The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated this past Monday for Elmer Wisnieski, a parishioner who was 92 years old. Elmer was married to Ernestine for one month shy of 73 years. Such a long relationship is a testament to their devotedness to each other. They have a son who died many years ago and a daughter named Karen Baracz who has 4 children. We also pray for a parishioner named Judy Bowman, for whom we prayed at the funeral home. May they both rest in the peace of Christ.
On Monday of the past week I announced to the school faculty that our Principal, Diane Weiss, will be retiring at the end of this school year. Mrs. Weiss has been principal for 12 years and has been a part of the St. Leo the Great School for over 30 years. We were incredibly blessed to have her here for so long. During my first year at St. Leo’s, she was extremely helpful in introducing me to the school community, in sharing with me the long history of our school and its impact upon our parish community. She has proven herself to be a competent and knowledgable leader and she is certainly a person of faith. It will difficult to say goodbye to her, but after so many years in education, she is ready to move on to other interests. While she had originally planned to retire earlier, she decided to stay on for my benefit as I became the new pastor of St. Leo’s and for that too I am very grateful. I hope that those of you who have had some connection with the school over the years may be able to express your gratitude to her for all that she has done for the St. Leo community.
The Diocesan Office of Education is very helpful in guiding us in the process for selecting a new principal. We are in the process of forming a search committee who will make recommendations to me for this position. Our parish school has a long and vibrant history and I want to do everything in my power to continue the excellence of our academic and faith formation. I depend on your prayers during this important process.
This Thursday marks the sad anniversary of the Supreme Court decision known as “Roe v. Wade” which legalized abortion. Though so much time has passed and so many persons aborted, we must never give up the fight or stop praying for the end to such tragedy. May the gift of life, given to us by the Author of Life, be protected and respected by us all. Our church bells will toll at noon January 22 in remembrance of the unborn.