Pastor's Message

June 24, 2001

A HELPING HAND

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, I went hiking in Mohican State Park. There were a number of families on the trails as well as young couples enjoying the sunny day.

Because of all the spring rains, the path was somewhat muddy. That made the hills slippery. Consequently, the going-up or going-down was a bit treacherous.

Without fail, I saw people extending their hands to help one another. Parents held their children's hands to guide them on the climbs. Young men were chivalrous in escorting their lady friends through the slopes. It was inspiring seeing people offer each other a helping hand.

Our hands are not meant just for ourselves. Yes, we use them all the time to hold things, to lift items, to feed ourselves, to drive cars, and to use the computer. But hands are most noble when they are extended towards others.

There are many folks who find life's hills to be rough going or slippery. They may not be able to climb them alone. Sometimes we are the ones who need a helping hand. Other times we are the ones who can offer the hand.

Please look around you to see who needs a hand.

Fr. Herb

June 17, 2001

WISDOM FIGURES

A young boy thought that his dad could do anything. Dad could fix broken toys. When necessary, Dad would scare the monster out from under the bed. And Dad always helped him fall asleep on stormy nights.

One day this little boy found a dead bird in the backyard. Gently picking it up, the boy took it to his father. As he held it up, he said, "Dad, fix it."

Obviously, there are limitations to what dads can do. But it is important for children to have such trust and confidence in their fathers. Dads represent all that is strong, steadfast, and wise in the eyes of their youngsters. The vocation of fatherhood is very special and truly unique, not to mention, a tremendous challenge.

Even as adults, we need those wisdom figures in our lives. If our dads are still around, we need to let them know we appreciate their experience, knowledge, and support. Perhaps our own dads are no longer with us. Nonetheless, we can still stop and thank God for the men who guided us during our formative years.

And for those who are fathers of young children, there is a good chance that you won't always be able to "fix" all the things your sons and daughters want fixed. But you can still guide them. Real wisdom includes admitting what you can't do.

Happy Father's Day!

Fr. Herb

June 10, 2001

READY FOR ANYTHING

A half hour before the wedding, the ring bearer's ripped the leg of his trousers. An aunt of the bride came to the rescue by pulling a needle and thread from her purse. A little later one of the bridesmaids, looking pale and sick, said she had a headache. The same aunt found some Tylenol in her purse. At the reception, when the grandfather's camera refused to flash, this phenomenal woman asked if he need any batteries for his camera; she had those as well.

After observing this woman's ability to provide for all occasions, I almost expected her to pull from her purse champagne glasses for the bridal toast or after-dinner mints for everyone. She had taken the art of being prepared to the ultimate.

If there is anything you can count on when it comes to special events, it's that you can't count on everything happening without a hitch. In fact, something always goes wrong. Usually, it is very small, and most folks never know it has happened.

In addition to being prepared to handle life's little traumas, it is also necessary to learn not to panic when they come. Way too frequently, people let little things distract them or ruin their day. Little things should stay little. Certainly, it is possible to remedy problems with safety pins and duct tape when possible. But when that can't be done, it is good to discover that life and the really important things will go on.

Fr. Herb

June 3, 2001

GRADUATION

Friends of mine in Cincinnati e-mailed photos of their daughter's graduation from kindergarten with the comment, "Twelve more years until her next graduation." Graduation, from college, high school, eighth grade, or kindergarten, is always a way of marking an important step in someone's life.

There are other graduations that people observe unofficially and informally. A child graduates from diapers. Kids sometimes graduate from their parents' need to set curfews. Adults often graduate from various jobs to the career. Most of these graduations are not celebrated with parties or photographs.

When it comes to church, there are some troublesome forms of graduation: those who "graduate" from their study of the faith with Confirmation or even First Communion. Some who "graduate" from church attendance by reaching teenage years. And there are those who "graduate" from involvement in the church in any way but the most passive way. Actually, such graduations are more a form of quitting and not continuing what has been begun.

When it comes to faith, there are steps one takes, for sure. But there are no graduations. An understanding of Jesus and the development of one's spirituality are on-going, from childhood to adult years. Because people change, they have to continually re-discover their faith at all ages.

So congratulations to those who are truly graduating at this time of year. To those who are tempted to call it quits with their religious practice, don't stop now -- the best is yet to come!

Fr. Herb