A Word From The Pastor
Disciples Response Fund (DRF): The Diocese of Owensboro will be doing its annual Disciples Response Fund Campaign at all parishes this coming weekend. I know it’s not too exciting to talk about money in the Church. But there is a lot of good done by the diocese through this DRF. They help with the expenses for seminarian formation, help with Visa and other requirements for international priests, help parishes that request for different needs, help with youth conventions and many other charitable works. As we do our in pew process this coming weekend I ask for your generous contribution to the
diocesan Disciples Response Fund.
Listening Session with Bishop Medley: The recent scandal of clergy abuse has shaken the faith of lots of people. I am sure many of you are angry and have questions. I have been confronted by a few people with many questions regarding the scandals to which I didn’t have any definite answers. Bishop Medley is willing and wants to listen to your questions regarding the scandals. On Wednesday the 24th of this month there will be a listening session with Bishop Medley at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall at 6:30pm. All of you are welcome to come.
A Saint of Prayer: On the 15th of this month the Church keeps the feast of St Teresa of Avila. She was born in Avila, Spain March, 28 1515. Her parents were both pious Catholics and in some ways inspired their daughter to take up a life of prayer. As a young child, Teresa showed signs of a deeply religious nature; she would often retreat into silence for prayer and would enjoy giving alms to the poor. She was very close to her mother, who provided a warm counterbalance to the strictness of her father. However, in her teens, Teresa’s mother passed away, leaving the young Teresa distraught at the void she felt. The young St Teresa tells of her despair and how she turned instinctively to the Virgin Mary for comfort. At the age of 20 she entered the Carmelite convent. She says prayer is the doorway to great graces; if this door is closed, I do not see how God can bestow any graces! St Theresa had many visions from our Lord. She brought discipline and prayer to the Carmelite order. St Teresa says “When you have received Holy Communion, close your bodily eyes so that you may open the eyes of your soul. Then look upon Jesus in the center of your heart”
The Miser Rich Man: The parish church was badly in need of repair. So the pastor called a special meeting to raise funds. At the assembly, the pastor explained the need of an emergency fund for plastering the roof and supporting pillars and for carrying out other items of repair. He invited the congregation to pledge contributions. After a brief pause, Mr. Grey, the richest man in the parish, volunteered to give $50.00. Just as he sat down, a hunk of plaster fell from the ceiling on his head. He jumped up, looked terribly startled and said: “I meant to say $500.00.” The congregation stood silent and stunned. Then a lone voice cried out from the back: “Oh Lord, hit him again!”
God’s blessings,
Fr. Suneesh Mathew
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