A look back and a look ahead is someting I find myself doing with regard to two subjects, Memorial Day and Ordination Day, both of which are happening this weekend.
On Memorial Day we look back and give thanks to God for those who have served their country in the military and made the ultimate sacrifice of their life for the cause of freedom and justice and all that our country stands for that is good and noble. We should always look at the present and the future, and pray for those who choose to serve in the military, first responders, and our veterans on an ongoing basis. Mike Murphy of our parish, whose funeral Mass will be on Saturday, June 1, reminded me often to "pray for the troops" which came in part from his own service to our country in the Marines and Marine reserves for a total of 20 years, which included some time in Vietnam.
Also the Ordination of Jon Misken to the Priesthood for service in the Diocese of Little Rock this weekend, gives me pause to look back. I remember when he and my nephew Stephen came to us for two weeks of the summer early on in their formation. John returned to visit us a number of times, including being one of our speakers at our annual seminarian fundraising dinner. I also look back at those who have supported our Arkansas seminarians (including Father Nelson Rubio), and encouraged our seminarians during their time of formation. I thank all of you, and pray more of your will join this ongoing cause (especially through our seminarian fundraising dinner on June 8 this year).
I look ahead and ask you to join with me in prayer especially for our many priests who have been ordained in the last ten years, that they will continue to grow in their commitment to the Lord and to the people they are called to serve. Remember in your prayers, our current seminarians, including our own Jonathon Semmler. He has witnessed your support of seminarians in the past and now appreciates and benefits from your support of him and his brother seminarians in Arkansas.
On Memorial Day we look back and give thanks to God for those who have served their country in the military and made the ultimate sacrifice of their life for the cause of freedom and justice and all that our country stands for that is good and noble. We should always look at the present and the future, and pray for those who choose to serve in the military, first responders, and our veterans on an ongoing basis. Mike Murphy of our parish, whose funeral Mass will be on Saturday, June 1, reminded me often to "pray for the troops" which came in part from his own service to our country in the Marines and Marine reserves for a total of 20 years, which included some time in Vietnam.
Also the Ordination of Jon Misken to the Priesthood for service in the Diocese of Little Rock this weekend, gives me pause to look back. I remember when he and my nephew Stephen came to us for two weeks of the summer early on in their formation. John returned to visit us a number of times, including being one of our speakers at our annual seminarian fundraising dinner. I also look back at those who have supported our Arkansas seminarians (including Father Nelson Rubio), and encouraged our seminarians during their time of formation. I thank all of you, and pray more of your will join this ongoing cause (especially through our seminarian fundraising dinner on June 8 this year).
I look ahead and ask you to join with me in prayer especially for our many priests who have been ordained in the last ten years, that they will continue to grow in their commitment to the Lord and to the people they are called to serve. Remember in your prayers, our current seminarians, including our own Jonathon Semmler. He has witnessed your support of seminarians in the past and now appreciates and benefits from your support of him and his brother seminarians in Arkansas.