Palm Sunday of the Passion of The Lord
Dear Parishioner,
Fr. Sebastian Tumusiime was away in February and for most of March working on his doctoral dissertation in Canada. He returned on March 28th. On the very day he was coming home, I received a call from the Diocese of Peoria informing me that there had been a series of unexpected events in the diocese. A pastor was relieved of his duties in a large parish in Bloomington, Illinois. He had to be replaced immediately. An assistant who was at St. Matthew Parish in Champaign was to be moved to be pastor in Bloomington. I was told that Fr. Sebastian would be assigned to St. Matthew to replace the assistant that was moving. Needless to say, this was a surprise to Fr. Sebastian and myself. Father Sebastian is tentatively scheduled to go back to Africa when he completes his studies. I thought he would be here until June, but sadly this was not to be. The diocese felt these transfers had to happen immediately. Fr. Sebastian packed his things and went to Champaign last Friday.
I am sure that we all wish Fr. Sebastian well. We are sorry he was not able to say good-bye, but with a three days’ move he had to be allowed a lot of personal time so he could get things arranged. We will explore the possibility of having some kind of going away event for Fr. Sebastian in the future, but that will depend on his schedule.
I would strongly encourage parishioners to send cards and good wishes to his new address. That address is:
1303 Lincolnshire Dr.
Champaign, Il. 61821
217-359-4224
Fr. Sebastian, I am sure, would love to receive your support. He was a gentle presence among us. He will be missed.
This series of events reminds us of the acuteness of the priest shortage. At the time I was ordained there were 240 priests in our diocese. Now there are less than 120. The average age of the priests has also gone up. We are fortunate to have International priests to fill in, but they are also needed in their home countries.
I will be trying to find a priest to come to Sacred Heart who will be able to help us in our ministry. We will maintain the Mass schedule as best we can. Adjustments may have to be made if this goes on too long. Msgr. Wellman has been generous with his time and we thank him. Fr. Jean, who is stationed at Christ the King will also help us with daily Masses. I would ask for your patience. One priest cannot cover as much ground as two. Let us pray that the Lord will send another shepherd our way soon. As always, I will keep you informed.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark
P.S. This Monday at 7 p.m. is our Lenten Reconciliation Service. There will be five or six priests who will be available for confessions. I would encourage everyone to attend. Keep in mind there will be confessions on Wednesday night, before and after the Stations of the Cross until everyone has a chance to celebrate the sacrament. Keep in mind that the schedule for Thursday, Friday and Saturday is different. There is one service a day which corresponds to the Liturgical law of the Roman Church.