Praised be Jesus Christ! Even though it was three weeks ago, I’d like to share a few insights from the time I was able to spend with my classmates as we celebrated 20 years of priesthood. One of the most edifying things was hearing over and over again how the guys are responding to our present crisis. Almost to the last man the consensus is these have been the most painful days in our years as priests. Just the same, my classmates have adopted an even more determined approach to holiness, seeing that as the best response to the sins of priests and bishops. For example, one of my classmates gave up alcohol completely. Others are increasing their prayer life and working harder to grow closer to Jesus in the Eucharist. And the evidence of these spiritual practices was especially clear in the passion that I witnessed in the way we’re living our priesthood. While all of us are struggling in various areas, there was a tangible hope that God only reproves those whom He loves. In other words, we have come to accept that our time in the crucible, while painful, is leading us to trust Jesus more while listening to the voices of futility less. I came home inspired that God is working in us and that His grace has not been without effect. I see that in myriad ways in our parishes too. For example, we have many young families that are practicing their faith and that is an extraordinary blessing for both our parishes and our Catholic schools. Many people are attending Mass more often and the confession lines are always formidable. We have definitely witnessed a spike in Marian devotion as I have a hard time keeping enough Scapulars around to serve everyone. Moreover, the Secular Carmelites are flourishing as are the 3rd Order Franciscans – both good signs of people advancing in the spiritual life. You should know that there are many wonderful opportunities coming to our area in the near future and now is the time to mark your calendar. For example, Saint John’s is hosting a one-day men’s conference on Saturday, February 23rd. Father Giuseppe of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal will be leading the day and you won’t want to miss him. Sacred Heart will then host a parish mission led by the same Father Giuseppe on February 25th-27th. Again, his talks will inspire and provide solid spiritual formation and would be very worth your while to attend. Personally, I would love to be there too but I’ll be giving a parish mission in Athens (the one in Wisconsin, not Greece). Lent begins on March 6th this year and we’ll be giving out a book by Scott Hahn for your spiritual reading. And Lent also means Stations of the Cross each Friday and 40 Hours Devotion just before Palm Sunday. Saint John’s willth again be hosting a one-day retreat on Saturday, March 9 . Back again (by popular demand) is Laura Boronski. Last year 60 women enjoyed her talks and left with many spiritual insights and true wisdom. We’ll have another Healing Mass too, this one on March 10th at OLP at 3:30 p.m. And don’t forget our own parish mission, hosted this year by Christ the King. We’ll have our own renowned Christopher Carstens from the Diocese of La Crosse. Chris is one of the best teachers I’ve ever known and I am very much looking forward to his presentations on March 31st and April 1-2. The mission will conclude on April 3rd with the musical genius of Luke Spehar – he came to Marshfield last August and was absolutely wonderful. And in the midst of all of this, with our new Saint John Paul II Adoration Chapel, now is a great time to sign up for a weekly hour with our Lord. Yes, we live in troubled times, but in the immortal words of Saint Paul, “Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more” (Rom. 5:20).
May God stir our faith into flame, that it may purify us and encourage others!
Your friend in Christ, Father Martin
May God stir our faith into flame, that it may purify us and encourage others!
Your friend in Christ, Father Martin
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