The dedication of the new shrine was a profoundly beautiful and moving event. Blessed Stanley Rother, a farm boy from Oklahoma, gave his life for Christ and for the poor and marginalized people of Guatemala. His martyrdom reminds us of the need to lead heroic lives, and to be prepared to give everything for Christ if need be.
As your pastor, I want to encourage you to visit the shrine often. If you have a special need, take it to Father Stanley’s shrine and ask him to intercede for you. We hope the shrine will become a place of great spiritual peace, and a place of miracles. As soon as possible, we’ll plan a parish pilgrimage to the shrine. We’ll keep you posted on the plans.
PEWS INSTEAD OF CHAIRS FOR OUR CHOIR
Immediately upon arrival as your new pastor, I noticed the chairs in the apse of our church. They look out of place, and frankly, are unattractive and VERY visible. Normally, churches with a choir in the apse have choir stall pews instead of chairs. I doubt that chairs were part of our original design. They were probably substituted because of cost concerns. Pews would give that space a more thoughtful look.
The estimate is $42,000, and I am hoping to raise that money as a “side hustle.” If you appreciate good liturgical music and want to see that part of church completed, please consider giving to this project. There will be six separate pews (curved to fit the space) and I would be happy to memorialize them with a small plaque for a donation of $4,000 or more. You could honor a loved one, a past member of our choir, or perhaps, a former pastor who served here. One of my goals as your pastor is to support and enhance our music program. This would be a good start.