I am currently in France with the seminarians from the dioceses of Dodge City and Salina (made possible by a generous donor). Yesterday, we celebrated Mass at the Basilica of St. John Vianney in Ars. St. John Vianney is the patron saint of priests. His incorrupt heart was on display near the altar where we celebrated Mass. Today, on this first Friday of the month, we are going to Paray-le-Monial, where Jesus asked St. Margaret Mary to spread devotion to the love and mercy of His Sacred Heart. We are praying for you!
Today I received word that a young man from our diocese named Jake died suddenly after collapsing a few days ago while working on a tractor. He was 21 years old. I would often see Jake and his family attending Confirmation Masses for their relatives throughout the diocese. My heart and prayers go out to his family.
Pentecost – June 5: I’ve been praying a novena to the Holy Spirit in preparation for Pentecost this Sunday. The love of the Holy Spirit makes everything new. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
Holy Trinity – June 12: “The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in himself. It is therefore the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching in the “hierarchy of the truths of faith.” (CCC 234)
Corpus Christi – June 18 –19: This is the weekend we begin the Eucharist Revival in our diocese. While in Ars, I read that St. John Vianney would repeatedly say to his people, “He is there” while pointing to the tabernacle. Of course, God lives in us. At the same time, he invites us to spend time with his Eucharistic presence in a special way.
Sacred Heart of Jesus – June 25: Jesus invites us to “come to Him for rest.” St. John Chrysostom said, “Not this or that person, but all that are in anxiety, in sorrows, in sins. Come, not that I may call you to account, but that I may do away with your sins; come, not because I want your honor, but because I want your salvation. And I, says He, will give you rest.”
Immaculate Heart of Mary – June 26: Following the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus we celebrate the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. St. Maximilian Kolbe said, “The Immaculate alone has from God the promise of victory over Satan. She seeks souls that will consecrate themselves entirely to her, that will become in her hands forceful instruments for the defeat of Satan and the spread of God’s kingdom.”
Thank you to our dads on Father’s Day. Your love for your family is needed and appreciated!
This weekend kicks off the Value Them Both – Week of Action in and around the area of our Diocese. Please visit the Value Them Both website and sign up to volunteer during this week of action! There will be opportunities in many different communities across the Diocese including: Colby, Goodland, Hays, Norton, Oakley, and Salina. Thank you for all your help!
Speaking of Value Them Both, if anyone you know should find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy, please encourage them to visit HelpingKansasWomen.org. This is a wonderful website designed to connect women with the resources they need all across the state. I would also encourage all of you to visit the website and listen to the stories of women who have already been assisted right here in Kansas.
A very nice parishioner from Hays suggested that we begin a 54-day Rosary Novena for the Value Them Both vote on August 2. I think that’s a great idea. Please join me in praying the Rosary every day for the Value Them Both Amendment beginning on June 9 and ending August 2.
Someone recently shared with me a video on sin titled Why is Sin Bad?. It is less than 5 minutes long; available to everyone on Formed.org; and well worth watching.
Fr. Gale Hammerschmidt recently addressed the graduating students of TMP-Marian High School in Hays. He shared the story of a FOCUS Missionary asking the students at K-State questions based on the following scenario.
You know you are going to die in a few minutes and you have time for three quick phone calls with the following thoughts: 1) Please forgive me 2) I forgive you 3) I love you. Who are the three people you would call? It gives us a lot to think about.
The months of May and June are filled with ordination anniversaries of our priests. Please thank them for their “Yes” to serving God and you through the priesthood of Jesus.
The Sisters of St. Joseph will host their annual theological institute July 14 to 17 at the Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia. The topic will be, “Healing Divisions: The Experience of Interculturality.” The presenter will be Father Anthony Gittins, CSSp. To learn more and register please visit www.mannahouse.org.
Blessings to you all. With my love and prayers.
Bishop Vincke
