Weekly message from Father John...
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June 10, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
When I was new to the priesthood, I waxed eloquent one Sunday morning, telling everyone what I thought they needed to know. A guy who was always on the opposite side of any question from me came out the front door, grinned and wrung my hand gratefully, saying, "That's the best homily I ever heard!” and he spewed back to me the exact opposite of my message. I wasn't totally taken aback. Our homily prof in the seminary told us that we'd run into that every once in a while. He also wisely advised us not to "pablum feed" people in preaching, which was what I had been doing. Jesus does that very thing in the Gospel for this weekend. "This is why I speak to them in parables, because, “They look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.”
Jesus had a long contract to fulfill in trying to teach people who were illiterate and unacquainted with about everything we think of as freedom. But His phrasing can work for us, too, as a message calling for sensitivity to the world we live in. Liberty begins with and is sustained by learning.
This connects to the message in this weekend's Gospel passage of the parable of the farmer throwing seed out. You know the one. Some of the seed lands on the road, some in briars, some in rocks and some on good soil. The seed on bad soils are people whose lives are defined by such things as unpotable water, war, tyranny, poverty, ignorance and other tragic circumstances. Jesus could have just said, "These are the abcs of what needs healing." If he had done it that way, everyone would have agreed and thought, "Well, I guess that settled that", and then gone home and forgotten about it. We can’t fix all that big picture stuff right now. But we can live in the spirit of the Gospel and improve and even reclaim some "soil" by being aware of what's real in our world, good as well as bad, and especially by being present to the people most dear to us. One of the best ways to bring healing about and even to maintain intimacy (which is a good soil thing), is to pray with people you love. Well,that's our homework this week: See, Hear, Pray.
Father John
July 3, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
If we lived in, say, the North Hills of L.A. and there was a raging forest fire, you wouldn't need a message from your friendly neighborhood pastor to tell you about it. So I won't go into any raging fires, real or metaphorical today. I want you to have some peace and happiness as we celebrate this 4th of July holiday.
If you're lucky enough to get to a lake, God bless that! (And I'll admit I'm a little "jelly".) I can't think of anything that would be more purely satisfying than to jump into a cool, clean lake and turn into a dolphin for a few hours. I'd even be happy see three terraced, emerald colored lakes that I rode past one summer, years ago, in the Canadian Rockies, as a wrangler and I led a couple pack mules up through the woods. We stopped at each lake and just took it all in for a while. The woods were cool and the lakes were very deep glacial results and they were beautiful. If you can't go to a lake, there are other joys to be had if you do a little prospecting for them. And the finding is half the fun. In other words don't be shy about searching out and counting your blessings. For me, I guess the Canadian Rockies are out this weekend and lakes are too. But I may see some show on the night of the 4th or at least hear it. I'll celebrate the 4th with Mass in the morning, thanking God for all of us for all He has given us and praying that He helps us protect it all. I'll do some summery stuff, like salute our country and it's wonderful liberties with a root beer float or a smoothie at sunset. I'll have a flag in the garden. Hope there's a breeze. And I'll find some ways to have fun and relax during the day.
Believe in and remember the love of God. He wants you to be happy. I hope and pray that you can do that. We all need a dose of that right now.
Father John
June 26, 2020
Dear Parish Family -
On Thursday, I made the first run that I've made to a destination since March 17th. I went to see two friends who I've missed a great deal for an afternoon of lively conversation. We wore masks, which made the get together rather bitter sweet and even creepy. My friendship with them over many years has most often been carefree and, on birthdays and in the Holidays, even celebratory. But we knew we were obliged to one another to do so for the good of all. We sat about eight feet apart. No snacks were put out. We'd committed to air hugs and air fist bumps. Nothing that might compromise any of us was done.
I'll own up that the mask thing was the most difficult single thing for us. Not being able to see the faces of people one cares about is a very difficult thing. Lately, many people are abandoning this necessary caution and social distancing. There is an abundance of evidence that, at least sometimes, a high school like peer pressure comes into play in the adult world. It resembles the cases of kids who vape to be cool and fit in with friends who do that. And it's dangerous, like that is. There are at least a few tributary influences on people who are going without masks in public and ignoring social distancing. Those influences are leading some people to just give up. There is a great deal at stake, too much for anyone to just give up. Especially at stake is the well-being of the loved ones.
In the Gospels, Jesus Christ teaches us to love with an attitude of service. The word service comes into focus on two important non-religious days, Veteran's Day and Memorial Day. It's vitally important now for us to connect The Conscience of Christ to the meaning of those days of memorializing and to have that disciplined a spiritual life for the Common Good. So I urge you not to give in if it's difficult for some reason but to do what's right. If you're doing your best to do what needs to be done, as I know many are, be proud of that.
God bless you all. Fr. John
June 19, 2020
Dear Parish Family-
This week I will just say stay safe and count your blessings. This is my "driveway chalk writing" equivalent for you, signed "With Love". I know the situation we're going through is frustrating and frustration can even allow for a temptation to dilute the significance of the medical data which exists. Thus I say be safe. Since we are living in frustrating circumstances, (I certainly include myself in that), I say count your blessings every day. That will do you good in itself and lead you to prayer which has it's own graces of salvation. But, mainly, I encourage you to recognize and acknowledge what God gives you that creates joy and peace in your lives and intimacy with others. If I gave myself two driveway equivalents, I'd put in the other, "Smile! Even laugh! God loves you."
Fr. John
June 10, 2020
Dear Parish Family-
As you may know, parishes are allowed to welcome people back to Church when they are prepared. That preparation has been complex and a great deal of work has gone into it. The archdiocese established protocols to be followed in parishes for safety, for example only 25% capacity for Masses and social distancing requirements. The Parish Council and Rachel and I have studied and deliberated at length to design the best way to make reopening work. Click here for more important information to read over before you return to Mass.
The plan is to open this weekend, June 13 and 14, with 5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday and 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Masses on Sunday. (The 11:00 a.m. Mass is temporary, for the length of the current crisis.) Those who wish to attend Mass are asked to attend a Mass based on the first letter of your last name – this information can be found on our website and in the bulletin. Note that there is an element of uncertainty that can't be avoided. Since we have to observe the 25% limit, it is possible that some people might be turned away if we reach capacity. I hope, and we all hope that that won't happen. But we are not free to make exceptions if it should come to that.
Following a recommendation from the archdiocese, Communion will be distributed as people leave Church. I'll remind you that Masks are required in Church and that people are to observe social distancing from people who are not immediate family. Visiting after Mass should NOT happen.
Every day I hear how people feel about living through the current crisis. Just about everyone says that they wonder how long it will go on. The best answer to that question, ahead of a vaccine, is that it depends on how people behave. I know that you are doing your best to be disciplined and you should be proud of the courage and wisdom you show in doing that. I'm very proud of you. I look forward to seeing you in Church.
God love you all, Fr. John
June 5, 2020
Dear Parish Family-
This weekend is the feast of The Most Holy Trinity and on Sunday we will celebrate First Holy Communion. The Eucharist reflects the Divine Love of the trinity. The Eucharist was introduced by the Son of God as a love that is willing to make sacrifices. Moms and dads understand that depth of love. The Holy Trinity is perfect love.
In the seminary we had a joke that went, "Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, one is a heretic." That gag reflected the human imperfection that causes division. In God there is no division, there are no factions, and no impulse to despise. We were meant to aspire to that way of being. Jesus said, "Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect." That is kind of a tall order! We can be pretty limited by circumstances, such as finances, an inability to see beyond what we are familiar with, and the worst by fear. Anyone can lose sight of the humanity in people they don't identify with, It happens all the time. But we are called to be Eucharist in the world and to the world. We are called to reflect the love of God in living. As Christians, Catholics and as people who believe in the Love of God, we aspire to understand when we don't understand, to be inclusive not exclusive, and to make the world richer not poorer. And I didn't say "you". . . I said "we" which means that I don't pretend to stand above you as some kind of master of all challenges. I'm not that. When Jesus said "Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect”, he wasn't stating an expectation of perfection, but rather where our aim should be.
Let's give the day we live in to God, the Most Holy Trinity, for whom our church was named. Do this by loving, and then you will live the meaning of the sacrament of the Eucharist.
Fr. John
May 29, 2020
Dear Parish Family-
Parish council is working on a plan to reopen the church for parishioners to attend Mass. The archdiocese is calling this "Phase II". No one is obliged to attend Mass, and the safety of all who would attend is of the utmost importance. There will be limited capacity, and we will need to follow social distance guidelines. We need volunteers to act as "ushers" during this phase. All volunteers needs to be in good health, and under the "high risk" age of 65. All volunteers will receive training. Ushers will need to:- Show people where to sit, and orderly instruct people when to leave (like at a wedding)
- Count the number of people in church to make sure we don't exceed a 25% capacity
- Disinfect pews and other touched surfaces after Mass
- Ask people to follow social distance guidelines
The archdiocese is deeply concerned about people's safety and, after the trials and other financial troubles, is also concerned about liability issues. There is a heavy emphasis on doing things safely and that each parish has to design its own strategy, based on Church and state rules in regard to the pandemic. That is wisdom, since parishes vary widely across the board. For instance, you may hear things like one pastor isn't so strict on masks in Church but that another one is. We are working hard to create our strategy. A sound logistical plan that would come under the heading of "best practices" is a lot of work. We haven't had to do anything like this before, of course. God bless you and keep you safe.
Fr. John
5/22/2020
Dear Parish Family-
The BBC did a piece on the science of friendship. It was discussed that having no friends is more hazardous to a person's health than smoking. This is connected to the fact that there can be perils in friendships during a pandemic.
During this pandemic, people gathering unsafely in groups is heavily freighted with risk for the general population. My sisters, who are career nurses and fully informed as to the disease, have explained to me that during the “stay at home” order, there was a significant number of people (41%) who did not comply, and that since it ended some have abandoned caution for gathering safely. My sisters and their professional peers fear that that lack of caution will cause more spiking instead of a lessening of cases.
Since the spiritual well-being of people is intimately involved with their physical well-being, I have a responsibility to address both in a time such as now. Just as a mom or dad have to be up on pharmacology, psychology, first aid, computers, money management and a variety of other skills, so must a priest be as liberally educated as possible to avoid being shallow as a communicator. I am morally obliged to say this so that I am not responsible for anyone becoming sick, or worse by obscuring the truth. I cannot decide for anyone. Free will is created by God. I am not God. (You can ask anybody.) I can only do the best I am able to do for the well-being of the people I love, which is first and foremost to pray, and to identify with the medical data that comes along. But forcing people to act accordingly is not for me to do.
Please let me advise you, however, that anyone who exposes themselves to risk also risks harming others. I pray that God will bless you and give you some joy each day, as well as keep your precious lives safe.
Fr. John
05/15/2020
Dear Parish Family,
There are some unresolved concerns regarding re-opening the Church. I know that you are being careful and wise in your day to day lives, but bringing a number of people into Church before a vaccine is available creates a different scenario that could pose a threat to people. I feel responsible to explain this, so that, when Church is open again, I won't have failed you by the glib and misleading assurances people would like to hear.
When we reopen, we will follow protocols and guidelines set by the archdiocese. Our parish council, working with myself, will come up with a plan of how re-opening will look at our parish. Answering to my conscience means that any action I take in regard to the pandemic must be based on a strict following of current medical data and not watered down by other interests.
I am grateful to you for taking such good care of your parish with generous contributions. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Rachel and to our Parish Council for their hard work, about which you will hear more, facing the pandemic. This is unique as to courageous efforts against hardship. Thank you to those who have been so kind to me.
I'd much rather have written something lighter for you, but this is necessary. We are still a long way from being out of the woods. It is my hope that you know that I am experiencing the same feelings as you and you are in my Masses and prayers throughout every day. God bless you and protect you.
Fr. John
05/08/2020
Dear Parish Family-
There are certain things that go into being a family. Loving and protecting each other are the chief things. But a scrap once in a while in not unheard of in family life. Personality differences, beliefs and fears can lead to a dust up in any house.
When I was thirteen, my mom saw an independent streak in me that was very much like her own and it worried her. At that age I had the very firm belief that I should be entirely in charge of my own life and the fear that I would be opposed in that belief. It was not an unfounded fear. The old saying pops up in my thinking, "Never a horse that ain't been rode. Never a cowboy that ain't been throwed." At thirteen, that independent streak meant that I got "throwed" a lot. Of course one must have that strong independence later in life, but first there is the lesson of learning what "horses" are okay to ride. That learning happens in the crucible of family life.
A good, healthy family life is an experience of intimacy and treasured moments that make the bonds not just strong but dynamic and powerful. An essential piece of all that is prayer. Prayer deepens intimacy within a family and it brings us closer to The Father Jesus called "Abba", which means "Daddy" or "Papa". The importance of prayer is certainly true in the present moment, but it will be no less true when things get back to normal.
Consider what "back to normal" means. At the end of every major war, there was an urge to go wild in some way or other. After World War I, it was about creating the whoop and crash of The Roaring '20s. After World War II, it was about building "Camelot" and giving kids everything: family fun, vacations, ball games, Disneyland, and so on. (Remember that between 1930 and about 1950 people hardly ever anywhere.) After our current situation, who knows what will happen. But there will be some equal and opposite reactions. The one fixed point in the kaleidoscopic universe I'm describing is a faith in God that is chiefly expressed in family life.
"Back to normal" will mean all the inconveniences in lift such as being cut off in traffic, behind a slow shopper in the checkout line, or skinned knees and a trip to the clinic when you want to finish up a project. It will also mean Churches open, picnics, laughing with friends and hugs, trips to the lake, road trips to Branson, cruises in the Caribbean, and all kinds of things that flow out of that horn of plenty that we will be missing for a while yet. Let's approach all these realities with prayer. We know ourselves as a parish family, which is a great blessing and a lot of love, devotion and hard work. This mirrors the individual families we each come from. Another day I'll speak to you about family heroes. But this is plenty long enough for now.
God bless you and keep you all. Fr. John
05/01/20
Dear Parish Family-
Spring has sprung. It's funny how 45 degrees in the fall feels so bone chilling and in spring it feels nice. Latching on to simple pleasures at a time like this is good for the soul, and it makes it easier to get into prayer if a person can find some relaxing moments in a day. That can be challenging with all the juggling in the day. But I believe in you. You know how to deal courageously with hard things.
I've been asked to pass along a very important message to you… Holy Cross Catholic School would like to support families during this time by offering several new tuition programs for new families. Look at the bulletin to find out more, visit HolyCrossSchool.net or call Holy Cross any time at 952-652-6100.
Paper bulletins will only be mailed out once every two weeks. If you wish to keep updated, visit mhtveseli.com.
God bless you all. Fr. John
April 24, 2020
Dear Parish family-
I pray that you are doing well. Many, many thanks for your expressions of kindness to me. A couple of those came from walking outside. One neighbor called out, "God bless you, Father!" from his yard. Another called out to me, asking if he could say a prayer of blessing for me. I was very touched. I blessed them both, too. And I bless all of you every day. But I think that all the kindnesses and blessings that have been done for me or for anyone else in this time of crisis are all much more special before God.
There is one other thing I want to note - I'm impressed to see that you're taking the necessary discipline required of us by the current situation seriously. It takes courage and great love to do that. Please continue to follow the medical information that comes out. And God bless you and shield you all and all those dear to you.
Father John
April 17, 2020
Dear Parish Family-
You are on my mind throughout every day. I can't know everyone's circumstances. I've had conversations with some of you. I know you have a steely courage, faith and determination that seems to match the spirit of those who were pioneers here. You're very intelligent and informed. And you understand the power of prayer. That doesn't mean that you haven't felt worried or weary or tired. But it appears to me that you don't have it in you to give up. And I know you are resourceful. There are simple, everyday things such as a sense of humor and getting enough sleep which are important too. The best protection for such spirit is prayer.
There are special graces that go with praying together as families. And if you do that you maintain an important connection to the Masses that I'm offering alone these days. I have two big frames now set up by the altar with pictures of as many as possible of you as families. That helps me with my sense of being connected to you. I will be setting wonderful art from some of our kids behind the Infant of Prague. I have no doubt that you understand the significance of that.
God bless you all, Fr. John
April 10, 2020
Dear Parish Family-
I wish you all a happy Easter! A thing I learned about the people here some time ago is that there's is a great ability to adapt and survive. There is a wonderful practicality in dealing with things life throws our way. I say "our" because I admire you and hope that I have learned some of that skill from you. It includes a cool courage and a saving sense of humor. So, I believe that you will find ways to celebrate and be happy on this most important day.
Keeping in mind and heart the glorious mystery we are celebrating is essential in this instance. We feel it and sense it in the miracle of new life in spring, like a hint of God's deepest love for us. A few days ago, I was happy to see the first tough little Lily Of The Valley shoots coming up through the dry leaf cover of last fall. That life is ever reborn points to God's love for his children.
In the next few days, we remember, with a solemn devotion, that The Son Of God died to save us. Thank God for the Gift of his Son this Easter. Be mindful that he paid the ultimate price for us. But also, be aware of the magnificence of the Resurrection and, that through Jesus Christ, we share in this incredible gift. Remember that many unsung saints from our community rejoice with God now. Remember that God loves you. Again, I wish you all a happy Easter!
Fr. John
April 3, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
As we approach Holy Week, there is anxiety and even a sense of grief among some at not being able to fully celebrate the most significant days on our religious calendar. As you know, the standard set by the Center for Disease Control is that people isolate themselves as much as possible. Being with family is not part of that, but public gatherings of any kind are. The only hope of preventing a sudden and rapid spread of the virus is to maintain the isolation called for. At this time there are enough people in areas around us who are not following the isolation mandate. That means that the risk is not reduced to a satisfactory level. Also the medical information on the virus includes that once it reaches a certain percentage of the population, it can't be prevented from spreading all over, overloading hospitals, which are insufficiently equipped and infecting doctors and nurses who already need more staff. Personally, I won't take the responsibility for putting anyone at risk. So palms will not be distributed this year, as innocent as that may seem.
As to Holy Week, it will all be celebrated by me in our Church for all of you. Since live streaming involves working with other people, we won't do that. However, Archbishop Hebda has recommended a Holy Week Retreat, which may be participated in at any point beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter Vigil by going on archspm.org/holyweek. The archbishop is offering a virtual retreat Easter Sunday morning Mass can be seen at the Basilica.
Speaking for myself, my greatest concern is for your safety. Please know that you are all uppermost in my thoughts and prayers. Like all of you, I wish, hope and pray for an end to this virus. Please take no unnecessary risks. I will be using a large frame to hold many of your Christmas, Baptism and other family pictures, placed in the sanctuary by the altar to maintain a sense of your presence and of our being a parish family.
God bless you all. Fr. John
March 27, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
You have been on my mind and in my prayers. Thinking of you as I say Masses in an empty church is an unhappy thing, on one hand, but encouraging on the other. I miss you all very much. But this will pass and life will right itself again.
I will send out a little communication once a week to be in touch with you. In prayer for you, I recognize that there are hardships on many because of current restrictions. If you own a business, spring is a time when preparation for the season ahead needs to happen. And I understand that there are other ways that this can be hard, including having schools closed. I am praying for you day and night.
In our present situation, there is no reasonable, feasible way for most Catholics to make their Easter duty (confession and Holy Communion). The Church is allowing an indulgence for Catholics to fulfill this obligation by a responsible examination of conscience and a sincere prayer seeking forgiveness of sins. I encourage you to do this. We will return to using the sacrament of Reconciliation properly as soon as the crisis is past. Trust in the love of God for you.
Fr. John
March 20, 2020
Dear Parishioners,
Archbishop Bernard Hebda announced that, starting Wednesday, March 18, he is suspending all public Masses in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis to contain the spread of COVID-19.
With no public Masses at this time, the uncertainty we face as a parish community may seem overwhelming. We are committed to supporting you, our parishioners, in whatever challenges lie in the days ahead.
As we continue this ministry, we humbly ask you for three things:- Pray for the Church, our nation and our world – particularly those who have died, those who are currently suffering from COVID-19/coronavirus and those who are caring for them. Though you will not be able to receive the Eucharist, you may still pray the Mass by participating via TV, radio or streaming. Go to archspm.org/covid19 for more information.
- Share the needs of our community. If you know of someone who is need of assistance, reach out to them with a phone call. (The “social distance” guidelines are to maintain a distance of 6 feet. It is recommended that everyone stay home as much as possible.) Know that if you are suffering from difficulty in this situation you are being prayed for here. If you need to talk, you may certainly call.
- Support our parish. We are continue to pay many fixed expenses such as utilities and payroll. Please consider financially supporting our parish in one of the following ways: mail your weekly contribution envelopes to the parish office at 4939 North Washington St., Veseli, MN 55046 OR complete and return the “Authorization for Direct Payment Form” to sign up for monthly automatic giving. (You may choose to discontinue automatic giving at any time.)
Father John