Year of Mercy Clergy

05-22-2016Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

During these days of the Year of Mercy we have ample opportunity to reflect upon mercy: God toward us… ustoward others. Among the countless ways to be agents of mercy, there are two sacraments of the Churchwhich are direct channels of mercy. Those two sacraments include the Sacrament of Penance (Confession)and the Sacrament of the Eucharist (Holy Communion). We are all well aware that the priesthood is thesacrament most closely linked to these two sacraments. However, we are privileged to have a permanentDeacon on our parish Staff. Deacon Wendt’s presence is a constant reminder of one of the many functions ofdeacons, including being an Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Deacon Wendt, in particular, has developed a unique position in our parish cluster. He provides regular visits to many of our members who are homebound or in health care facilities. His regular visits include locations like La Crosse to Wabasha and other places in between. Those he visits on behalf of our parish and Bishop Callahan are extremely grateful for the time and prayers he offers them. Along with his visits, he often brings Holy Communion to these, our members. Through the unique diaconal ministry, Deacon Wendt is an agent of God's mercy to our members. The healing, hope and love, discovered primarily in the Eucharist, become agents of God's mercy to these members of ours who are suffering. We must remember the value of having a permanent deacon who is willing to serve in this unique ministry.

Going on, our parish Office was made aware of the following facts: The Vatican will be celebrating a Year of Mercy Jubilee for Deacons May 27-29 in Rome, and a Year of Mercy Jubilee for Priests June 1-3, also in Rome. In keeping with the spirit of these celebrations, parishes may wish to honor their priests and deacons (possibly together on the same day) as ministers of mercy sometime on or between Sunday, May 29 and Sunday, June 5.

Our parish Staff shared this information with Council members and PCCW members. The result is the following: On Sunday 29 May we celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood of Jesus. Following Solemn Benediction at 5:00 in the evening, there will be a light supper social in the Parish Life Center Cafeteria of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Fountain City. The event will be hosted and supported by members of the Church of Saint Lawrence and the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Free will offerings will be accepted for the consumables. Everyone is welcome and invited to attend this Supper Social to honor Deacon Wendt and Father Jazdzewski.

BACK TO LIST