MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we reach the first of August, it reminds me that the pastoral visit
of Cardinal Rigali will soon be upon us. He will be visiting us on Sunday,
September 19, at the 10:30am Mass. That date is just a few days after
his 25th Anniversary of ordination as a Bishop. Almost a year ago, I
sent an invitation for him to visit St. Christopher’s. He has
been here on two other occasions: one time for the Sacrament of Confirmation,
and the other to celebrate the funeral Mass of Father John Gutekunst.
I asked his secretary Msgr. (now Bishop-elect) John McIntyre if it were
possible for him to come close to his Silver Jubilee as a Bishop. That
way, as a parish family, we can wish him the best on this special anniversary.
With his visit being little more than six weeks away from now, I will
want to be organizing a small committee to handle the details of his
visit. He will be on a very tight timeline; that afternoon he will dedicate
the new high school which has been named for the one who consecrated
him a Bishop: Pope John Paul II. If you are willing and able to assist
in any way that day, I would appreciate a call to our parish office.
After the Mass, the Cardinal will greet parishioners in Holy Family
Hall. We will need hosts and hostesses to control the crowds, and we
will also need assistance in refreshments. My expectation is that a
larger number than usual for after-Mass receptions will be present on
this occasion. I also would like to have some kind of spiritual bouquet
to present to the Cardinal so that he will be assured not only of our
good wishes, but also of our prayers. I truly believe that the Cardinal’s
visit will be a day of joy and blessing for our parish.
Finally, I want to thank those who came forward this week to make a
pledge for the Heritage of Faith - Vision of Hope campaign. We are getting
closer to our goal. Wouldn’t it be nice if we reached our goal
by the time the Cardinal arrives!
Asking God’s continued blessings on you and your families, I leave
you
In the peace of Christ,
.
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Updated July 30, 2010 for Sunday, August 1st.