From the Pastor’s Desk:
It seems like only yesterday that school was letting out for the summer, and now we have begun the 2023-2024 school
year this past Thursday. The date itself is scary. Where does the time go? I am now in my 42th year of priesthood. That
in itself does not seem real. As I get older it seems to go even faster.
As the school year begins, I want to remind parents that each grade level comes with its own challenges not only for
parents, but also for students, and teachers. The Second grade is the year of preparation and reception of the
sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Here in our Diocese the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated normally in
the eighth grade year. Thus these two class levels are extremely important years of our young people’s faith growth.
I urge parents to not forget their children’s spiritual life–the most important part of educating a child. All outside activities
need to be balanced. The best way to keep our families together and our young people strong is to keep God in the
picture always. Do not wait until a crisis comes into your family’s life; come to church regularly on Sunday, and pray
together as a family. Work your spiritual life and language into everyday conversation. School also brings new
opportunities for parents to teach their young people respect, service, and to take responsibility for their actions.
Parents who always come running to straighten situations out for their children are missing good teachable moments.
Don’t pass up an opportunity to give your young people practice in figuring things out for themselves while they are still
young. Many times it is tempting, in our fast-paced world, to do things that kids should do for themselves. It’s quicker and
we are pressed for time. No parent wants to see their child in trouble, but children need to learn that poor choices bring
consequences that sometimes are not pleasant. There are many ordinary opportunities to explain to young people that
just because their friends are allowed to do something, doesn’t mean that they should also. The sooner parents become
parents, rather than their child’s best friend, the more respect their child will have for them. They have best friends; they
need parents who will teach, guide, set limits, and provide discipline. All of this will help them deal with peer pressure
today, say no to different types of additive behaviors, hard-to-deal-with bosses in the future, and to be able to follow
rules and laws.
Next weekend will also begin RCIA classes for those seeking to come into the church at Easter, as well as those who would
like to study our Catholic Faith. Our Catholic Faith has a richness and depth that so often we do not remember or have
never understood. All are welcome to attend the classes on Sunday morning in the band room beginning at 9:45 until
10:45.