Message from the Rector

July 23, 2017

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
 
The members of the Nominating Committee for the Pastoral Council elections have met and begun their work for the elections that will be held on the weekend of September 16 & 17.  With respect to submitting a nomination of a candidate, please see elsewhere in the bulletin for information.
 
Thank you for your warm and generous welcome extended to Fr. Joseph Srambical, of the Vincentian Congregation, who preached at all Masses last weekend for the annual Missionary Co-op Appeal.  Envelopes for the appeal remain available at the entrances to the Basilica, should you wish to make a donation this weekend.
 
I extend our thanks to the Knights of Columbus, and their friends, who organized the Parish Bar-B-Q on July 9^th.  Although we have been “dodging” rain for most of the beginning of summer, the weather that Sunday afternoon was splendid.  I think that close to 150 parishioners enjoyed this time of summer “burgers and dogs” and fraternal sharing.  The Knights are hoping to organize another Bar-B-Q in August.
 
Some of you may have heard the reports with respect to the Vatican’s ban on gluten-free hosts.  In effect, this restates the requirement that hosts for Mass be wheat-based.  Aware that some of our brothers and sisters have food allergies, our practice at Saint Patrick’s has been to make the consecrated wine available for those who cannot consume the host.  For those who wish to receive wine – offered in an individual small metal cup – we ask you to alert the sacristans at least 10 minutes before the beginning of Mass, so that the wine can be prepared.  Do not hesitate to speak to any member of the parish clergy should you wish further information.
 
From July 25th to August 8th, Fr. Radoslav Lojan from Slovakia will be visiting our parish.  Many parishioners will remember Fr. Rad from the time that he spent as a resident priest while doing graduate studies at St. Paul University.  Welcome Fr. Rad!
 
- Fr. Kevin