Morsels and Tidbits

STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER - To live in freedom is certainly one of the greatest gifts we possess as citizens of the United States of America. To be able to move about freely without restriction or restraint; to be able to worship God openly and with joy; to be able to express our opinion without fear of repercussion – so many things that we simply take for granted. Perhaps we should pause more often to reflect on what we possess.

Let us ask the Lord’s continued blessings as we prepare to celebrate Independence Day:

God, source of all freedom. this day is bright with the memory of those who declared that life and liberty are your gift to every human being. Help us to continue a good work begun long ago. Make our vision clear and our will strong: that only in human solidarity will we find liberty, and justice only in the honor that belongs to every life on earth. Turn our hearts toward the family of nations: to understand the ways of others, to offer friendship, and to find safety only in the common good of all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Please note: The Parish Offices will be closed on Monday, July 4th in observance of the holiday.

PICNIC TIME - Be sure to mark your calendar to join us at Evans Field – next Sunday, July 10th – for our Parish Picnic. The day will begin with an outdoor Mass at 11 am followed by games, food, a cake walk, bingo, and more. The day’s events will conclude by 6 pm. Join us for some fun in the park – come – relax – and enjoy!!

SUMMER HIATUS - A couple of weeks ago on Pentecost Sunday on June 12th, our Adult Choir drew another season of their music ministry to a close. Under the direction of Craig Kamptner, the Adult Choir, the Children’s Choir, the Bell Choir, and several young adult ensembles, plus cantors, assist us in our weekly prayer and worship. Music Ministry is always a tricky business, especially when it comes to suiting the many different, and sometimes eclectic, tastes of a large congregation. A BIG thank you to all of our music ministers for their hard work!

I also want to recognize the ongoing, creative work of Kevin Papuga who directs the Contemporary Choir at the 4:30 pm Mass on Sundays (with occasional appearances at the 11 am Mass) throughout the year. I know that a great deal of time and energy is spent in preparation and it is appreciated by many. Thank you!

TIME SURE DOES FLY - By the time you read this blurb, Father Artur will have completed his first year as associate pastor here at St. Celestine Parish and I will have completed three years as pastor. We are truly blessed to have Fr. Artur with us and I am truly grateful to serve you as best I can. It remains our privilege to journey with you in the ways of faith. I hope and pray that we are good companions on the way. I ask God to continue to bless our journey together. And as we do for you each day, please pray for us.

Summer blessings,
Fr. Jeffrey