I am so grateful for all of you who have done so much in the planning and implementation of our parish Oktoberfest this weekend. I will offer a more detailed “thank you” next week when the ‘party is over,’ but for now, know of my gratitude for how you helped.
This upcoming week is our annual Diocesan Priest Convocation. From Monday through Thursday, we priests gather with our Bishop McGovern for prayer, study, and social time as a presbyterate in downtown St. Louis. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue conversations about the future of our diocese with fewer priests. At a recent gathering, the bishop reminded us that when he arrived in our diocese four years ago, we had 46 active diocesan priests. That number is now 26. We do have about 20 priests temporarily helping from other parts of the world.
Like other dioceses across the nation, we all will have to make some serious adjustments in the very near future as to availability of the sacraments and other roles of the priest. I am encouraged by the number of young men in our parish who are considering the possibility of a vocation to the Priesthood. Thanks for doing all you can to encourage the young men in your family and friend circles to listen for God calling them to this most amazing vocation of being a priest.