Pastor's Column for April 28, 2024
Dear Parishioners,
It’s unusual when I am not able to complete a column for this parish bulletin, but last week I was in a mind fog brought on by a chest cold. But I’m feeling much better now so am able to communicate with you what’s been happening.
I am happy to share the news that we now have a Music Minister who will be starting here next Sunday, May 5th. Her name is Angela Kovic, and she was one of our substitutes during the last 6 months. I reached out to her after many people (myself included) recognized her beautiful voice and her musical abilities on both the piano and organ. I should say that we welcome Music Ministers (plural) as I have also hired her husband Devin, to join us as well. Devin has directed a bell choir which is a hard-to-find talent but one that I am hopeful we can use here at St. Leo’s. Many of you know that we have a set of handbells here and used to have a bell choir many years ago. I hate that they sit unused in our music room and so am hopeful that Devin will be able to encourage some of you to learn how to play them. No doubt it will start small but if you have an interest in learning this musical instrument (I think you can call them that), please let him know! Devin also plays the viola, an instrument that is similar to the violin but I can’t say I’d be able to identify one. I’m just happy that both Angela & Devin will be able to bring some consistency to our Sunday worship. We welcome them to this parish ministry and I invite you to do so personally after Mass sometime.
In speaking with Mary Piechowski, our other Music Minister, I wanted to continue to include her within our music ministry as we continue to enjoy her musical abilities on the piano and organ and appreciate the gift of her voice as well. But Mary enjoys taking more time to spend with her daughter Lily. Since Angela would like to commit to playing at the two liturgies on Sunday morning with the intention of also working with the choir on Sundays, Mary said she would like to continue to play at some of our Saturday Masses. So she will continue to be involved in that way but we will also make use of the substitutes we have had these past few months for a couple of our Saturday Masses each month. This way we will have both consistency and variety which will enhance our music ministry. So please continue to let Mary know as well how much we appreciate her time with us here at St. Leo’s. Thank you all for your patience during these last 6 months as we searched for a way to allow our liturgical music to give glory to God and to help us lift our minds and hearts to God in prayer through song.
Last weekend Eric Perusek introduced himself to you at all the Masses and I am really happy to have him as part of our Pastoral Staff as a Minister of Engagement. We had to really think hard about what title to give his work here as my intention was to have someone on staff who could help build relationships in both our parish and school communities. As I have gotten to know Eric over the last few years from our occasional conversations, I could see in him a desire for ministry in the Church which matched my desire to bridge the gaps that often exist in parishes and schools. We talked about a variety of different opportunities he could provide that would help people spend time together while also growing in their faith. Eric spoke about how his first attempt to help do that would be to give everyone a chance to watch The Chosen episodes together (starting with Season 4), which I have spoken & written about. Please let me or Eric know what other ideas you might have for coming together to learn and grow in our Catholic faith. I am excited about these additions to our parish staff. Please pray for them all!
Fr. James P. Schmitz