Pastor’s Corner

Dear Family,

I would like to thank the parish council for their energy and work over the past months. There are many things that are gaining momentum in the parish. There are quite a few things that have been growing on a daily basis. I am hearing more and more new ideas. This is all the work of the Holy Spirit. A new initiative that is beginning is to include a summary of the parish council minutes in the bulletin. They have been included in this bulletin. I encourage everyone to look over the summary of the minutes, and to become a part of the growing conversation.

Another new thing that will appear in the next few weeks will be “Investment Opportunities” in the bulletin. This was a tradition in our bulletin during Fr. Joe Kane’s time at the parish. There will be an initiative, need, or item in the bulletin that anyone will be free to donate to, if one is interested in that item.

The calling that Jesus gives to each of us is to become a disciple and follow him. This means listening to the Spirit and taking the initiative. It means for each of us to answer the call of Jesus to be a spiritual leader in a world that desperately needs his salvation more than ever.

In His Most Precious Blood,

Fr. Brian

Dear Family,

I want to wish everyone many blessings in the new year. Every year is both a journey and an adventure. Every year is a gift from the Creator, where we can grow closer to Jesus.

I want to personally thank everyone for the Christmas cards, gifts, snacks, and treats. I also want to thank everyone for the food and meals throughout December. I so appreciated all the kindness.

In looking ahead in the spiritual life, now may be a good time to start thinking about some plans for Lent. Ash Wednesday begins on February 22 this year. That is still some time off, but it will arrive quickly. Now may be a good time to start asking those questions about how to make Lent special this year, and to take the time to let the Lord have a big impact in our life.

In His Most Precious Blood,

Fr. Brian

Dear Family,

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  As has been said a thousand times, this is a busy time of the year.  Take some time for those Advent blessings to grow and bloom during Christmas.  Take some time to delight in the presence of Jesus.  Let the peace, hope, joy, and freedom that only Jesus can bring, find a home in the depths of the soul.

When is the last time I have told Jesus that ‘I Love him’?  When is the last time I have sat in wonder at the God who is so real, and who has saved me?  Jesus, Our Savior, is born.  Let my heart join the voices of the angels beyond number.  All I can do is sing His praises.

In His most Precious Blood,

Fr. Brian

Dear Family,

I would like to welcome Emily Ketzner to the ministry team at Precious Blood.  She will be the Faith Formation Coordinator, and in that ministry she will lead and continue to develop the Faith Formation program for all ages in the parish.  She grew up in our parish and has previously been working at Sts. Francis & Clare of Assisi Catholic Church in Greenwood, Indiana leading youth formation and catechesis.  She will begin on July 1.

I would like to again express gratitude on behalf of the entire parish family for the countless hours and dedication that Bonnie Meadows has given for Faith Formation in our parish. We really can’t thank her enough. She has always gone above and beyond in leading the program.  She was always willing to share her faith, encourage others, and to help those in need.  Please in the coming weeks, thank her personally for her ministry at Precious Blood.  We owe her a debt of gratitude for her passion and caring in helping so many encounter Christ in their lives.

This is the feast of Pentecost! This is the great feast that reminds us that God’s mission in this world continues. It also reminds us that God is alive in His Church and still has plans and is speaking to each of us in our hearts. A few questions we can ask ourselves. What is the mission that God has given me? What is God trying to speak to me?

In His Most Precious Blood,

Fr. Brian

Dear Family,

I want to thank the family of Fr. Ralph Endress for donating his chalice to Precious Blood, so that it can always be a part of our parish.  The chalice was tarnished from age, and they also had it refurbished.  We have already had the opportunity to use it at mass.  The chalice was given to Fr. Endress at his ordination by his parents, and it is inscribed on the bottom of the chalice.  It is likely the chalice that Fr. Endress used for countless masses over the years here at Precious Blood, from the beginning of the parish.

I will be taking Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday off in the following week. There will be no daily mass on Tuesday and Wednesday.  I will be taking some time to rest, and also taking some time for hiking in Hoosier National Forest.  Getting exercise and being out in nature always has a way of refreshing the soul.

In His Most Precious Blood,

Fr. Brian