From the Pastor's Pen - April 29-30

As I said last week, we have at least two major Easter Season sacramental events. The first was Confirmation last Monday night. What a great time—centered of course on our 33 young people, who recommitted themselves to the faith of their Baptism. (Another two will be confirmed at nearby parishes). And centered also

on the celebrant, Bishop-Elect Mark Rivituso. This is a title he has for only a couple of more days. Having served as a priest (he’s from St. Wenceslaus parish on Gravois, close to my home church of St. Pius V, on Grand), and has served the archdiocese as a monsignor and vicar for several areas of the Archdiocese’s life. Now Pope Francis has called (“elected”, in Latin) him to be ordained as a bishop, for continued service at a higher level in our archdiocese. He is a wonderfully warm and loving man, which came out so clearly as he spoke to the confirmandi and their sponsors. Congratulations to our newly confirmed, and those about to be; and to our new Bishop Rivituso as of Tuesday afternoon.

Another drive which always comes in the Easter Season is the ACA, Annual Catholic Appeal. This keeps many parts of the life of the diocese—and our parish—flowing. In fact our school could not have survived to this point without big infusions from this fund, more that our parish contributions amount to over many years. Please help us return our gratitude with even a small gift. At the very least, stop by and sign your card so we can turn it in.

Thanks are overdue to Franklin Morris. For his Eagle Scout project, he redesigned the garden beds on the staircase of the left front church walk, toward the parking lot. It was his idea to put garden bricks inscribed with the names of the parishes that went to make up St. Rose Philippine Duchesne. Now that it’s growing season, we’ll see the plantings he made give a nice accent to this part of our grounds.