From the Pastor&

Quick!  Answer the following...
     * Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
     * Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
     * Name the last first winners of the Miss American contest.
     * Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
     * Name the last six Academy Award winners for best actor/actress.
     * Name the last ten winners of the World Series.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headlines of yesterday.  There are no second-rate achievers.  They are the best in their fields.  But the applause dies.  Awards tarnish.  Achievements are forgotten.  Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz.  See how you do on this one.
     * List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
     * Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
     * Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
     * Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
      [from a recent e-mail message.]

I remember everyone of my elementary teachers, 99% from high school and about 90% of my college professors.  Teachers are really important in the lives of children.  After trying teaching myself, one year at an all-boys Catholic high school, and one year at an all-girls Catholic high school, I appreciate teachers all the more.  And to think that some people have been doing it all their adult lives!  As we celebrate graduations in a few weeks, it would be the right thing to do for the graduate and his/her parents to seek out the great teachers and administrators who made a difference, and to say a prayer for them.
Speaking of dedicated people, how about our own Franciscan Sister Gwendolin!  Fifty years of service to the church as a follower of St. Francis and almost as many as an educator.  Today's (Sunday) 11:00 a.m. liturgy is a Mass of Thanksgiving on the occasion of her Jubilee, with an open house/reception following until 2:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
Sister makes my work as pastor much easier.  Some priests don't want a parish with a school; they think it has too many headaches.  I have to disagree, especially because Sister runs an A+ school.  How many of you ever had to worry about the safety of your children under her watch?  She demands excellence because to demand less is to cheat the student.  She has served St. John's since 1982.  She certainly deserves the thanks of the entire community for her dedication and enthusiasm. 

      In all our words and actions
      let us give thanks to God
      in the name of the Lord Jesus (Col. 3:17).
-- Fr. Bill