Annual Ministry Appeal: Religious Vocations
March 2, 2021
May our time in the desert bring us closer to the image of Christ
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Last weekend, we were asked to give generously to our Annual Ministry Appeal. This appeal covers a wide range of ministries from Catholic Schools, to Marriage and Family, to Clergy Formation and Vocations to the Religious Life. All of these ministries are so very important, as they truly are the lifeblood of our Church. As Director of Seminarians, however, I would like to focus today, on the area of Religious Vocations. As many of you know, vocations to the priesthood fell dramatically and drastically beginning in around 1975. The number of priests exploded in 1950 and peaked in 1970. After this, there was a slow but steady decrease in the number of priests and then, the decline became quite steep around 1990. Sadly, the priests ordained from 1970-1980, will be reaching retirement age between the years 2015-2025 (age 25 + 45 years of service = retirement age 70). What does this mean to the average lay person? Well, in 1950, there was 1 priest to every 652 Catholics in the United States. As of 2016, there was 1 priest to every 1,843 Catholics in the United States. It will only get worse, before it gets better. However, rather than depress you with these statistics, I want to share with you today a brief biography of St. John Bosco, who discerned his priestly calling early in life, with the help of a dream. Aided by our fervent prayers, let us hope that among our seminarians and sisters today, we will have many saints rise up and renew the Church!
“St.John Bosco’s father died when he was two years old, but he drew strength from his mother Margherita's deep faith in God. Margherita also taught her son the importance of charity, using portions of her own modest means to support those in even greater need. At age nine, he had a prophetic dream in which a number of unruly young boys were uttering words of blasphemy. Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary appeared to John in the dream, saying he would bring such youths to God through the virtues of humility and charity. Later on, this dream would help John to discern his calling as a priest. In 1841, John Bosco was ordained a priest. In the city of Turin, he began ministering to boys and young men who lived on the streets, many of whom were without work or education. Don Bosco was shocked to see how many boys ended up in prison before the age of 18, left to starve spiritually and sometimes physically. He established a group known as the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales and became a kindly spiritual father to boys in need. His aging mother helped support the project in its early years. St. John Bosco died in the early hours of Jan. 31, 1888, after conveying a message: “Tell the boys that I shall be waiting for them all in Paradise.”
Announcements
Parish Office Move: Beginning Monday, March 8th, the parish office will be relocated to a more logical location - in the old bookstore near the parking lot. New paint (donated by ACM) and new flooring and the moving of furniture will hopefully offer a welcoming environment within the new office. Office hours will remain the same, M-F 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A big “Thank You” to John Kennedy and Vince Buettner for all of their hard work in making this new office space a reality!
The Knights of Columbus will hold a second Lenten Fish Fry at the Becker Center for “Drive Through” service on March 19, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. It will be Take-Out Only. For $16.00 enjoy fish, french fries, coleslaw & ice cream! Tickets are available in the Parish Office, M-F, 9-4 and at the Bookstore/Gift Shop. Meals will also be available for purchase on site while the supply lasts.
The State has placed the responsibility on us of ensuring that the attendance of indoor Mass does not exceed 25% of capacity, therefore, we will secure the doors after capacity has been met. (Mass will be televised for those who don’t make it in before Mass begins - except for 6:45 a.m. Mass.) Since those who do the counting are attending the Mass as well and discontinue counting once Mass begins, we will secure the doors when Mass begins regardless of how many are in attendance.
Indoor Confessions: We have resumed having Confessions heard in the confessionals in the Cathedral. The normal Confession schedule is 3-4:30 p.m. every Saturday. Confessions will also be heard, once again, during most Masses. Confessionals contain a sanitizing ultra-violet light that is activated after each person leaves, so please remember to alternate use of each confessional.
Pancake Breakfast: The St. Eugene’s Pre-School will hold a “take-out” Pancake Breakfast from 8-11:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 21st, in front of the Msgr. Becker Center. A delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs and sausage will be brought to your car while you wait. While waiting for breakfast, kids can have fun finding the 12 Easter eggs that are “hidden” in front of the building. Tickets will go on sale March 1st for $12.00 at the Parish Office, Pre-school and Elementary School. Meals may also be purchased on site while the supply lasts. Thanks for supporting our pre-school!
Stations of the Cross on YouTube: For those who are unable to attend our Friday Stations of the Cross in person, inside the Cathedral, you can now follow along with us on our YouTube Channel. Simply go to www.Youtube.com and type in the words: Cathedral of St. Eugene - The Way of the Cross; for Spanish, search: Cathedral of St. Eugene - EL CAMINO DE LA CRUZ.
Parish Finances in the Age of Covid
As you all know, these are hard times for all parishes in terms of finances. Even though we are “shut down,” the bills keep coming in and salaries have to be paid. For those of you who have been giving a little extra each week/month, I really appreciate your generosity. For those of you who are unable to come to Mass, please consider giving on-line or the good old-fashioned way, by mail. Thank you and God bless you. Learn more »
Fiscal Year to Date:
Income: $469,530
In the black: $62,198
Thank you for your generosity!!
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