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 Dear
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This is one of most beautiful times of the whole year to
be in Indiana. The skies are such a bright blue. The trees are changing into
those amazing colors that we only get to see at this time of the year. And the
air is crisp and fresh, with just that hint of the smell of burning leaves. It
is fall in Indiana and it is good.
Recently, several questions have come up about when to
register young adult members of our families. I again remind you that
registration at a parish is important for ALL Catholics. It is very important
to the Church that all of its members “land” and “belong” somewhere. Quite
obviously, we would love for St. Maria Goretti to be that parish for everyone in
the family. This is also true of our young adults. It is generally accepted
that when young adults reach the age of 22, or when they have finished their
education, that they will register at a parish as a separate household. This
would still be the case, even if the young adult were still living at home with
their parents. It is part of establishing their own identity and record within
the Church. Registration is very important today for jurisdiction in the
Catholic Church, and is most especially important for the reception of the
Sacraments, including getting married. We are running into more and more young
adult Catholics who AREN’T registered anywhere, and who many times are just
assuming that they are still registered under Mom and Dad’s name at the parish
that they grew up at, even though they themselves haven’t been at the parish for
years. We need to work together to update our records and help get everybody
registered at the right place. Here at St. Maria Goretti are records indicate
that we have over two-hundred parishioners who are still registered under Mom
and Dad’s name, but who are old enough, and assuming that they have finished
their education, should be out on their own, and should be registered on their
own somewhere. We would very much like to clear up the situations of these
young adults, and find out where they are, and what they are doing, and assist
them in getting registered on their own. If you have a young adult who is
listed under your parish registration, perhaps you could contact us and help us
clear up whether or not they are still living here and part of our community at
this time. This would help us keep more accurate records, and help us to get
everybody where they need to be. I know that this doesn’t affect everyone, and
that there are certainly exceptions in many cases, but this issue does end up
affecting our entire Parish family, when our numbers are not accurate. If you
can help us get more accurate information about your family, please contact the
wonderful and awesome Mrs. Jen Downing, our Administrative Assistant, at our
Parish Office at 867-3213.
This Friday we welcome the return of an old favorite event
here at St. Maria Goretti, and that is our Fall Festival. The Fall Festival
runs from 6:30 PM until 9:30 PM this Friday, October 16th,
which just happens to be the birthday of St. Maria Goretti. What a great way to
celebrate our patroness’s birthday! What a party! There will be food, games,
and entertainment for all. All of this is sponsored by St. Maria Goretti
School’s PTO, but the event is open to the entire Parish community. I’d like to
thank Shelly and Jason Connell, who are chairing this year’s Festival and have
put many hours into making it a fun night for all of us. So come and join us
this Friday evening. And pray for a beautiful fall evening!
Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to go and pray with the
first-ever Westfield “Life Chain” in celebration of Respect Life Sunday. I have
to tell you all that it was a beautiful experience. I was very proud of the
fact that approximately 60% of the folks there last Sunday afternoon were from
St. Maria Goretti, but that it was also great that so many others from several
other Westfield denominations also joined us. Our own Katie Svec coordinated
the event for everybody and did a fantastic job! Thanks, Katie! I mention this
a week after the event, because it is my sincere hope that next year, that we
have three or four times the number that we had this year. It was that good.
We have many blessings. And we have so much to pray about
and to pray for! It’s the ladies’ turn this weekend for Christ Renews His
Parish. Let us keep all of our sisters in our prayers today also.
May God bless you, and protect you, and fill you with His
peace!
In Christ
Fr. Kevin
No man knows how bad he is until he has tried very hard to be
good. |
