2016 archive of From the Pastor
A Parish-Wide Process: Recommending Persons to Serve on Pastoral Council
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 10/17/16
In the life of our parish communities, the Pastoral Council plays an important, unique role. Based upon the Mission Statement of the parish, the Pastoral Council, working with the Pastor, plans for the spiritual growth of our parish community. It is vital that the members of the Pastoral ... Read More »
What Forgiveness Does and Does Not Do
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 10/08/16
The most powerful expression of God’s Mercy corresponds to our greatest need, that of forgiveness. Apart from experiencing forgiveness, we are not free to go forward in a healthy way with our lives. We are in a rut. In gaining for us the forgiveness of all of our sins ... Read More »
A Vital Facet of Respecting Human Life
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 10/03/16
This is being observed as “Respect for Life” weekend. On August 30th, about 365 persons in leadership roles across our Diocese attended a Conference with the theme, “Reflecting the Face of Mercy.” One of three specific areas in which all of us are challenged to reach out to ... Read More »
A Healing Sacrament That is There for Us
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 9/26/16
Unless we die suddenly, sooner or later, we will find ourselves in a situation of serious declining efficiency. This does not necessarily mean that we are in a life-threatening situation. As we continue to develop, a number of situations can arise that threaten our well-being or our ability ... Read More »
Do It for the Ones You Love!
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 9/18/16
On any given day, there are a number of things that we are asked and expected to do. Sometimes, we can wear ourselves out just by thinking of all of the things that we might be doing. When my sister, Marilyn, and I were growing up, we begged our ... Read More »
School of Religion Starts
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 9/10/16
OUR PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION PROGRAMS FOR OUR CHILDREN AND YOUTH WHO ATTEND PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN BOTH PARISHES resume this Sunday, September 11th. We are grateful for persons who have offered to serve as Catechists in both Parishes. It is essential that we appreciate the vital roles that parents ... Read More »
Clearing Up Misunderstandingts About the Situation of Divorce
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 9/10/16
Almost all of us know or are related to a person who has experienced or who is experiencing the trauma of divorce. Even though divorce is not in accord with God’s plan for marriage, the Lord does not forsake us if we find ourselves in this situation. The purpose ... Read More »
Who Do You Know?
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 9/10/16
Thirty-four years ago, I was asking many questions about the Catholic Church and her teachings. My journey to the Catholic faith was driven by Fred -- the love of my life. Even before him, there was a tugging at my heart, clear back in high school. One of my ... Read More »
A Letter to Students and their Families
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 8/21/16
This is the time of the year when students of all ages face the reality of returning to school/home schooling. This prospect can be frightening for students. In many cases, we’ve been fed the notion that more will be expected of us during the coming school year. We can ... Read More »
Envisioning the Worth of it All
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 8/14/16
This Monday, August 15th, the Church observes the Solemnity of the Assumption of our Blessed Mother, Mary, into heaven. Because this Solemnity falls on Monday, it is not obligatory for Catholics to participate at Mass for this Holy Day in 2016. What a blessing this Solemnity can be ... Read More »