Good Shepard: In this Sunday’s Gospel, we hear Jesus say to each one of us: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” Taking time to listen, to hear his voice, is crucial in our relationship with Jesus. He is our Good Shepherd who speaks the truth and who desires to feed us and lead us to everlasting pastures. Not only that, but He also knows us more than we know ourselves.
Good Shepard II: On this Good Shepherd Sunday, also World Day for Prayer for Vocations, we obviously pray for more vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. But Pope Francis reminds us that the word vocation should not be understood as referring only to priests and religious. He said that “all of us are called to share in Christ’s mission to reunite a fragmented humanity and to reconcile it with God. Each of us is a creature willed and loved by God; each of us has a unique and special place in the mind of God…we are met by the gaze of God, who calls us.”
Religious: I am very happy to celebrate a Mass in honor of the women religious in our diocese on May 17 at Sacred Heart Cathedral at 11 am. It’s always a joy to be with them and celebrate their life and all they have done for our diocese.
Mothers: Happy and blessed Mother’s Day to all mothers in our diocese. Thank you for being special and beautiful people. This morning, I celebrated Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Salina. When the sixth graders were presenting flowers for the crowning of Mary, a student came up and gave me a flower in remembrance of my mom. How sweet! We never forget our parents.
May is Mary’s Month: Pope Francis has asked all of us to pray the Rosary during the month of May for the end of the war in the Ukraine. Our Blessed Mother brings us peace. Please join me in praying the Rosary every day for peace.
Roe vs Wade: The angst of politicians and others against the possible overturning of the Roe vs. Wade decision has been something. Please pray for the respect for all life from the moment of conception to natural death. Life is precious! I wrote a lot more on this topic for the May issue of The Register.
Value Them Both: We are only 88 days until the August 2 primary. We need to press on. If Roe vs. Wade is overturned, then states will determine laws on abortion. We want LIFE in a culture of death. Please get involved, pray, and make a difference, especially by voting “yes” on the Value Them Both amendment on August 2.
Schools Part 1: Thank you for all the teachers at our schools during Teacher Appreciation Week. What a gift our teachers are! They are living out their vocation in a very beautiful way by serving our young people.
Schools Part II: May is graduation month for our high school and college students. Blessings to them and all their endeavors and plans.
Listening: Thank you to all who participated in the Synod on Synodality. The summary report of the synod in our diocese will be published soon.
Bread of Life: Congratulations to all our second graders who received their First Holy Communion. What a blessing. They have received a gift more precious than all the silver and gold in the world—the Presence of One who desires to be in communion with them now and for all eternity.
Our Youth: During Memorial Day weekend, many of our young people will be at Junior CYO camp. What a great experience for them. Additionally, our high school and college students are gearing up for Totus Tuus and Prayer and Action during the summer. Hope your children and grandchildren can attend these encounters with Christ.
Revival: I sat down with Bill Meagher, our director of youth ministry and religious education, to discuss the Eucharist Revival. He is receiving many wonderful ideas from so many people on how to promote and educate on the Eucharist. If you have any ideas, please let him know. Tonight, I am going to Thomas More Prep Marian for adoration under the stars at their outdoor chapel.
Rome: I was in Rome from April 20 – 27. I had a wonderful time seeing old friends, eating gelato and pasta but most of all spending time at the Missionaries of Mercy conference. The first thing I did when I got to Rome was to visit the Church of St. Alphonsus of Liguori which has the original Our Lady of Perpetual Help image in it. I prayed for our diocese a lot! I especially joined so many of you in praying for rain for our land.
Rural Life: Speaking of our land, I am participating in a Rosary novena as part of the National Rural Life Office from May 7 – 14. I am leading the Rosary on Saturday, May 14, at 3 pm. Please join me if you are able. We are also very glad that Art Befort from St. Mary’s in Smith Center has been named to the board of the National Catholic Rural Life Office. Additionally, we are celebrating St. Isidore’s feast day on May 16 in Hanover. All are welcome to take part in this special day.
Charities: I participated in a board meeting and visited our Catholic Charities office recently. I am so pleased for all the work they are doing to help others in need. Thank you for supporting their endeavors.
Appeal: We are well on our way to our annual appeal goal. I am so grateful to all who have given. Your gifts make it possible for our diocese to be disciples who make disciples. If you haven’t given and would like to, please visit join.salinadiocese.org.
Priest Assignments: There will be a few priest assignment changes being announced in the upcoming weeks.
Guests: : I was blessed to receive a visit from Judy Sherman from Ellsworth and her friend, Sister Kasia, from the Daughters of Divine Charity from Krakow, Poland. What a delight! Judy got to know Sister Kasia because her great aunt was the first superior of the order.
Jobs: There are many job openings in our parishes and schools. Please visit our website for a list of job openings.
Stay in touch: It seems that there are many people who are unaware of my monthly E-News, and there are many more who do not receive our free publications. If you know someone who would like to sign up for my E-News, please direct them to the bottom of our home page at salinadiocese.org. To receive our publications, please email theregister@salinadiocese.org.
Blessings to all of you. With my love and prayers,
Bishop Vincke
Quotes on our Blessed Mother during this month of May:
“Mary, give me your Heart: so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate; your Heart so full of love and humility that I may be able to receive Jesus in the Bread of Life and love Him as you love Him and serve Him in the distressing guise of the poor.” ~ Saint Mother Teresa
“To serve the Queen of Heaven is already to reign there, and to live under her commands is more than to govern.” ~ St. John Vianney
“In trial or difficulty, I have recourse to Mother Mary, whose glance alone is enough to dissipate every fear.” ~ Saint Therese of Lisieux
