Dear Parishioners,

Like we had on Memorial Day weekend, we managed to once again have a long weekend on this July 4th weekend. This is the year where we also start thinking about a big celebration of the 4th of the July next year. Yes, if you do the math, next year is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of our Independence and the birth of our nation. Of course, I still have fond memories of the last big anniversary in 1976. Let us take this time to remember and thank the Lord for the blessings which He has given to us and the people of our nation.

Just a few days ago, the new priestly assignments began in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. Of course, Fr. Joseph and I are still serving the parish. But if you looked at the list of assignments from the Diocese, and did the math, we came up short. Three priests that were serving in the diocese were either called back to their home diocese or their religious order for reassignment. With only one priest being ordained for our diocese this year, this left us with two parishes being short of a pastor. For example, our neighboring parish of St. Monica lost its pastor and Fr. Tom McNally has been named as the temporary parish administrator until a new pastor is found. To make up this temporary shortage at St. Monica, some of our Kalamazoo area priests are going to be going over to St. Monica to assist with Masses and confessions from time to time. That includes both Fr. Joseph and me. All of us are hoping that a permanent solution presents itself soon. Keep this in your prayers so that we not only find a solution for our neighboring parish, but that we also find more vocations to the priesthood for our diocese.

Please also keep in your prayers the upcoming Vacation Bible School here at St. Catherine. This begins on the week of the 14th of July. It takes many volunteers to make this happen and we are thankful for each one of you. I appreciate your prayers that all will go well, and our youth will be inspired by the time they spend learning more about their faith.

Thanks for reading!

 Fr. Mark