June 25, 2017
Dear Friends,
Bishop Emeritus Eugene Gerber served as Bishop of Wichita for 18 years from 1983 - 2001. He grew up on a farm in western Sedgwick County near Waterloo. Now in his mid-80s, Bishop Gerber has been a bishop for 41 years! He ordained me to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ and he has had a tremendous impact on my own spiritual journey in the faith. One of the pearls of wisdom that he taught me was, "A grateful heart silences a complaining voice." When I find myself constantly complaining, this is an indication that gratitude is lacking in my heart.
As we come to the end of the month of June, I express my gratitude to so many in our parish family who have served our parish family in varied ways. Thank you to the parishioners who worked so diligently on June 3 for our parish work day to beautify our campus and buildings. Thank you to the parishioners who organized our parish picnic and all who attended on Sunday afternoon, June 11. Thanks to the many parishioners and parents who served in various capacities for our Totus Tuus retreat on June 11 - 16. Thanks to our young people who attended the Faith on Fire Adoration and dance on Friday evening, June 16. Thank you to the many parishioners who serve as liturgical ministers at our Sunday Masses. Thank you to Debbie Tamburro and Cassi FitzGerald and Lavonne Wells who work so faithfully as part of our parish staff. Thanks to the parishioners who have agreed to serve on our Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council and Stewardship Council. Thanks to each one of you for being a brother or sister in our St. John the Evangelist Parish family! Make a list of people in your life for who you are grateful. "A grateful heart silences a complaining voice."
In Christ's Service,
Fr. John
(Read archived blog posts here)