Sixth Sunday of Easter
Dear Parishioners,
I received word yesterday that a new coadjutor Bishop has been appointed to the Diocese of Peoria. When a coadjutor Bishop is named, it is with the understanding that he will succeed the present Bishop.
Our Bishop Daniel Jenky, who is in declining health says that he asked for a coadjutor Bishop. He has various problems with his legs and back and was unable to fulfill a lot of his duties. Pope Francis granted Bishop Jenky’s request for assistance.
We are pleased to welcome Fr. Louis Tylka from the Archdiocese of Chicago. He is presently pastor of St. Julie Billiart Parish in Tinley Park, Illinois. He is 49 years old and has been in parish ministry his whole life. In other words, he has a lot of practical experience. We are most grateful that he will be able to assist Bishop Jenky through his last two years as our Bishop. Hopefully, this will mean that there will be a smooth transition when Bishop Jenky retires.
Bishop designate Louis has an introductory video on the Diocese of Peoria Web page at cdop.org. I invite everyone to view it. He does a wonderful job of introducing himself. Unfortunately, because of the COVID 19 epidemic there will be no ordination for a while.
Let’s pray for Bishop designate Tylka and hope that he grows to love his flock in Peoria and that we learn to appreciate his gifts.
Thank you for submitting the names of mothers who have passed away. It was touching to remember them at our Sunday Eucharist. It felt like we all were just a little closer for a few moments didn’t it?
We will have a couple of other opportunities to pray as a parish community before the end of the month. We will have May Crowning after Mass next Saturday after the 4:00 p.m. Mass. We also will be praying in a special way for graduates on May 24th. Please submit the names of young people or not so young people graduating this spring. It seems important that we recognize them in whatever way we can since they cannot have public ceremonies.
I would remind parishioners of some ways of viewing Mass online more prayerful. We can make a prayer corner at home where we can view Mass. Atmosphere is important. Having a small table to act as an altar, sitting in straight back chairs, answering prayers, having candles lit, standing sitting and kneeling can all help to make view Mass more prayerful.
I remember how priests imprisoned at Dachau during WWII because they protested Nazi occupation were unable to celebrate or receive Eucharist. They managed in other ways to worship God. I try to recall how even though I pray without a congregation most days, I have it easy compared to them. Let’s all pray as best we can.
May our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark