Fr. PATRICK RENDER, C.S.V. Pastor May 05, 2019 |
Dear Friends,
If April showers bring May flowers, then we should have a bountiful floral crop this month (unless, of course, the April snows destroyed the buds!). I am writing this column as April comes to an end and the skies are gray and heavy with moisture - but by the time you are reading this perhaps we will be enjoying sunshine and colorful gardens. Spring is the season of fresh life and hopeful spirits, so wecan anticipate a bright and celebratory month with Mother’s Day, First Communions, 8th Grade Rib- bon ceremonies, Fun Runs, Spirit days, and springtime weddings all on the parish calendar. Families will undoubtedly have their own kinds of celebrations this month (as well as spring chores) but we enter this month traditionally dedicated to the mother of Jesus with high hopes and eager expectations.
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The season of resurrection always happens in springtime and so nature and theology come together in celebrating new life, re-births, fresh starts and hopeful spirits. It is in such a context that our former associate pastor, Fr. Bob Bolser, CVS, passed through death and into eternal life last Sunday (the Second Sunday of Easter/ Divine Mercy Sunday). Fr. Bob served here at our parish twice, beginning in 1995 and he was instrumental in beginning the Hispanic ministry here. He was the first to celebrate a Sunday liturgy in Spanish and is still held in deep appreciation by the Hispanic members of our community. He is also remembered with affection by many parishioners for his simple and gentle manner and his sincere and thoughtful spirituality. His jokes and his playfulness touched both children and seniors. He was a bit of an artist and enjoyed painting and caricature, mostly of himself.
Fr. Bob suffered from a number of physical ailments, especially Parkinson’s disease which eventually forced him to end his active ministry. While those limitations were frustrating to him, his example of carrying that cross and accepting his limitations was an inspiration to all. Fr. Bob and I lived and worked together for a number of years at St. Thomas More parish in Nevada and I was a first-hand witness to his struggle and to his faith. The community in that parish loved and revered him and it is there that his funeral Mass was held this past Saturday. We will hold a Memorial Mass for him here next Saturday, May 11th at 10:00 a.m. and everyone is invited. His family will all be present here and his older brother, Fr. Charlie,
will preside at the liturgy. All are en- couraged to share your memories and your appreciation with his family and to join with each other in celebrating his resurrection.
Rest in peace, Fr. Bob, and live forever in glory with Christ.
Fr. Bob suffered from a number of physical ailments, especially Parkinson’s disease which eventually forced him to end his active ministry. While those limitations were frustrating to him, his example of carrying that cross and accepting his limitations was an inspiration to all. Fr. Bob and I lived and worked together for a number of years at St. Thomas More parish in Nevada and I was a first-hand witness to his struggle and to his faith. The community in that parish loved and revered him and it is there that his funeral Mass was held this past Saturday. We will hold a Memorial Mass for him here next Saturday, May 11th at 10:00 a.m. and everyone is invited. His family will all be present here and his older brother, Fr. Charlie,
will preside at the liturgy. All are en- couraged to share your memories and your appreciation with his family and to join with each other in celebrating his resurrection.
Rest in peace, Fr. Bob, and live forever in glory with Christ.
Saint Viator Feats 10/21/2018
Last Sunday’s celebration was a great success! I hope that all of you who were here had a goodtime and enjoyed all the food, the music and the entertainment. I know that the children enjoyed the piñatas and the cotton candy; you could tell by their faces! Thanks to everyone who brought food or made donations for the event. Special thanks are due to all the members of the Pastoral Council who planned and worked to make it such a great occasion for our parish community to come together. The church was full for our liturgy and my thanks to all the visiting priests (and one bishop) who came to join us for the Feast of St. Viator. The bilingual liturgy was a wonderful way to recognize all the diversity among us and yet our unity in Christ which we experience through the Eucharist.
Thanks to the choirs, the cantors, the lectors, the Eucharistic ministers, the ushers and all who shared in that special Mass. We owe Fr. Moises a special word of gratitude because he is the one who worked behind the scenes to prepare the liturgy. A special guest on Sunday was Mr. John O’Malley who was one of the first children baptized in the new church and who faithfully participated and served this parish during most of those ninety years. He is a living witness to a great portion ofthe church’s history and came back to join us from his retirement.
Thanks to the choirs, the cantors, the lectors, the Eucharistic ministers, the ushers and all who shared in that special Mass. We owe Fr. Moises a special word of gratitude because he is the one who worked behind the scenes to prepare the liturgy. A special guest on Sunday was Mr. John O’Malley who was one of the first children baptized in the new church and who faithfully participated and served this parish during most of those ninety years. He is a living witness to a great portion ofthe church’s history and came back to join us from his retirement.
Adopt a Family Event 2018
Adopt a Family would like to extend 101 Thank You’s from our 101 Families who enjoyed an afternoon full of presents and treats! Thank You to our generous shoppers, bakers and elves who pitched in to make this a special day for local families in need of help. An extra thanks to our Youth Group, Teen Club, Girl Scouts and Parent Association! Merry Christmas!