The “myParish” app
Long gone are 8-track tapes and phones tied to the wall with a cord. Even desktop computers and email are aging. We are in the smartphone era. Saint Paul would have used one if he was alive today. Please download the free “myParish” app so that you will be in the loop, not only for parish and Bloomington-Normal Catholic things, but for much more. I was showing my Mom how to use it, and it is amazing how many Catholic resources it includes. Jen Lonergan and Dave Liptak in our office will be happy to assist you.
Bishop Coming to Holy Trinity December 1
Bishop Louis Tylka will celebrate 10:00 AM Mass at Holy Trinity on the First Sunday of Advent, December 1. Deacon Al Lundy has created a larger “mensa” (top) for the altar, and only a bishop has the “potestas” (power) to consecrate an altar for the Holy Sacrifice of the Eucharist. I’ve seen this once, in 1998 at Kenrick Seminary, after our chapel renovation. There will be a nice breakfast afterward, hosted by the hospitality committee. Incense will be used at that Mass – it is strictly required for the consecration of an altar. Holy smoke!
Growing Disciples Update
The three steps of the virtue of prudence are “observe-judge-act”. We see; we deliberate and weigh our options; we decide. I have been at Holy Trinity (HT) and Historic Saint Patrick (HSP) for four months, observing, making connections with folks, getting the lay of the land, pondering how things can be improved. Saint Augustine wrote: “Magnae vires et cursus celerrimus sed praeter viam.” “Much strength and great speed, but all off the track.” Generally, rushing things is not good practice, and Bishop Tylka has given us 24 months to carry out his plan laid out in his May 18 letter. Significantly, HT and HSP remain separate canonical parishes. While they share a common pastor, they stand alone financially and materially. Hence, each parish will have its own finance council, which provides transparency to the parish and advice to the pastor. Per the Catholic “principle of subsidiarity”, I would like to see more self-governance and ownership by parishioners in the maintenance of their buildings and grounds, and in ensuring adequate revenue – things that the laity can do and ought to do for their parish.
A Happy Song
If you have never listened to John Denver’s “Matthew”, I invite you to do so. It’s about growing up on a farm. The bluegrass band Balsam Range sings a good version of it, too.
~Fr Loftus