Following the Footsteps of St. Columbkille

In 563, St. Columbkille and twelve companions sailed from  Ireland to the island of Iona just off the Scottish coast. From there he and his followers brought the faith across Scotland and later to the Frank and Germanic tribes in Europe.

This week Fr. Damian Zuerlein and his group of pilgrims sailed from Ireland to Iona.

On the hill in the background there once was a small hut where Columbkille wrote his poems, music and homilies.

This is the front of the chapel. The monastery is still active.

 Above is the oldest carving on Iona.

We appreciate all of the prayers the pilgrims have been offering as they follow the footsteps of St. Columbkille through Ireland and Scotland.

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Telling Fr Damian Farewell

Fr. Damian spoke at all of the Masses this weekend as he said farewell. This afternoon the Women's Guild hosted a reception for Fr. Damian as people had the chance to say goodbye.

He even fulfilled some autograph requests.

Awards Given

Along with giving awards to students at St. Columbkille Catholic School, special recognition was given to Fr. Damian in thanks and appreciation for being our pastor.

As a gift, he received a picture which shows part of the mural in the Education Center. Within that picture are pictures of every student and staff member of St. Columbkille School.

Awards were given to students as well.

Congratulations!

Send us Your Spirit

"In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit Itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings." -- Romans 8:26

God invites us to ask, seek and knock -- and He will answer.

It seems, though, that often when I ask for something, I aim too low. I forget that God is big, powerful and infinite. His mercy and graces are like oceans, and  I go to Him equipped with a spoon.

Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is at work everywhere inspiring and helping us, especially through the church and her sacraments, Scriptures, saints and teachings. Through these gifts, the Holy Spirit teaches us to pray.

A wise priest recently said that when He prays for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, he asks for a "double portion," following the example of the Old Testament prophet Elisha in 2 Kings 2:9:

"When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Request whatever I might do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit."

Another wise person prayed that God would send two guardian angels to protect someone in harm's way. I'm amazed when people are inspired to pray in such ways, asking the Lord for things I would never think to ask for, and having full confidence that their Father will hear and answer them.

It shows their connection to the Holy Spirit, who helps them pray and intercedes for them, sometimes in ways we cannot fathom.

Please, Lord, as we celebrate Your Ascension into Heaven and await Pentecost, we ask You to send us Your Spirit. Give us a double portion of the Holy Spirit, especially for those about to be confirmed, for Father Damian as he prepares for his new assignment at St. Frances Cabrini, for our new pastor Fr. Dave Reeson and all our priests, deacons and parishioners.

Come, Holy Spirit, come!



Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.

Easter Vigil Images