Fr. Todd 7/13/25

Dear St. Mary on the Lake and Sacred Heart,

Blessings on your summer vacations! 

I encourage you to use masstimes.org to find Masses wherever you travel this summer.  You can google the website or download the app on your phone.  It is a great resource for finding Mass all over America and in many parts of the world.

It is a blessing to experience new parishes and see the beautiful churches scattered throughout the country.  Obviously at St. Mary on the Lake we have many regular vacationers but it is routine to meet folks at Sacred Heart as well who are traveling through.  As a priest it is great meeting these families who come only once or twice a year- but after 7 years I am starting to recognize them!

            The other aspect in all of this is the impact it has on walk of faith and the invitation to have greater intentionality in our relationship with Him.  When our broader culture had a stronger Christian tone there used to be some pressure for us to make Sunday Mass a priority.  That has all changed and the opposite is now true.  There is at times a lot of societal pressure to not go to Mass - be it from sports, entertainment, not wanting to go against the grain of people we are with.  At home or on vacation going to Mass will not always be convenient or comfortable. 

I am struck by what that can mean for our Sunday Mass- because of those societal pressures, going to Mass becomes a greater act of love because that choice takes a higher dose of intentionality than it used to.  Another way to say- Jesus you are more to me than just my convenience and comfort.  This is when our relationship with someone moves into the realm of love.  I remember hearing someone say that you can define love by when they are worth it.  It isn’t always easy for parents to take care of children or spouses for one another.  But that is love- you are worth the effort, the sacrifice, the inconvenience.  When we see the crucifix that is the truth that Jesus proclaims- you are worth it!    

This has turned into a longer reflection on going to Mass on Sunday than intended.  But we need to remember besides the goodness of doing what God asks of us in worshiping Him the way He asks us there is something so good for our souls.  Going to Mass includes a choice every week that strengthens us and itself serves to grow our love.

            Our parish offices will be closed this coming week on Wednesday, July 16^th, as we are gone for our annual staff retreat.  Please keep us in your prayers that day.  I am so grateful for the excellent staff we are blessed to have serving us in our parishes and schools.

            Sacred Heart School is hosting its annual golf outing next Saturday, the 19^th, at Matt Shaffer’s Evergreen Golf.  It is always a great day and a lot of fun. I spend it eating and driving a golf cart talking and heckling as the situation demands.  Check to see if there are any open spots available for a team.  There is always an opportunity for sponsorships or memorials if you cannot make a team.  Please feel free to stop by for lunch that day as well.

God Bless,

Fr. Todd