Pastors Notes from July 3, 2022
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July 5, 2022Just a week into summer vacation, waking up and heading downstairs for breakfast, this eleven year old was pulled aside by his mother. Not for some discipline or punishment (though I surely deserved anything coming my way), but to call my attention to the breaking news on TV: the sudden death of a well known family man and Senator. June, 1968. What did I really know of this gentleman; I was only eleven and far more interested in riding my bike to the swimming pool or playing catch with a neighbor. However, the gentleman’s family name resonated, even at my ‘apolitical’ age: Kennedy. Many years later I learned of an impromptu speech he gave to an unsettled crowd just two months prior to his own death. An excerpt of such seems fitting as we graciously pause to remember and celebrate the freedom, liberty and Guiding Light our ancestors —of all walks of life—believed in and sacrificed for the prevailing hope of this nation.
“In this difficult time for the United States, it is perhaps well to ask what kind of a nation we are and what direction we want to move in. . . .We can move in that direction as a country, in great polarization. . . .Or we can make an effort. . .to understand and to comprehend, and to replace violence. . .with an effort to understand with compassion and love. . . .We have to make an effort in the United States, we have to make an effort to understand, to go beyond these rather difficult times. My favorite poet was Aeschylus. He wrote: ‘In our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.’ What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence; but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another. So I shall ask you. . .to return home, to say a prayer for the family. . . but more importantly to say a prayer for our own country, which all of us love--a prayer for understanding and that compassion of which I spoke. We can do well in this country. We will have difficult times; we've had difficult times in the past; we will have difficult times in the future. . . .But the vast majority of . . .people. . .want to live together, want to improve the quality of our life, and want justice for all human beings who abide in our land. Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world. Let us dedicate ourselves to that, and say a prayer for our country and for our people.”
Though we need to complete the final paperwork to officially take on the parish name of “Ascension” for our Boone County Catholic Community, we are searching for an appropriate symbol or icon. If you have any suggestions or an artistic depiction of this holy moment—as Christ ascended, leaving the disciples with the guidance and protection of the Holy Spirit—please forward to the parish office. In future correspondence—as directed by the diocese—our parish will be referred to as Ascension Parish; activities, Mass times, gatherings, funeral and wedding locations will be referenced by the local church: St. John, St. Malachy or Sacred Heart. To be honest, though our parish name will officially change, the vast majority of individuals and families will continue to use the name of their local church in conversation. Such is only natural, an outflow of that community exemplifying our “home of faith.” Quite natural as the local church community where the foundation of our Catholic-Christian faith was formed, where we received First Holy Communion, shared in the grief and hope at funerals, celebrated marriages, received the Eucharist, and gathered for church fundraisers. Yet, we can together share our Catholic-Christian faith as a community, as one parish, acknowledging “We are many parts; we are all one body. And the gifts we have, we are given to share.” Indeed, Bishop Nickless made a wise decision for our Catholic Community in Boone County, acknowledging the words John Greenleaf Whittier: “I'll lift you and you lift me, and we'll both ascend together.” Please take the time to consider a convenient time for your directory picture. There is no obligation to purchase additional pictures from the company. So few times do we have an opportunity to take a formal picture for free, and receive an eight by ten to boot. For those of us a few years older and having participated in parish directory pictures before, may this most recent picture reflect the dignity and wisdom of our age. For those a few years younger and participating in a parish directory for the first time, may you revel in your ambitious, youthful reflection! Please take the time to sign up so our new parish directory may reflect our Catholic faith community. Thank you. Check the bulletin, parish website or contact the office for times. Our loss is Holy Trinity’s gain as Fr. Ross moves to the Catholic community in Fort Dodge. “May the blessing of the Lord be upon you, we bless you in the name of the Lord.” As he graced our Catholic faith and community with his personality and ministry, so he will continue to affect the individuals and families at Holy Trinity Parish.
Lord God Almighty, in whose name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have the grace to maintain our liberties in virtue and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Blessings to you this Fourth of July weekend, Fr. Tim