Welcome to St. Boniface Church

SHEPHERD`S NOTES

August 29, 2010 

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ Reflection    
The people dining with Jesus were “observing him carefully.” What Jesus says turns the tables by inviting the guests to look at themselves. Jesus challenges them to choose, not a “higher position,” but a “lower place,” teaching us who we are before God and each other. Jesus calls us to true humility: to know the truth about ourselves, to sit in right relationship with one another, and to allow ourselves to be lifted up by God.

Welcome SIUe Students ~ Join me in welcoming back to Edwardsville students attending SIUe. We are always happy to welcome them to be a part of our Sunday and weekday liturgies and to participate in our parish events. Welcome new students and welcome back returning students!

Development Director ~ After reviewing several resumes and completing the interview process, I am pleased to announce that the Development Director search committee consisting of Sister Anna Flanigan, Jack Hake, Benna Denue, Marc Kamp, Sue Papajcik, and myself have offered the position to Mr. Michael Wall. Michael happily accepted and looks forward to joining the Parish Staff and parish of Saint Boniface. Michael brings 16 years of development experience to this pro-active position. Working as the Executive Director of the Mattoon, Illinois, Area Family YMCA, Michael has developed a strong passion for not-for-profit organizations. With his proven track record, he will actively raise awareness of Saint Boniface Parish and School to the community, secure relationships with corporate sponsors and donors, write grants, recruit volunteers, offer consultation and coordinate our fundraising efforts and special events and promote Stewardship of time, talent, and treasure. Naturally, a new position such as this will take time to develop. I would encourage your patience and ask for your prayers as Michael and our parish takes this bold step to enhance our visibility and secure our future. Michael will officially join our Parish Staff on September 1. Michael and his wife Sally are the parents of three children: Aaron, Josh, and Bryson. 

Mass of Welcome and Reception ~ As you know, we will host the Alton Deanery’s Welcome Mass and Reception of Bishop Paprocki. Preparations continue as we anticipate this event. I am grateful to the Parish Staff and members of the Pastoral Council for their efforts in planning an event which will host the rest of the deanery. For your information: the Alton Deanery covers Madison and Bond Counties and is comprised of 24 parishes, 8 religious houses, a Catholic Hospital, 10 grade schools, a Catholic High School, and a Newman Center at SIUe. Nearly 14,000 Catholic households make up the Alton Deanery, the largest Deanery in the diocese.

Appreciation and Welcome ~ For the past 6 years, Doug Wilmsmeyer has served the parish as one of the trustees. Doug has provided valuable insight and advice to myself and the late Father John Corredato. Effective September 1, Doug will retire as a trustee. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for his dedication to the parish in his role as trustee. I am confident that Doug will remain a trusted advisor when needed. After prayer and deliberation, and the approval from the current trustees Mr. Joe Lombardi will become a trustee and join the Pastor`s Cabinet in September. Joe has been involved in many areas of parish life and ministry. I am pleased that he accepted this invitation and look forward to his input as a trustee and a member of the Pastor`s Cabinet.

Garden Fountain ~ Soon a two tier stone fountain will grace the Holy Family Garden near the Parish Office entrance. The fountain was donated by Gary and Benna Denue. The fountain will serve as a gentle reminder of the value of water and how it enriches our bodies, the earth, and our souls with grace through the life-giving waters of Baptism.

Bona thanks to the Rockers and Gardeners for rocking the Deutsche Place parking lot and other areas of the parish Campus.