A Busy Summer

It has been a busy summer in the Education Building.

 

 

 

 

 

Even for our staff there has been a lot of extra work as well

as those others who have offerred their talents to help.

 

We hope everyone enjoys the results!

Assumption of Mary

Because the Assumption of Mary falls on a Monday this year, it is not a Holy Day of Obligation. But it remains a solemnity and it will be celebrated at the 8:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Masses.

Today the strongest evidence for Mary's Assumption is, ironically, the complete lack of evidence.

No city ever claimed to have Mary's remains and no early Christian ever claimed to have a bodily relic of Mary. This is unlike the early veneration of the tombs of the Apostles and the other saints. Everyone knew that Peter and Paul's graves were in Rome, John and Timothy's graves were at Ephesus, Luke's grave Luke was in Greece, and Mark's grave was in Alexandria, Egypt and later moved to Venice. Furthermore, James' grave was in Jerusalem and Mary Magdalene's was in Marseille. The graves of the Old Testament saints were similarly venerated: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at Hebron; Rachel at Bethlehem (Matt 2:18), and in Jerusalem (Acts 2:29). The most logical reason to explain why NO early Christian ever spoke about a grave of the Virgin Mary was because there wasn't one.

It's also important to note that while Jesus ascended (it was his action) into heaven, Mary was assumed (God's action) into heaven.

Staff Workshop

On Monday the parish staff gathered at St. Elizabeth

Ann parish along with the staff of St. James.

All the staff had filled out a survey and the workshop

looked at how we might work together better.

 

While the results showed that we are doing well,

it also pointed out some areas where

we can focus to improve.

It was very helpful.

From Fire to Fire

Wednesday evening members of TEEN Faith first

gathered in Fr. Damian's backyard for s'mores.

 

When it was dark, it was time for the Courtyard version

of the Hour of Power. It was also a chance to say

farewell to some of those leaving for college.

Thanks for coming!

Clergy Retreat

Last weekend the priests and deacons of St. Columbkille

Parish went on their annual retreat together.

The retreat included time for each to pray, reflect

and share their insights with one another.

 It was also a good time to be together.

It is good for everyone to find a time

to get away and grow in faith.

Golfing

 Sunday was St. Columbkille Athletics' 4th Annual Golf Tournament.

 

 

It was a fantastic day of golf, good friends and friends.

 

We'll see you next year!



Blessed Franz Jägerstätter

Franz Jägerstätter did not think World War II was a just war and he was a conscientious objector. In the United States, drafted conscientious objectors were put into the Civilian Public Service (CPS) where they served through the war and until every service man was returned. But Franz lived in Austria.

Franz met with priests and his Bishop explaining why he felt the war was not just and how he didn't feel he ought to serve. While each of the clergy suggested that he serve, (some saying that he was the type of Catholic they would need after the war to rebuild the country) each said he ought to follow his conscience.

In February, 1943 Franz was called into service. On March 1st he presented himself at the induction center, announced his refusal to fight, and offered to carry out non-violent services. The German board pleaded with him to serve rather than be executed. He was put in jail partially with the hope that he would change his mind. During that time, at Easter, his wife sent him a picture of their daughters hold a sign which said (in German) "Father please come home!"

In July a court sentenced him to death. On August 9th, Franz wrote, "If I must write... with my hands in chains, I find that much better than if my will were in chains. Neither prison nor chains nor sentence of death can rob a man of the Faith and his free will. God gives so much strength that it is possible to bear any suffering.... People worry about the obligations of conscience as they concern my wife and children. But I cannot believe that, just because one has a wife and children, a man is free to offend God."

Father Jochmann was the prison chaplain in Berlin and spent some time with Jägerstätter that day. He reports that the prisoner was calm and uncomplaining. He refused any religious material, even a New Testament, because, he said, "I am completely bound in inner union with the Lord, and any reading would only interrupt my communication with my God." Very few men could have made such a statement without seeming to be in denial or utterly mad.

Franz was beheaded that day, August 9, 1943 at the age of 36.

Father Jochmann later said of him: "I can say with certainty that this simple man is the only saint I have ever met in my lifetime."

Franz's ashes were buried and removed after the war. For some time the ashes were held in a convent and the religious sisters reported a number of miracles taking place during that time. The ashes were returned to the family and he was buried beside his church.
 

In 1997 a German Court overturned his death sentence.
 
In June 2007, Pope Benedict XVI issued an apostolic exhortation declaring Jägerstätter a martyr. In October he was beatified. His feast day, the day of his baptism, is May 21.

What's it like?

On Wednesday priests who received their first assignments as pastors last year or this year (including Fr. Wee) gathered at the chancery for a series of meetings. Among those who met with them was Fr. Damian who, as an experienced pastor, discussed what it is like to be a pastor.

Friday Fr. Vogel was at an event at St. Margaret Mary. There a group of men open to religious vocations heard him speak on what it is like to be a priest.

We are glad our priests have a chance to share their knowledge with others.

Welcome back Mrs. Devlin!

After working outside of the school for the past couple of years, Mrs. Devlin rejoins the St. Columbkille Catholic School staff as our new secretary. Mrs. Devlin has previously been one of our aides. Over the last couple of years she has gained experience teaching in the classrooms. We see her experience as an aide, a teacher and a parent as a real asset to the school. While she says, "it feels different on this side of the desk," we're sure everyone will welcome her back.

Congratulations Fr. Steve!

 

Last night, on the feast of St. John Vianney, Boystown held their annual dinner for priests. Each year at that dinner a priest is recognized for his work with children and families throughout his priesthood. This year the recipient of that award was Fr. Steve Emanuel.

Last night Fr. Steve Boes, National Executive Director of Boystown, gave a speech about Fr. Steve. Then Fr. Steve was given a framed portrait of Father Flannigan. Previous recipients of the award from Fr. Boes are Fr. Frank Baumert and Monsignor James Gilg. The dinner was attended by Archbishop Lucas, Archbishop Curtiss and priests from throughout the Archdiocese.

While Fr. Steve's primary duty is as the chaplain and an instructor at Gross High School, we appreciate his willingness to assist us on weekends and other event at St. Columbkille.

Congratulations Fr. Steve!