Today we are gathered at Eucharist to celebrate the meaning of the Eucharist. Today’s solemnity is called the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. During Holy Mass. Let us pay par!cular a”en!on to the words and gestures and when it comes time for communion. Let us truly approach the altar with joy in our hearts and gratitude for this gift of the Eucharist. When we receive holy communion, may we receive Jesus like this is our first communion, our only communion and our final holy communion.

It was great to see so many people taking part in our Deacon Ordination this past week! We had many people involved in so different ways. Indeed this is not only a special !me for the Hernandez’, but for we their parish family as well! Like Deacon Jim, Deacon Lucio David will be serving both of our parishes. Also note, that their wives Betsy and Adela have an integral role in this ministry of service.

Please keep our children and young people in your prayers. In particular, pray for those who will be taking part in Rochester Steubenville Pilgrimage July 14-16. This is a powerful time for our youth to encounter the Holy Spirit. I have seen great healings taking place during such weekends as well as a deepening of their faith walk. O#en!mes they return with a great hunger for Our LORD, so it is key to have a follow-up plan in place once they return.

Instead of me speaking about Totus Tuus coming to St Michael’s along with its many blessings, here follows three anonymous quotes from people who have personally experienced this: * “The children that came for the day program experienced a great mixture of fun action songs, excellent solid, Catholic teaching & daily Mass with the children…We give Totus Tuus a five star rating. Excellent!!! Also, our pastor said, “When are we scheduling the team for next year?”” * “If you like having fun, you should go to Totus Tuus. I liked the games, learning about Jesus, and the Banana Song.” * “Totus Tuus is a great opportunity to gain a stronger relationship with God, along with having more faith in Him. The week was truly inspiring and one of the best I’ve had in my life. And on top of all of the great program details, the team was amazing! I would recommend this to anyone. It is a very worthwhile experience and the memories will be with me forever.” This is a rock solid program and it could be integral in helping our young people deepen their faith lives.

Have you ever took part in a Mass for Healing? June 26th at 7pm in St Paul’s Church in Sauk Centre, the Fraternity of Priests (Fr Mark Stang, Fr Greg Paffel, Fr Jerry Mischke, Fr Todd Schneider, Fr Peter Kirchner, myself, and other priests) and Jesus Heals Ministry (consisting of lay people) will be hosting this evening. Adoration begins at 4pm and Confessions at 6pm.

Mark your calendars as your new Pastor Fr Timothy Gapinski will be installed as your pastor Wed, July 12th @ 7pm in St Michael’s Church (please note that there will be no 8am Mass that day). Bishop Kettler will be presiding for this Installation Mass. I am sure that you will fill God’s House for this celebration as you begin this new chapter in your faith communities. So with my !me drawing to an end, this will be my next to the last ‘From the Pastor’s Desk’. Since my arrival here, I have felt called to reach out to our elderly in care facilities, shut-ins, hospital, rehab, etc.. O#en!mes, we have so many people unable to join us for weekend worship, thus this column has been a vehicle to help them stay connected to our parishes. During the homily next weekend as well in the bulletin, I will include my final good-byes as well as make men!on of the many blessings that you have gi#ed me. I know that I have received much more from you than I could have ever asked or imagined!

Fr. David

TOTUS TUUS (Totally Yours), will be held at St. Michael’s Church July 23-28, 2017 (in lieu of a traditional Vacation Bible School program).

TOTUS TUUS is a program for youth dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through catechesis, evangelization, Christian witness, and Eucharistic worship, games, skits and more. The goal of Totus Tuus is to help young people (Grades 1-12) grow in their understanding of the faith and love for Jesus and His Church. It is led by a team of college students.

Mark your calendar for an exciting & FUN week.  Please see our Totus Tuus page for more information and registration.