Pastor's Note

ONE YEAR…AND COUNTING
August 20th, 2006

Last year’s first Sunday Mass for Blessed John XXIII Parish is one of those events that I will never forget. Definitely, the Holy Spirit was working big time.
First of all, we had only about ten days to get the word out that the school was available and that we would have our first Mass that weekend. Then we gathered up altar cloths, candles, a crucifix, Eucharistic vessels and books, and more from some of the parishes that had recently closed.
The sound system was a gift from the Cathedral. The electric keyboard was on loan. We had not set up any of it before that Sunday morning. (Michael had not even seen this keyboard until that day.)
In addition, my niece Sheila got married the day before. And, of course, her uncle Herb officiated, some one hundred miles from here. I got home late and, with all the excitement, couldn’t sleep.
So the day of the first Mass arrived. I wondered if anyone would come. They did. They not only came, but they sang. The music was great and the liturgy was a wonderful example of how we want to celebrate.
Some members of the parish helped with hospitality and all the many ministries. Other volunteers quickly stepped forward. Several kids offered to be altar servers. And a new parish was born.
We have continued to celebrate Eucharist in Perrysburg High School. Many additional people have come to be part of our growing family. The Spirit is still guiding our work.
Today at this liturgy, we thank God for blessings received as we also ask for continued guidance. God always works with people, using them for purposes we can only guess. Sometimes we are the imperfect vessels of God’s plan, but that doesn’t stop God from enlisting us.
It’s a joy being here with you today.