FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK……


October 19, 2003

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

As a child, I dreamed of one day being sent as a missionary to minister to the Native Americans.  I remember being fascinated by Chief Iron Eyes Coty as I faithfully watched his T.V. program during the early 1950's.  I joined his children's club.  I still remember him signing off with his salute "wash-day" as he moved his arm toward his chest.  I fantasized about living in a teepee.  I had an idealized notion of missionary life.  Now that I'm an adult, I have a more realistic attitude.  I know that I'm too accustomed to conveniences like hot & cold running water, a comfortable bed & mattress, and indoor plumbing.  I couldn't make it living as the old Plains Indians did in the days of the early West.  I also realize that my calling is not to be a missionary in a foreign land or among the Native Americans here at home.

The call to be a missionary, however, is not limited just to foreign or home missions.  It is a universal call.  It is a call all of us receive at baptism.  We were presented with a lighted candle by our godfather symbolic of our call.  Everytime we attend Mass, we are sent forth to mission after the presider pronounces the final blessing.

What does a missionary do?  A missionary is one who shares his/her faith with others.  He/she witnesses to that faith in thought, word, and deed.  Today is World Mission Sunday when once again we reaffirm our commitment to missionary work.  Most of us cannot go to foreign lands or even to the home missions, but we can support our missionaries who go in our name through our prayers and financial support in the second collection.  We can also join them in spirit as we witness more boldly to our faith among our families, in our places of work, at school, among our neighbors & friends, and here in our parish.  As we remember our missionary brothers and sisters around the world today, let's accept their challenge to do our part in fulfilling our baptismal commitment to be a light shining ever more brightly in the darkness!

Sincerely yours in Christ,


Fr. Raymond Tintle, OFM
Pastor