June 25, 2000
GOOD NEWS
Late last summer Fr. Tony joined us from the Philippines. Along with Fr. Dan and myself, we have had a wonderful year here at St. Peter’s. Quite recently many people have asked how much longer Fr. Tony will be able to stay with us. The good news, I’m happy to announce, is that INS (Immigration and Naturalization Services) has approved his staying in the United States. Fr. Tony first came on a one-year ‘Religious Visa.’
Working through an immigration attorney, we have applied for a Green Card for him. That is granted basically when the immigrant in question will not be taking work away from any American. With a priest shortage, there is no problem with that! The application process is a long one. Although Fr. Tony has already been approved by the INS, there are still a few more steps for him to take. Meanwhile, his own bishop has ‘loaned’ him to the Diocese of Toledo for as long as we want him. Within our Diocese, Bishop Hoffman desires to keep him here at St. Peter’s for several years for his sake and ours as he becomes more and more acclimated. I have learned much from Fr. Tony this past year. Many in the parish who have come to know him have expressed their love for him and appreciation for his sense of humor and personal and outgoing style. To all who have helped Fr. Tony feel at home, thanks. And to everyone in the parish, please continue to make him feel at home. And do not hesitate to talk with him or invite
him to your house. He is a wonderful reminder that the church of this century is and will be truly international.
Fr. Herb
June 18, 2000
CREATING A NEW HOME
A moving van was parked in front of a house. The back doors were open, and several strong men were carrying furniture and boxes into the house. As neighbors looked out their windows to catch a glimpse of the new residents, they were standing at the door of their house supervising and advising the workers where to take each item. I observed all this as I drove by. How I wanted to stop and welcome the family to town! Moving can be a very big job. Finding the right house, moving in, placing everything where you want it, unpacking the dozens of boxes, getting pictures on the walls, putting up drapes, and making sure the phone is hooked up are just a few of the many steps. Even when all of that is done, there is still the larger task of turning the dwelling place into a real home. That takes time and lots of living and loving. Many families move into and out of our parish each year. While we miss those who have left the Mansfield area, we are always excited about the new families who come among us. If you are new, or even relatively new, welcome! We hope that you are finding yourself at home
in our town. The way to make a parish your own is by getting to know us and letting us get to know you. That happens best when you venture into one or more of the many activities and programs going on at St. Peter’s. Also, please take a few moments to call the Parish Center to request a parish registration form. Perhaps you want your new home blessed. If that is the case, call Fr. Dan to schedule it. Meanwhile, we pray that your presence here will be a blessing to you and to us as well.
Fr. Herb
June 11, 2000
RED LIGHTS AND GREEN LIGHTS
I was driving down the street last week when the glare of the sunshine on the windshield–became too much for me. My sunglasses were in the glove compartment. No problem, I thought, when I get to the next red light, I’
ll retrieve them. Certainly that would be safer than reaching for them while driving. When I came to the intersection, one that is ALWAYS red when I am in a hurry, it was green. I went through it and knew I could get the sunglasses at the next light. Once again, it was green. This continued for several intersections, so I finally pulled to the side of the street to get the glasses. As you can guess, each subsequent light was red, making me wait.
There must be some grand universal law that says traffic lights always work against you! What I have learned to do is to slow down, take a deep breath, and then laugh. Getting upset doesn’t do any good for anyone. There are enough serious problems in life. We don’t have to create any more by making big issues out of small ones. But it’s still okay to wish for a green light when in a hurry.
Fr. Herb
June 4, 2000
ANOTHER SIX YEARS
About six months ago I wrote in the Bulletin that my first six-year term as Pastor of St. Peter’s was ending and that I was to be evaluated. A random sampling of the parish was done by the Priests’ Personnel Board, using an evaluation form that has been developed for all priests. A couple of months ago the evaluation was shared with me. I must say I was humbled by the very positive feedback. To the last question, "Should
this priest stay for another term," everyone indicated YES. After talking with the Personnel Board and the Bishop, I have requested and been granted another six-year term. I am very happy about it, and I hope you are, too. My reason for wanting to stay, besides the simple fact that I like St. Peter’s and its members, is that there is much more to be done here. Here are some examples:
1) Evangelization for inactive members and the unchurched must increase.
2) Lay leadership has been developing in the parish. We need more.
3) Worship and personal faith formation are central and will continue to be emphasized through Renew 2000, parish retreats, adults classes, Eucharistic Days, and well-planned Sunday liturgies.
4) There are many hurting parishioners: those who have lost loved ones, experienced–
divorce, or other problems. Our parish needs to continue to minister to them.
5) St. Peter’s is located in central city Mansfield and has an obligation to the well-being of the downtown parts of the city. That is why I am so excited about the Habitat for Humanity project now starting. What more should we be doing?
6) If there is any one group of parishioners that seems to be overlooked, it is the community of youth, in college or working. Some are in college at the local campus. Others are working in town. Some are single; others are married. This is a group that certainly deserves more of our time and attention.
7) Finally, good stewardship requires our on-going maintenance of the many parish buildings and the continuing efforts to provide fiscal security for the parish and schools. Our loan from the Diocese (taken to complete payment of the Franciscan Activity Center) is being paid back as campaign pledges come through, but more money is needed. A plan has been worked out to retire the debt within the next six years.
These are just a few thoughts about where our parish needs to be going. There will be much for us to do in the years ahead. I’m excited!
Fr. Herb
