a good family is, then those resolutions never go out of style. During the hot summer months and many family vacations that are happening, families that do not try to really help each other and work together may end up turning good days into bad. When each member of the family is helpful to the others, however, family life can really be fun. - Fr. Herb
June 20, 1999 VARIOUS FATHERS I was standing at the bed of a dying old man. Family was gathered there. There were also various friends of different ages. One of the middle age men, a friend of about twenty years, left the room in tears. Since I knew him, I followed him out. In his sobbing, he whispered, “He was like a father to me.” For many people, there are other father figures in their lives besides their own dads. Having those does not detract from their own fathers. Perhaps there is enough “fathering” needed for several to share the task. Sometimes the other “fathers” are kindly neighbors, teachers or coaches, priests, or some other male adult that has been influential. Often they are able to offer provide guidance and gentle direction. For these other figures to be genuine, they always have to be sincerely interested in the younger person and not just looking at what they get out of the relationship, never taking advantage of the younger person. And like a blood father, the other fathers have to be nurturing in some way. Today, on Father’s Day, in addition to honoring the blood and step fathers that mean so much to all of us, we may want to take a moment to think about the other men who have served, even for short durations, as father figures in our lives. - Fr. Herb
June 13 WORK OF HUMAN HANDS Today, June 13, we officially bless and dedicate our new Franciscan Activity Center. It was named in honor of the four hundred Franciscan Sisters of Joliet who, collectively, put in two thousand and seventeen years of service to our schools. What a feat! It’s been over forty years since St. Peter’s has built or dedicated a new building. This is a major milestone for us as a parish. The Activity Center represents a commitment to ourselves as a parish, to the schools, and to the future. As you tour the building, you will note that the front section, called the Atrium, is built to accommodate groups of a hundred to a hundred and twenty persons, seated at tables. This is ideal for funeral luncheons, retreat gatherings, and group presentations. A handy food preparation area next door. On the same level is the mezzanine, which can double as a crowd area for basketball games (additional bleachers will eventually be added) or be used as an extension of the Atrium. The gymnasium itself is full-size and will serve the high school, junior high, and elementary; boys and girls; physical education classes and games. (The old gym will be used as well since we are large enough to need both. Also the old gym, which is also an auditorium, will continue to be the place for drama and music presentations.) Most educators have realized that a sound body is also part of the full education that we try to offer our students. The gym will help to that end. In the rear of the building, on the lower level, are two weight rooms — presently sitting empty — and an equipment storage room. Finally, at the lower level, with access directly from the southeast corner, is a very pleasant, carpeted meeting room that has its own bathroom and coffee area. That meeting room, not yet named, will be ideal for prayer groups or senior groups who want to come together without the hassle of entering the parish center. We are in the process of finding a building manager, who will help us keep this “work of our human hands” in top shape. To all who have helped make this building possible, a big thank you. For those who feel they missed the chance to contribute, please remember that it is never too late. Today is a day for celebrating! - Fr. Herb
June 6, 1999 COMMUNICATION I was watching a small flock of geese fly over a pond. There were only five of them, and they were flying relatively low. All of a sudden, without any perceivable sign among themselves, they all turned right and went down to the water. I stood there in amazement. I know geese don’t talk to each other. The leader didn’t even put on a turn signal. Somehow, however, they communicated with each other that they were going to the pond. Contrast that with five people in a van going down the highway. How much has to be spoken before they decide to turn in to a fast food restaurant. Even though there is only one person with control of the steering wheel, lots of talking usually happens before deciding whether or not to stop and which restaurant to choose. Group decisions require good communication. When there is disagreement, all parties involved have to search for common ground. Geese seem to have it easier than people. On the other hand, when humans truly communicate and listen to each other, something very good happens. When common ground is reached and people don’t get caught in the “I won -- you lost” rivalry approach to life, then a new sense of unity is established. That is when people discover how great it is to have a common bond, to live in unity with each other. - Fr. Herb