A Word From Our Associate…

     Last week 20/20 produced a story on the subject of AIDS in the Catholic priesthood.  Personally, I did not expect great things, because I am realistic about the press: television and newspapers across the nation tend to look for emotional issues, to perk our interest.        Furthermore they are almost always slanted in some way (mostly liberally); I think it's hard not to interpret events when giving the data.  This particular program, in my estimation, did not slander the Catholic Church in grave manner (which I thought might occur), but I was angered by its misrepresentation of several things,      including the Church's sincerity to live the truth of the Gospel.  This was primarily due to the responses of those interviewed, and of those priests and leaders in the Church, who do not attempt to live their vows with integrity.
     One individual in the program, called Fr. Roger,     admitted that he continues to engage in periodic          homosexual activity, while maintaining his ministry as a priest.  Another former priest interviewed (Mr. Sipe) stated that he believes 50% of priests will at one time in their priesthood be sexually active with another person, and therefore he wishes that as a teacher, he would have "encouraged safe sex," more often.  What a crock!  The first individual should be relieved immediately from any priestly duties, by his bishop, and the second once again reveals the pitiful status of those who give in to the ways of thinking of this world: totally lacking in   wisdom.  To think that deviant sexual behavior is just to be expected for half of the clergy is a tragedy.  Every man ordained a priest promises, "with the help of God," to be faithful to God's gift of celibate chastity.  To fail at some point on the journey is to be human, but it is also sin.  Furthermore, it is a sign that one is not experiencing the depth of spiritual love that God wants for every man/woman totally dedicated to him, and it is a sign that greater integration needs to occur with one's      sexuality: a goal which can only be achieved by doing God's will.
     Chastity is a virtue to which we are all called:         heterosexual and homosexual persons inclusive.  I would like to hope, with the Sister and the Bishop who were also interviewed, that most priests are living their celibate vow.  I believe that seminaries today are doing a much better job in offering the psychological helps needed to integrate sexuality with vocation.  However, I am worried that what is offered in terms of spirituality is at times shallow, and without a depth of love (that is  Divine love) penetrating the heart, celibacy becomes a lifeless desert.  Living in such a desert may for some lead to searching for a sexual outlet, in order to feel good.  I should say that this is not a celibacy issue alone; it is in fact the status of our hedonistic culture.  Celibacy is not a curse; it is a gift, through which one is invited into a special love affair with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  With this intimacy, one experiences tremendous joy.  Please pray for priests.
Fr. Michael

Liturgy News…
ATTENTION:  EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Please call Jay Hunstiger with any changes for February/March/April/May schedule by Monday, January 22. 
THANK YOU TO…
Tom Halaska for his hard work and time in St. Nick's workshop for making support pillars which made banking of the Sanctuary poinsettias possible.  Thanks Tom!
Marilyn Jindra for her weekly fine job as parish laundress washing and ironing all the church linens, etc. Thanks Marilyn!
Ruth Lapinski who daily arrives at 6:00 a.m. to water and care for all our green plants and especially all the many thirsty poinsettias.  Thanks Ruth!
Environment Committee for many, many hours of work in preparing the Church interior for the season of Advent and Christmas.
Parishioners who helped with the Greening of Saint John's. and for all the generous donations for Christmas flowers and greenery.
Deacons, Joe, Rod & Tom who preached and assisted at the Altar for Advent and Christmas, many thanks!
Ceremony Crew, servers, candle bearers, ushers, communion ministers, greeters, lectors, cantors, choirs and musicians, all too numerous to mention by name, but God knows who you are! Thanks all!
Council of Catholic Women and Funeral Luncheon Committee for your very generous donation of our new Gloria Angel to our Nativity scene.
People in the pews, for your generous participation in song and spoken word.  For returning your leaflets to the tables and putting your hymnals back in the racks, for moving together in the pews to let others have a seat, for reporting broken kneelers and pews, etc.  And for pleasant demeanors!!!
Corinna Moncada, for your very timely and beautiful Intercessions each Sunday,  Thanks Corinna!
Kathy Belian & Katie Pastorious our weekend sacristans whose unmeasurable help in preparing for Masses has been truly appreciated.  Thanks Kathy & Katie!
Steve Pudlick, Dave Blegen & Deb Matrious for help in keeping the church interior looking good, for clean sidewalks and general assistance to the Office of Worship!
Teri Shea, Terri Blasiak, Deb Ludowese & Bob Mike, for all your behind the scenes assistance and in helping everything run so smoothly!
Bill Murtaugh & Michael Becker, for your support, preaching, presiding at various ceremonies, kind words, good examples and for leading us in prayer.
To everyone who sent greetings and gifts to me, I thank you for your kindness and generosity and ask God's blessings on you in the months ahead.
To one and all, the Liturgy Committee, Environment Committee and the Office of Worship extends thanks and greets for a blessed New Year!!
Jay Hunstiger, Director of Worship