Dear Parishioners, +JMJ
We have with us this weekend, preaching at all the Masses, Father Phil Smith, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Toledo. It is a great privilege to have him with us, and I hope that he is able to come frequently to encourage our young men to ask God what He desires for their vocation. But Father Smith can help all of us be more aware of the need to create a climate of vocations, so that all of our young men and women live lives of true discipleship, and seek to serve God in whatever path he leads them to choose. Feel free to contact the Office of Vocations of the Diocese if you have any questions about a religious or priestly vocation. Of course, I will continue to try my best to help our young people consider vocations.
As we hold our first (annual?) vocations luncheon with Father Smith this weekend, I can’t help but think of parishioner, Doris Phlipot, who – on her deathbed a couple years ago – explained to me that she had been talking with the “Sacred Heart” (i.e., Jesus’ Sacred Heart), Who told her that He wanted her to set up a fund that would pay for efforts to encourage and support vocations (male and female) from our parish. So, Doris left $100,000 to put into an endowment that would bear interest to be used towards vocational expenses. If Jesus inspired Doris with this project for our parish (Doris was very clear about this being just for our parish), will He not also inspire some vocations to the priesthood and religious life from our parish? The luncheon this weekend will be one of the first expenses covered by interest from Doris’ vocation endowment. Of course, I am asking Doris to pray for many vocations from our parish. She promised me – again, on her deathbed – that she would do this. I’m very hopeful with the vocations potential I see at our parish. May we all perceive the need for religious and priestly vocations in the Church today. And may we all nurture the spiritual life of our youth, so that they truly become disciples of Jesus Christ, willing to seek His will for their life.
Have a blessed week!
In cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Poggemeyer
