From Our Pastor: 19th Sunday In Ordinary Time

Rev. Steven Arisman - St. Francis Solanus Quincy, ILThis weekend’s readings are about salvation, covenant, resurrection, and the second coming. We must see the source of all grace that is Christ who calls us to have faith and trust in our Father. He calls us to store up the immensity of grace and abundance of mercy to be prepared for His coming. Much is required of those in faith who have an abundance of grace and for those that have little grace stored up, what little they have will be taken. Faith and trust in the Lord is the source of that grace that we are made new for the life to come. So let us be prepared. Let us seek His treasure and not the treasures of this world. Let us give of ourselves as we receive the abundances of the Lord and trust in His generosity.

This past week we had great news. It became truly official that Samuel Doellman, one of our very own of St. Francis Solanus Parish, is now a seminarian for the Diocese of Springfield in IL. A seminarian is one who is in formation for the priesthood. This is such amazing news for us and for the diocese. Sam will be studying at Bishop Simon Brute Seminary in Indianapolis and taking classes at Marian University. Pray for him and encourage him when you see him serving liturgies here and around town. Please pray also for Logan Klitzing who just graduated from QU as he too enters the seminary for the diocese. Lastly, pray for Kade Zanger, a parishioner of St. Rose, who is entering formation for the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. These three are just the first of many who I know in our parish and community here in Quincy that the Lord is calling to priesthood and religious life. What a blessing for us and the Church! Pray for these men.

Lastly, this past week four young women made final profession, two made simple profession, and two entered the novitiate for the Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George. What a joy to be at their profession to see their witness and joy. Please pray for these eight women and also my friend Amber who has taken the name Sr. Magdalena and has entered the novitiate. There are many women in our parish and community that I know God is calling to religious life. Please pray for them and those discerning that call to religious life to have the courage to answer. It is so inspiring to see the witness and joy of these sisters when they’re around.

God is providing in abundance. May we respond to his generosity profoundly and may we teach our young people to do the same.

-Rev. Steven Arisman