St. Libory Catholic Church

I think many Christians get very discouraged when they don’t seem to make much self-improvement in their personal virtue and general spirit life. It’s normal but doesn’t necessarily need to be that way. There are many possible causes. This is why time spent in prayer, meditation upon scripture and devotionals along with self-examination are very important. The answers are not obvious to us and that is the source of our frustrations. For example, it could be caused by our self-pride. In which case applying remedies to other issues will not help. But other than miss identifying causes another major problem is trying to overcome a difficult problem in a day. The author C.S. Lewis once recommended, “Don’t worry about winning the war. Concentrate of winning the small skirmishes and in the end, you will have won the war.” In other words, fight the small battles you know you can win. For example, you know you frequently use the Lord’s Name in vain. You want to stop but it just seems to always blurt out in spite of your very best intentions. Instead to trying to stop entirely, shoot for doing it less by simply keeping count each day. This technique can be applied to many other vices. When a small victory has been achieved, speak a brief thanksgiving to the Lord and reward yourself in a small way. And be patient with yourself. The important thing it to stay close to the Lord by your regular prayer and attendance at Mass. Your willingness to be in His will is all He needs to eventually get you there. Yours in Christ our Lord. Fr. Sid.

This Monday will be Columbus Day, a federal holiday. Columbus has come under withering criticism in recent decades, mostly because of the mistreatment of Native Americans that resulted from Europeans immigrating to the Americas. I fail to see how that was his personal fault. The coming to the Americas was inevitable. With the development of better sailing vessels it was only a matter of time, if not Columbus it would have been someone else. Attached to the mistreatment of Natives was the slave trade. These were indeed evil practices and the Church led the way it bringing about their end. I bring this topic up because slavery is still among us and even increasing with very little notice or effort to stop it. One of the distressing attachments to the ongoing influx of people from south of our boarder is young girls and boys who are being brought to our nation to be sold for sexual entertainment. They have no identity, no proof that they even exist, so they are disposable. They disappear in death without notice, without record, without justice. This terrible evil is happening right now in our nation. So, I ask you to be alert. If you come across a young person, (child, teenager, or young adult), accompanied by an older adult and something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. Make mental notes, if you can snap an unnoticed picture with your phone do it, then call 911. You might be thinking, but what if it’s perfectly innocent? It might well be. But what if it’s not and you did nothing? So, watch and pray and by all means, act! Yours in Christ our Lord. Fr. Sid.

This is Pro-Life Sunday, a Sunday set apart to recognize the sanctity of all human life. The primary focus for the last 50 years has been abortion on demand. The Catholic Faith has always taught that willful abortion is morally wrong and considered “grave matter”, meaning it is a very serious sin. Even, Pope Francis who strongly leans toward progressive thought and politics has recently stated in his typical blunt vocalizations that, “abortion is murder.” That said, it must also be recognized that most women who submit to abortion have been pressured to go against their most maternal instincts. Although media will put before you women “celebrating” their abortions, honest mental health providers have observed that abortion always leaves a scar upon the heart and soul of both women and men, haunted by dreams and imaginations of what “might” have been, or more properly, “who” might have been. Parents of aborted children carry deep wounds. It is this whole contorted mess of human death and tortured souls that the Church stands against, and she offers forgiveness and healing. And she does all in her power to bring an end to the barbarity and insensitive disregard for the precious, unrepeatable gift of human life. Stand with the Church, pray for an end of abortion. Yours in Christ our Lord. Fr. Sid.

I have some news to announce to the parish. Our parish has been continuously growing and its needs have increased accordingly. I have found it increasingly difficult to meet those needs. As a result, many areas are left unattended. After conferring with the parish council and with their approval we are hiring some assistance. I am pleased to inform you that as of October 1st, Kathy Wieck will be employed 20 hours a week as Administrative Assistant. For the past year Kathy has been working on a volunteer basis with organizing our music. As an employee she will continue this duty. She will also be taking on the duties of Director of Religious Education or D.R.E. This position has been filled for more than 10 years by Donna Placke. Donna has done an excellent job by bringing organization and arranging a curriculum so that our youth are exposed to all aspects of our Faith. Donna will continue as a catechist but feels it is time to pass the baton to another. She has served very well, and we are grateful and happy that she will still be around as a valuable resource. In addition to the duties mentioned above Kathy will also be working up a parish data base to provide for better communication within the parish. This will provide list of various groups within the parish, men, women, youth, families with school age children, new members, singles, married couples, etc., etc. and the best means by which to communicate with them. Thank you Kathy, for coming on board. We are very pleased to have you. May the Lord bless all you put your hand to. Yours in Christ, Fr. Sid.