October 12, 2016 // Uncategorized

Around the Diocese: October 16, 2016

During this Jubilee Year of Mercy, South Bend parishes St. Patrick and St. Hedwig adopted Our Lady of Hungary School, South Bend, as their parish school. Neither parish currently has a school of its own and parish leadership see this as an opportunity for parishioners to participate in the works of mercy. Bob and Sandy Matuszak, Ken Mroz and Father Cyril Fernandez spearheaded a collection of money and school supplies for Our Lady of Hungary students. Above, Father Cyril hands Father Kevin Bauman, pastor of Our Lady of Hungary, and Kevin Goralczyk, school principal, checks from the St. Patrick and St. Hedwig collections.

Papal nuncio visits Our Lady of Hungary School

SOUTH BEND — Archbishop Michael Blume, papal nuncio to the Vatican in Uganda, made a pastoral visit to Our Lady of Hungary School, South Bend, on Sept. 29. The archbishop is an alumnus of Our Lady of Hungary School. He shared stories and pictures of the Pope’s recent visit to Uganda with students and staff.

‘Footsteps of Our Faith’ mission announced

FORT WAYNE — Queen of Angels Parish and Father David Mary Engo, who founded and is superior of the Franciscan Brothers Minor Community, will facilitate a parish mission “Footsteps of Our Faith” on Sunday through Tuesday, Nov. 27-29, at 7 p.m. For information, contact the parish office at 260-482-9411.

USF announces Philosophy/Theology lecture events

FORT WAYNE —The University of Saint Francis Department of Philosophy and Theology announces its lineup of speakers for its 2016-17 Lecture Series.

Oct. 26 — “Catholic Political Responsibilities” by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, North Campus Auditorium, 7 p.m.

Nov. 13 — “Taking the Temple to the Streets? Byzantine Practices in (the) Contemporary Occupy Movement” by Dr. Justin Tse, Brookside Ballroom, 3 p.m.

Dec. 11 — “Incarnate Wisdom Scripture” by Sister Felicity Dorsett, North Campus Auditorium, 3 p.m.

Jan. 25, —“ISIS and the Crusades: On the Uses and Abuses of History” by Dr. Adam DeVille, Brookside Ballroom, 7 p.m.

Feb. 15, —“Polkas and Masses” by Dr. Lance Richey, Brookside Ballroom, 7 p.m.

March 5, — “Christianity, History and the Common Good” by Dr. John Bequette, Brookside Ballroom, 3 p.m.

April 5, —“Towards a Philosophical Theory of Practice” by Dr. Vincent Wargo, Brookside Ballroom, 7 p.m.

For more information, visit philosophy.sf.edu.

SOUTH BEND – Members of the Saint Joseph High School family recently made a pilgrimage to the Holy Doors at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame. This special journey allowed for prayerful reflection and the opportunity to get a plenary indulgence. Participants walked in the rain from the high school, prayerfully passed through the Holy Doors of Mercy, had the chance to celebrate Confession, prayed for the Pope and his intentions and attended Mass. Afterwards, the group returned to the school for a meal together.

Pets blessed for feast day of St. Francis

FORT WAYNE – On Tuesday, Oct. 4, over 50 animals outside St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School’s main entrance waited patiently to receive an animal blessing.

Oct. 4 was the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, who is recognized by Catholics as the patron saint of animals, merchants, and ecology. It is for this reason that St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School offers students and their family the opportunity to bring their pet to school on this day every year to receive a blessing.

“St. Francis taught that all of God’s creation is a gift and we should give thanks to God,” said officiator Deacon Jim Kitchens. “So on this day, we say thank you to God by blessing the animals.”

For some St. Elizabeth students and faculty members, this blessing has become an annual tradition with their pet.

“I really like the blessing because I feel that God has put our pets here on this earth to help us find joy and happiness in times of great need either when sad, lonely or happy,” said first grade teacher, Mrs. Julie Peters who brought her 3-year old Newfoundland, Simon. “St. Francis taught us this and what a great way to celebrate his feast day.”

Memorial Mass for
children lost to
miscarriage, stillbirth and infant death

SOUTH BEND — October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, and St. Matthew Cathedral invites all families who have suffered the loss of a child to miscarriage, stillbirth or shortly following birth to a special Memorial Mass for their children on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m.

You need not be a member of St. Matthew Cathedral to attend. Your loss may have occurred very early in pregnancy, later in pregnancy, shortly before birth or after birth. Your loss may be recent, last year or even decades ago. All are welcome.

Dogs and cats ranging in size, bread, and age were attendees to this special occasion which was officiated by Deacon Kitchens.

“Having my dog, Barry, at school was awesome,” said seventh-grader Michael Nussear.  “Deacon Jim blessed him with holy water.”

“I brought my Boston Terrier, Sophie,” said sixth-grader Austin Farris.  “It made me feel good that my mom brought her. It’s cool that we get our animals blessed. They are a big part of our family.”

The ceremony included singing “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace,” silent prayer, led prayer, and sprinkling of holy water.

“God is the creator of all life and life is our ultimate gift,” said Deacon Jim Kitchens.

The Daughters of Isabella de Paul Circle in Elkhart held its fourth Rock-a-thon on Sept. 11. Ten members of the circle “rocked” in the St. Vincent de Paul Church lobby for a total of 10 hours. Members, relatives and friends sponsored the “rockers,” while generous parishioners dropped donations into a collection box beside them. The funds will be used to assist parishioners and neighbors in need, as well as support various charities and causes. From left, circle members Elaine Weingart and Sharon Cobb rock, while St. Vincent parishioner Jackie Foy drops off her donation.

 

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