From the Pastor's Desk

2009

June 21, 2009 Farewell

Dear Parishioners,
….this is the last time I can use that salutation. The next time you will see it is with my successor, Fr. Herbert. Lots of memories stream through me as I write you for this final time. In my Dominican life I was asked to be pastor of SVF twice. I declined it not feeling called. In 2003 I was asked to come and be administrator for six months while a pastor was being sought for replacing Fr. Bothoff for health reasons. Those six months turned into nearly six years and here we are at the end of a pastorate term. I said yes at that time because of unanimous request on the part of the parish council, priory council and provincial council. Having been a pastor four times, I knew the gravity of the job so never sought the pastor position.
    As I try to put things in order for the transition I am so aware of how much I did not get done and also how fragile many areas of ministry are at present. My entire time here has focused on structures of management from sacraments, to fiscal, to personnel, to web clarity, to best practice, to building maintenance, etc. OCDF: organization, communication, delegation and follow-up are the processes of structuring for the common good. Working with my staff we only scratched the surface.
    Management structures are never the goal. That is why I am frustrated. The goal is the mission of the gospel. The structures allow that to happen. SVF is ready to move from management to mission. We cannot be of Christian service without structures that are managed for the common good. The 20/20—or should I say 2020--vision next is SVF service; this new frontier will be the more joyful part of the journey. SVF as parish reaching beyond herself in service will be great. This new evangelization work has already begun. Rebuilding family life in faith and marriages in Christ will be the first beneficiaries of this. Lots lies ahead!!
    While here I got to enjoy the parish 75th Jubilee Year. My memories are profound of the sacramental faith of those who love and live Eucharist. I am thinking of the daily Mass goers and the Eucharistic adoration peoples. This year’s First Communion was the most prayerful to date. What a memory and privilege to be part of all this. There are many holy passages with families in their births, deaths, weddings, and more.
    Another great memory I will always carry are my times with the junior high youth. Teaching them IQ, EQ (emotional intelligence) and SQ (spiritual intelligence) was pure blessing. Their virtue development always brought me to see God’s grace alive and fresh. Youth are holier than adults. They were great!!
    Many of you ask what’s next. The Province is allowing me a sabbatical. I am exhausted. I need to exhale. I plan to reconnect with family and friends; this means Colorado, South Carolina, Arizona, and California. In 2001 when I moved to Chicago south side, I was trying to get geographically closer to Mom in her aging. She died pushing 100 last Mother’s day. My non SVF life revolved around her. Now I am in another space—holy orphan hood. Change in our elder years is tough but can make us holier. I am still assigned to the SVF priory while I am traveling and living elsewhere.
    This picture is my installation at Evening Prayer on the last week of June 2004. My farewell will be the same format: 7 p.m. Evening Prayer on this Wednesday night followed by a gathering in the courtyard. If you can make it, I would consider it a blessing. I am limiting myself to one exit event because I find them tough. Having been a pastor so often teaches me things like that.
    You have experienced lots of priests come and go. Let that happen and continue to happen. Affirm them, love them, respect them and learn from them, but only follow Christ in His sacraments. Know that you will always be in my prayers and best wishes. May you enjoy the Lord and all that He can give. Please say a little prayer for me from time to time. As I have said in everyone of my letters to you:
Blessings!! and may they never stop!
Fr. Tom

June 14, 2009 Packing

Dear Parishioners,
   Is there any joy in moving? For me this will be about the 40th move of my life. Yes, I know that I am an itinerant preacher but that doesn’t mean that packing is fun. There is the entire process of finding things you had and forgot. There are the memory items of great sentiment. There are the surprises of things I thought I had already thrown out but still have. We all have stuff and clutter and things and stashes of much.
   Recently a lady said to me that her closets were full and her soul was empty. She gets it!!! Our stuff, clutter, hording and things do not make our identity. In our present economy we are all downsizing. Less is more. So often when we practice the virtue of detachment, we areworking with a spiritual reality.
   We are all material people. We are in a consumer culture. Our things are part of our lives.
We have designer name identities. Well, just maybe God is generic. God loves us as one—as a human family. God loves all—the rich and the poor alike; blue collar and white collar. How do our things cause and create our identity? They do not. We end up with a shallow self. Detaching from what we have is a good thing. It might not mean getting rid of something as much as changing our relationship with it.
   An empty soul is usually an empty heart. A heart full of passion is usually a very driven and organized person. When we are focused on the matters that matter we get it. The old expressionof “we can’t take it with us” comes into play. One of my relatives used to muse that when they died: “God help whoever has to clean up all my stuff!” This preceded the hardy laugh. Each day of our Christian lives is clean up and organizing. It is sorting in the present. Relating to our stuff is a way to know better and deeper who we are.
   We are all on the move; we are all itinerant. Reflecting on how much stuff we have and what we need is always good for the soul. Having been steeped in things make us less than who we are and should be. No matter what is happening in your closets, may your soul be full and even overflowing. Have a good spring cleaning.
Blessings,
Fr. Tom

June 7, 2009 Structural Leadership

Dear Parishioners,
   Many of you have asked me how all this structural leadership I have talked about for nearly six years works in our months of transition. The parish is now at a point where we will test what we have done.
   What are the structures? Well, everything that gets written. Examples are the website guidelines for sacraments, job descriptions for staff, process for the bulletin’s weekly publishing, best practice on finances and personnel, committee’s norms, board’s focus, etc. There is much. It is trying to get the right hand to know what the left is doing. A parish is first about Jesus Christ but we still need business skills to function well.
   Structures are simply modes of communicating. I am so well aware that communication is wanting at SVF. That does not mean that the structural avenues failed to be put into place. We can have a new highway and still choose the dirt road. Our faulty SVF communications are not because the system has not been put into place; but, it because too often the structures are bypassed.
   A wonderful example of structural leadership serving you already is with the transition in Religious Education. Fr. Herbert, your new pastor, asked that I do the replacement process for Karen Dix who has retired. Karen will spend much of May orienting her successors into their new jobs. That is major! What a blessing. Sometimes finding stuff and figuring things out is where much time can be consumed.
   With my own coming to SVF as an administrator, I was entering charismatic leadership—not structural. Little was in writing and whomever I asked something of I got a radically different answer. Many times I felt the person answering had an agenda. You may be happy to know that Fr. Herbert and I have been in touch for months now. We will have nearly a month altogether in the transition. Already he has asked me to arrange meetings with the pastor advisory committees and boards. This again is major!!
   Any of you who have had leadership positions know that two things are crucial to your effectiveness: one is finding out how the system is structured and the second is being given truthful information.
   Will there be some hiccups in the transition? You betchya!! We would have that without personnel changes. We each build on what has gone before us. Often Fr Bottoff will drop by
and marvel at things saying he is glad we followed through on X or Y. Structural leadership is about systems which serve—not personalities. SVF will do well and is already doing well even
with the fragile—as in new—leadership groups she has experienced in these last six years.
   Be positive and supportive of the structures in place; they will serve. Whatever changes that grace requires will happen when they need to.
Transitional blessings,
Fr Tom

May 31,2009     Truths of the Human Condition

Dear Parishioners,
Continuing to go through my things I find lots I forgot I had. The other day I found this little gem in one of my clinical files and thought I would share it with you. Our SVF motto is veritas/truth. These are truths of the human condition that are easily forgotten. Definitely fodder for family formation, work ethics, and neighborhood life.
+ Forgiveness is a decision consciously made. It does not begin when the other person
apologizes.
+ Unhappiness over an issue for a long period of time will cause a chemical change in our brain
slowly moving us into depression—even clinical depression.
+ Pouting is a way of controlling others with our anger.
+ Feelings last seconds—not even minutes. If they are fed they become thoughts and create our
lifestyle choices. Note that this can be both positive and negative.
+ Others cannot make one angry. Choosing and prolonging our negative thoughts is the fuel for
anger.
+ People are more likely to remember the negative than the positive.
+ The two most common forms of control are 1) talking nonstop, and 2) not making a decision.
+ Getting angry raises blood pressure and causes heart stress.
+ Criticism does not change people: they may initially comply but return to their way when the
heat is off.
+ Optimism and pessimism are genetically based. Our human nature never dictates but does
influence. Would that we could choose our parents well!
+ Goodness and favors done to us cause us to pass it on. Most people feel a need to continue a good deed done them.
+ Behavior is contagious. People act like those around them. In an unfamiliar situation, people
are even more prone to behave like those around them. This is bigger than peer pressure.
+ Once a person makes a decision—even if it is wrong, has much difficulty in changing.

    The old Dominican/Aquinas axiom that grace builds on nature comes to mind for me in reading these. The supernatural builds on the natural. In Jesus’ true man identity this litany certainly gives root to His call for us daily to be challenged. We cannot become holy by accident or with random acts of kindness. Holiness is work. The premeditated life of virtue is the only way.
   Sometimes we try to pray away our human condition. Tidbits like these always help me in staying grounded. Hopefully you find them equally beneficial in your quest and journey.
My cleaning, packing, and sorting continues. Who knows what further gems await me.
Blessings,
Fr. Tom

May 24, 2009 Original Church Picture

Dear Parishioners,
    The other morning I got this box in the mail from Florida with pictures of the September 1956 dedication of SVF church. The sender was the nephew of the church builder, Fr. Francis Redmond, O.P. They were cleaning out closets and thought that it belonged here and not with them. How kind and thoughtful of them!
    All the pictures are on our web site already in the archive photo area. I have one here for your perusal. See if you can find the changes.
    Remember that this is the third church since the 1931 founding of the parish. Nearly two decades of prayer would have been in the second church—our present gymnasium. Our Dominican Province was founded from the St Joseph/Eastern Province. The two main churches built during those times were both English Gothic modeled after the Dominican parish of St. Vincent Ferrer in Manhattan, N.Y.
    The Manhattan church was established in the 1860’s. The Denver church of St. Dominic de Guzmann was the 1890’s. Our own here was 1950’s. They all look alike. They are the same architecture, stone and frontal styles. Ours is the only one not a historical site because we are still too young. Remember, even when SVF was built it was already a retro. So how are you doing on the quiz? Here are the answers: Did you notice how bright the church is? There are no stained glass windows in the church. There are no stations. Only the pedestals for the angel statues are on the presidium in front of the rose glass window. Note no AC. The vents over the Sts. Mary and Joseph Shrines come later with the installation of AC. The VaticanII Council changes of a second altar were not present. The Infant of Prague was in the sanctuary area. With the distance in the photo it is difficult to tell what the other changes are. Cardinal Stritch was the presiding prelate at the dedication of the church.
    Memory lane is just as much fun with church as it is with family.
Blessings,
Fr. Tom

May 17, 2009 Coming and Going

Dear Parishioners,
Being part of a parish means that there are always people coming and going. That means members dying and being born. It means moves and transfers. Here is a bit of the SVF update of the summer.
Karen Dix completes twenty five-years of catechical ministry with the church. She shared the last five of that church career here at SVF. Her organizational skills are such a blessing. She headed the RCIA, the two schools of religion, the biblical schools, the sacramental programs for confirmation, first penance and first Eucharist. She took SVF onto a deeper level with VIRTUS. Karen is well established as an author and speaker. She will freelance a bit from her"retired" life. SVF was blessed and we wish her and her family the best. Karen concludes here in May.
Fr. Albert Judy has been asked by Bishop Paprocki of our Vicariate to help out at St. Ferdinand Parish. Fr. Judy will continue to live here at our SVF priory; he will also help with the technical ministry of the parish if needed. His last full SVF month was May; beginning in June he is ministering at St. Ferdinand’s. We’re grateful for his SVF ministry.
The position of faith formation held by Karen Dix will be filled with two part-time people. DRE (director of religious education), Kimberly Burch, and CRE (catechist of religious education), Sylvia Zamora, will team up to run the Schools of Religion on Wednesdays and Sundays. The sacraments of first penance, first Eucharist and also confirmation will be part of their ministry. There will be more from these ladies later.
Our SVF campus minister, Fr. Dennis Woerter, O.P., is finishing his Doctorate in Ministry from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. He will graduate in early June. The precise area of the degree is"preaching and the practice of ministry". Congratulations! Father! Doctor!
As our spring turns to summer, keep all the staff in your prayers. Changes are challenging, holy, tough and soul stressing. It is the Christian life in a nutshell.
Blessings,
Fr. Tom

May 10, 2009 A Real Perception

Dear Parishioners,
At one of the last finance committee I made some comments that I wish to share with all of you. I simply said that we need to have a perception of the parish that is real and that perception needs to be conveyed in all ways possible.
When I was made pastor in 2004 and friends and fellow Chicago workers would ask where my parish, their immediate response was something about being in a very rich parish. My response—because I already knew the inside track of the parish—was that we were in a rich area but not a rich parish. I usually went on to say that I inherited a debt of over three-quarter of a million dollars from a much needed millennium campaign. (You folks have been chopping away well at that debt which is now around $300,000.00) The perception of SVF is that we are a very wealthy place. That is not truth but illusion.
The other perception that is coming loud and fast through our building and grounds committee findings, is that the SVF campus is in much need of attention. The youngest building on campus is the church, which is nearly 60 years old. Please know also that much of the building composition is inferior quality because it has many materials of war time. You maybe have experienced that with the pipes in your homes corroding from both inside and out. Whether a building or a person, after sixty, age becomes more obvious.
In 2007 we had an increase offertory campaign which went very well. This was before our economic downturn. You can see in the bulletin by our financial disclosure that we are consistently below the weekly budget.
In the parish review from the Province printed in the Easter Sunday bulletin, you likely noticed the great concern for the financial situation of the parish. This present year and the projected 2009-2010 budgets are six figures in the red. This is all truth.
My reason for writing this letter is for us to live our veritas motto. Truth. Together with the truth we can do all things. That is what we are called to as Christians. If we live under illusion and spread it, the devil has us in his clutches. Tough times do not make us less but more. We become who we think we are and know who we can become.
Continue in your Easter joy,
Fr. Tom

April 26, 2009 Hospitality

Dear Parishioners,
The one line of the parish review that many are commenting to me on is about SVF being seen as very warm and welcoming by some and cold and inhospitable by others. Both statements have to be true. The parish is many things to many people. Whatever someone experiences is real and true.
When I was first ordained, there was a grumpy monsignor who used to say to me that he loved God with all his heart and soul plus loved working for Him. The monsignor went on to say that it was the people of God he could not stand. I was shocked but he was accurate in the assessment of himself.
Sometimes people who are in church often and most devotional measure their holiness by their volume of prayer. They measure their Catholic lives by prayers on a list: Masses prayed, rosaries said, novenas made, fasts accomplished, etc. All are excellent. Sometimes we have a parish identity that excludes. We turf life animals. Whatever disciplines we do should only be fodder for our treating one another with mercy, compassion and planned acts of kindness.
Hospitality is the primal virtue of the Hebrew scripture. There it was about life and death. In a desert culture if hospitality was not extended you were dead from either hunger, thirst, or the raw elements of nature.
In our world today hospitality is still needed for the thirst and hungers of the soul. Maybe we have a SVF identity that is based in age or ethnicity or geographic location. If we allow the Lord to build the house, we can be sure it will have many who are not on our list but are on His. Again back to the Hebrew Testament image of hospitality we hear the command that we need to expand our tents. Make room for more. A healthy parish is extended family. A healthy parish is made up of myriads of groups, clans, tribes, orders, organizations, committees, and what have you. Cliques exclude and therefore should be excluded in this Christian metaphor. SVF has it all but only the holy do we desire to foster.
In these last months we are arduously working on our SVF new comer ministry. Several issues back I outlined how this is now under the parish office of development. We are training members to work on this most important ministry. Even in the healthiest of parishes, this ministry is crucial.
So what has been your SVF experience? Hopefully it is the gospel warmth. And more so, that you have had that feeling and been able to be contagious with it. Jesus is one who welcomes and so we have been well taught.
We keep growing as an Easter people.
Fr. Tom

April 19, 2009 Spring Cleanup and Fixup

Dear Parishioners,
Spring brings with it a real sense of clean-up and fix-up. This is not only true in parish life as in your life but also more so with transitions. Lots of things accumulate. I had hoped when I came to clean closets, storage areas, etc. There is so much that is just taking up space that we do not have room for. So much stuff!! The dint on all this has been minor I am here to tell you.
Some of the items buildings and grounds committee are addressing these days are fix up and spruce up. Roofs have taken their toll with the rough winter rains, ice, and snow. Even the tuck pointing in places is showing need for attention. If you have a contractor eye, you can see multiple places in the church where this is happening. It has been less than a decade from the millennial restorations.
Likely you noticed the 75th SVF jubilee banners are back with a face lift. They now are not dated and define virtue on the campus. They are recycled. The courtyard will become more defined as a prayer garden. Many have asked for this and some seating areas. While the ramp upgrade is still on the agenda, it is being moved to 2010 with the hope of a grant. The school playground will be resurfaced. The garbage on the campus has two areas; these are being looked into for a consolidation. By doing this, the playground and courtyard areas could flow together. When the playground is resurfaced, there will be a green belt by the school—it will look more in continuity with the rest of the SVF campus landscape.
In the quest to become more green, you already know of the paper recycling bins on the campus. They are the yellow and green ones. This is a source of revenue to the school on recycled papers. Also on the green quest will be a small vegetable garden. This is to be part of the school children’s awareness of earth, growth, food source and cultivation. Our food does not grow in the produce section. We are a spoiled culture having quality fruits and vegetables on our tables year round. All the above items are designated monies. None of this comes out of the operating budget. So often folks can get their knickers in a knot when they see monies spent when they might approve. When working with not-for-profit organizations, donors often are most specific where they want them spent. We are grateful for generosity in all its forms.
Hopefully your rites of spring are going well. Cleaning up yards and souls are always refreshing.
Blessings,
Fr. Tom

April 12, 2009 Report of the Parish Review

Dear Parishioners,
The first three days of March SVF had our parish review conducted by the Province. Brother Edward van Merrienboer, O.P. met with the parish in an open meeting. He also met with the Parish Council and Finance Committee separately on following nights. During the day he met with the full parish staff individually—pastoral, custodial, and administrative. A parish review is customary at the time of transition of a pastor. Below is his report addressed to the Council President, Joshua Quail.
SVF has many challenges as we move forward in the Word of God and our applied lives as Christians. Needless to say, as I read the report I wish I could have done so much more than I did. Building systems that ooze with grace and virtue are so slow in happening. I know they are the work of a community and not a person. Becoming sacrament centered in our homes and school can never be presumed. Read the report and let it call you yourself to ministry here at SVF.
As we celebrate Easter, there are so many tombs that we need to rise from. Christ did not raise Himself from the dead. The powers of the Father and the Spirit make this difference. May SVF become more of an Easter people witnessing to what only can come from the Divine. Alleluia!
Easter Blessings,
Fr. Tom

Office of the Provincial - Province of Saint Albert the Great
REPORT OF THE PARISH REVIEW OF SAINT VINCENT FERRER PARISH, RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS
I conducted the parish review from February 28 to March 4, 2009. During the review there was an open meeting for all members, about twenty people attended. I was available after all the Masses for informal contact. I met with all the"paid staff’, the Parish Finance Committee, and the Parish Council. The review ended with an exiting meeting with Thomas Noesen, the pastor.

Strengths of the Parish:
1) The presence and history of service by the Dominicans in the parish is the most positive aspect of parish life according to all groups. The excellence in preaching, the search for truth and pastoral compassion are highly valued qualities of all the present Dominican staff,
2) During the pastorate of Fr. Noesen, a clarity of expectations of the staff and the parish members has been made. The sacramental and/or sacred meaning of the Christian life is the priority in policies governing the sacraments, Most members and staff think that the present policies regarding the sacraments should remain in place with some degree of flexibility. There is a strong desire among the staff that they are protected from having many supervisors by these policies.
3) There is a growing number of young families in the parish who are want to be more active in parish life. There are new groups from other cultural groups living in the parish. Many feel welcomed to the liturgy, some expressed feelings of not being welcomed in the school and at social events. The young members seem to be most aware of these demographic changes occurring in the parish. Their energy could be used to invite new families into the parish.
4) From reports, the parish school is strong in its Catholic identity and its academic program. There is an urgent need to increase enrollment. There has been a steady decline of students, about 100 in recent years. This results in an increase costs per student’s education. The parish general revenue does support the school, I was only able to speak with the Principal over the phone because she was ill, she is very positive about the school program but did not express any ideas on how to increase enrollment.

Challenges of the Parish:
1)Finance is the most urgent challenge that the parish faces now. Income is down and there is a projected deficit for this year and the budget for next year projects an even larger deficit. Within 18 months, according to the financial administrator, all reserve funds will be depleted, the balance at this time is $281 ,000 in unrestricted funds, These funds are held in CDs and cash, There is an outstanding loan from the Archdiocese of $309,323.00.
2) The"campus" or building and grounds are getting old and major repairs are an ongoing concern. There is a Building Commission that is starting to make a plan for repair and replacement. This will be a major capital cost in the future. The other issue regarding building is the vision of Church that designed the present plant is not always useful for the present pastoral approach to ministry. The actual plan of the buildings creates separations among staff and works against a common"parish mission." The pastor has made a serious effort to incorporate the parish school into the overall mission of the parish. A few members of the parish felt that there is a desire to close the school because it costs so much to operate, this was expressed by some but I found no plan to close the school.
Conclusion:
I want to thank everyone who participated in the parish view for their welcoming and honest appraisal of the present status of the parish life. I hope this brief summary reflection will be a source of energy as you continue to build on your strengths and face the challenges before you.
Respectfully,
Bro. Edward van Merrienboer, O.P.
Vicar for Ministry

April 5, 2009 A Happy People

Dear Parishioners,
These are tough times. I am not talking about the economy but the soul toll we all are experiencing. Happiness is at the lowest level since l972. Marriages are the first indicator; family life and the work place follow. Happiness is not controlled by money or fiscal caste. Happy people exist on all levels.
We are now coming to the end of Lent. Can our prayer, fasting and almsgiving be seen as causing virtue in ourselves and those around us? Let’s reflect on our happiness quotient.
In the gospel of Matthew chapter 5, we have the beatitudes. They all begin with"happy are…". None of them are material in nature but do change the social order when applied. Applied Christianity
is where it’s at
Symptoms of happy and peaceful people are:
+ an ability to enjoy each moment
+ a loss of interest in judging others
+ a loss of interest in judging self.
+ a loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
+ a loss of interest in conflict
+ a loss of the ability to worry
+ frequent and verbal episodes of gratitude
+ prolonging connected feelings with others and nature
+ attacks of smiling
+ a tendency to let things happen rather than causing them to happen
+ joy in extending to others as well as allowing others to extend back

Premeditated skills of happy and peaceful people:
+ dump downers: attitudes are contagious. Surround yourself with happy people; dump or avoid the phony , manipulative, and negative people.
+ tube control: media causes a depressive lifestyle. The quantity of TV/computer intake is in direct proportion to depression. Study ability increases when there is no TV/computer in the bed room.
+ set goals: as Christians we have a mandate to change the world. Daily goals of virtue management are mandatory to happiness.
+ think less: obsessing over something is called worry. Solve what you can and leave the rest alone. Parents and grandparents especially need to use this management in healthy parenting.
+ be an accountant: count your blessings. Even writing down your blessings is wonderful. People who journal like this are always happier. A daily closure should include such an exercise after the examination of the day. It keeps life in order with the Master.
Everything I have shared here is a derivative of the Christian life and good bible living. When things are tough we always go back to the manual. We can get through anything with God’s wonderful grace.
Blessings,
Fr. Tom

March 29, 2009 Welcoming Committee

Dear Parishioners,
Last week SVF started a"welcoming committee". This may sound like no big thing but we did not have one. In years past there have been Parish Council members who did some contacting with new comers. This committee begins a whole new process organized under the parish development department with JoAnne Kennelly.
This is not just about new comers to SVF; it is about evangelization. When people come to a parish, they are searching out their soul. They are spiritually hungry. Yes, it may be they want a sacrament, but they want something more. This welcoming arm is geared to dialogue and refer new comers into the area of SVF we can best serve them and they can best serve SVF. This means that Christ is not just the answer, He is also the quest and question.
SVF adds about fifty new household units per year. There are likely more because many times folks attend a given church long before becoming members.
SVF is a parish founded in 1931. That means that we are now seeing our children’s children live here—and leave here. After the third generation houses sell. This was happening in our villages before this economic turn. The face of the neighborhood is changing and therefore the parish.
In our SVF Parish Review 2009 there was major diversity on our parish amenity skills. Some felt the parish cold and unwelcoming; others saw it as warm and embracing. We will develop the warmth of Christian hospitality.
In the corporate world the new customer is the best customer. They bring new life and ideas and vision. Some of these dynamics stay true in the world of faith and church. We want no one to be treated as a stranger or alien.
If you think there are many new faces in our midst, it is because there are. Welcome!
Blessings,
Fr. Tom

March 22, 2009 Parish Review - New Pastor
Dear Parishioners,
Our SVF parish review has been completed. Thanks to all those who partook in the process. This is what is done at the time of a pastor transition. The results will come to the parish, go to the Provincial Council, and go to the new pastor. SVF is now on the same assignment rotation dates as the Archdiocese; namely, the fiscal year beginning July 1st.
Below is our Provincial, Father Michael Mascari’s letter sharing with you some transition information logistics. The newly assigned pastor is Fr. Herb Hayek, O.P. Fr. Hayek has finished an assignment as pastor in Colorado; at present he is enjoying a sabbatical. Fr. Hayek has expressed a willingness in serving the people of SVF.
I am in the fast lane trying to put my house—or should I say"your house"—in order with the date changes. Everything I can do to make this transition smooth, holy, and welcoming will be done. You may think of me a lame-duck pastor at this point, but remember, duck is one of my favorite foods.
Blessings,
Fr. Tom

Office of the Provincial - Province of Saint Albert the Great

Dear Members of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish,
After more than five years of dedicated and generous service to the people of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, first as Parish Administrator and then as Pastor, Rev. Thomas D. Noesen, O.P., will complete his term as pastor on June 30, 2009. Although Fr. Noesen’s term was scheduled to end on April 12, 2010, personnel needs of the Province and the present availability of Fr. Noesen’s successor necessitate that this transition occur earlier than was anticipated. Fr. Noesen will remain assigned to St. Vincent Ferrer Priory until his next place of ministry is determined.
On Behalf of the friars of the Province of St. Albert the Great, I want to thank Fr. Noesen for his years of selfless service to St. Vincent Ferrer Parish. I am deeply grateful for the leadership that Fr. Noesen has provided, for the support, the encouragement, and the care that he has offered to the people of St. Vincent’s. Especially
I am thankful for his constant effort to build a stronger, more loving, faith filled community that witnesses to the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Yours in St. Dominic,
Fr. Michael A. Mascari, O.P.
Prior Provincial

March 15, 2009 Simplifying Our Lives

Dear Parishioners,
Simplifying our lives is central to Lent. I am suggesting several options for our homes during this season:
A) Clean out closets and give the clothing to the poor if it is in reusable condition. The best rule of thumb is that if you have not worn it in the last year, you should be parting with it. Anyplace like the Salvation Army, St Vincent DePaul , or our own St Pius Room can be great drop off places for this spiritual exercise.
B) Do you have any old eyeglasses around the house? These can go to the third world countries. They are all computer catalogued for giving away. The organization is called www.onesight.org. Drop off places for your outdated prescriptions are Sears Optical, Target Optical, LensCrafters, Pearle Vision etc. Cleaning out our drawers can bring sight to others.
C) Cleaning out food pantries is another great project for Lent. Most of us stockpile in our cupboards. Use what is there and buy nothing for meals until the inventory is gone. (Small items of produce can be the only exceptions of purchase.) Some of the meals will be strange but it is food. Let this be reason to eat-in and prepare food in. Remember from the 2000 USA census that a household only has one meal per week together fixed at home. We can change those realities. Eat at the table with the television off. Remember to say the table blessing and say an extra prayer for Lent. Sharing what you each did that day for Lent is wonderful. Any save moneys can be used for yourself and a donation for the hungry.
D) Clean down the family schedules: limit computer use only to business—not games, etc. Do not watch TV. A video of a sacred topic could be a great family night. So much of our entertainment is individual. A family game time is good—cards, board games, etc. We can become strangers to one another in the house we share. Getting everyone in one place at one time is lots of work.
E) Schedule the Lord into the life of your household. If you live alone, connect with a friend to do something prayerful. So often families who pray do not even do it together. The rosary, the stations of the cross, adoration, etc are just a few of the ways a family can connect in their faith.
Everything I suggest will be a bit weird because it implies change. Everything I suggest will bring you closer to yourself, God and others. Simplifying our lives is a great blessing. Lent is a spring cleaning of the soul.
Blessed Lent,
Fr. Tom

March 8, 2008 Technology

Dear parishioners,
It certainly is a technological world. We have the internet, emails, ipods, faxing and texting, Youtube, Myspace, etc. The question I wonder is what are the effects on our spirituality. I know that we can run a better office because of technology. Everything from cell phones to PDS (parish data system) to simple things like voice mail. But, what does it do to us spiritually?
For one thing, this instant world makes us think that everything is instant. Snap! Click!"God, where are you? Don’t put me on hold!" Spirituality is always slow motion. It is our lifetime. God is not electronic.
One of the biggest things that technology has done is caused us to relate to things better than people. I remember the glee of a bride watching the video of her reception where her mom told her that she loved her. The bride said that this was the first time her mom ever said that. I was happy the bride was happy but mom still never told her—she told the camera. The camera becomes the experience. How sad! Yes, I know, it is better than nothing. I agree! Often people today can speak on a phone to someone better than in person. The technology becomes our primary way of communicating.
Many youth taking their first jobs need to be taught social skills because they only know technical skills—and quite well I may add. The manners of conversation, eye contact, listening, facial expression are all needed in the interactive world of flesh and blood. We are now discovering without the human element emails and especially textings can be misinterpreted; read into because there is no human element of expression to anchor on.
Did you know that students who do not have computers and TV’s in their bedrooms get higher grades? Removal of this equipment causes an increase in grades. It makes sense. I find that I can relate to my computer at greater length than a one-on-one conversation. I can be at my computer for hours doing work; being with a person working for hours would wipe me out. I am at my computer now talking to you—it is a good thing. I am so glad I can communicate with you. Often in person you respond with gratitude to my writings.
The bottom line with technology is not whether it is good or bad. Let us presume it not only good but wonderful and awesome. The spiritual point is that computer literacy is secondary to our relationships. Connecting with each other in our joy or a troubled moment is best in person. Sacraments are alive and real; not technical productions or events. Technology can make life vicarious. We are real. We can become isolated and lonely with too much technology. Spiritual literacy is the development of virtue. Virtue is always interaction with each other and God. Being reconciled is virtue. Working a marriage is virtue. Building better family life is virtue. Having these holiness skills are our best assets.
Yes, you can get this on-line in the bulletin. Yes, this would have been better had I said it all to you in person. Technology is a blessing. Our spiritual growth in virtue one to another is an even greater blessing.
Peace,
Fr. Tom

March 1, 2009 Evangelization

Dear Parishioners,
Evangelization is a new word to many of us Catholics. Fr. Jordan Kelly, O.P. preached with his team at the SVF Masses the weekend of Epiphany. As a parish we are becoming part of the much needed evangelization.
Cardinal George has repeatedly talked about us Catholics being at least three generations of being uncatechized or even being ‘unchurched’. We no longer know our Catholic teachings or our identity as Catholics. Hanging a rosary on the car mirror or dropping into a Catholic church when times are tough or wanting a sacrament on demand does not make a person or family Catholic. Evangelization is not about going out and getting converts. Evangelization is about you and me being converted anew to our faith. Cultivating a daily prayer life that is sacramentally based is what is needed. We just do not wake up Christian. Being Christ’s disciple is work personally and in our homes.
This is not a SVF only challenge. In the USA Christianity is becoming a minority religion. This is not just Catholic but Christian. Faith is the most important part of our identity. It is a gift to be cherished and nurtured.
If you are interested in being part of the SVF Evangelization Team, let me know. This is a great moment for our parish. If you feel God nudging, let me know. You will be trained in anything that is asked of you, plus you can always get into it and see that it is not for you at this time.
Below are some recent charts showing the shift of our culture. My guess that this is no surprise to you.
Many Blessings,
Fr. Tom

February 22, 2009 Lent

Dear Parishioners,
This week we begin the most disciplined season of our Catholic calendar. Lent should be saturated with prayer, fasting and abstinence. These disciplines will be the training for us to become better Christians.
My suggestion is that if you or your household have not been doing the presumed Catholic way of life, introduce it for Lent. For example, perhaps you are not saying morning prayers, evening prayers, and meal prayers; this is a great time to introduce them. If you are sporadic about Sunday Mass obligations, great time to be diligent about each Sunday. Another example would be with saying the rosary, Eucharistic adoration, etc. Use the basics to create what is needed.
The via dolorosa of Lent is the way of the cross. I would suggest that this be part of your meditation. The Lenten stations given us by St. Francis of Assisi are the best of examination of conscience. They take us to the primal question of sacrificial love. Here at SVF they are on Fridays at 2:15 and 7 p.m.
Use Lent to modify spending. Simpler meals. Meatless meals on Fridays. No movies. No parties. No shopping for non-essentials. Buy no clothing. Fast from TV and the computer activity. Introduce some family game nights following the rosary. Be serious about becoming a Catholic family household. Schedule yourself or the entire family for the sacrament of reconciliation. We are all alienated from one another for some self righteous reason. This wonderful sacrament is a starting place.
Almsgiving is about money. Giving from our need—not our surplus—is a penance. Some charities have gone up as much as 5%; philanthropic living increases in tough times. We sort out what we should have been doing all along. Hunger projects are often part of the family Lenten discipline.
Our culture is in epidemic shape from greed, avarice and material overkill. Lent is a great time to encounter the spiritual side of our deeper self. We are baptized for the forgiveness of sin but sin. Lent is the self imposed season of penance to rid ourselves of being held hostage by our failings. We do not meet this battle in our world of thought but of action.
Blessing season of almsgiving, fast and prayer,
Fr. Tom

February 15, 2009 Annual Catholic Appeal

Dear Parishioners,
Three weeks annually are set aside by the Archdiocese for the ACA (Annual Catholic Appeal). We are presently in that time zone where pastors speak for this appeal. The great news with SVF is that we made our goal of last year and are already getting monies back. This is major for us to be financially part of the greater church. Be proud of yourselves. As your SVF pledges continue to come in, double thousands will come into SVF from the Archdiocese.
In the ACA of this year and these times, I cannot but think of our parish being founded in 1931. That would put us in the thicket of the Great Depression. I wrote in one of my letters earlier that tight times often stimulate giving. How can this be? Well, most folks do not live on a budget. They do not sort out necessity from disposable income. Wants and needs are muddied. Most spend and when the money is gone they tighten up until they can go back to repeating their spending. Many young folks live with parents not saving to move on but living budget free. Tight times can often create budgets in healthy households.
To connect spiritually with giving, we need to think time not money. For example, even on the secular level, if one is buying something, we shouldn’t ask how much it costs in money, but rather in time. If I make $10 an hour and the product is $90, I need to ask if it is worth nine hours of my labor. Whether it is new shoes, clothing or meal, the question remains the same: is it worth that many hours of my life. This brings me back to reality. This is the best way to teach children and youth money management. Start with their allowance of $X amount. If they want to spend 3 units of allowance on a certain item, they need to ask if it is worth it.Time is the currency.
In the spiritual life we call this time currency stewardship. We invest our first unit of time each week to the Lord. God gets first dibs—not the leftovers. This is purely biblical. It is called tithing. One tenth is the scriptural number. We take God’s portion out first. This is where the"first born" of the flock or family were given to the Lord. What happens in holy times is that we know that God is the source. It is not our resources, it is His. This is how tough times can take us to good choices of investment of time itself. Just in prayer alone, don’t we find ourselves praying harder when things are tough?
Look at our tithing of time. Time is currency. Most of us live frantic lives. Most will say in a heart beat that their time in church is only invested by what time they have leftover for God. Too busy, too many jobs, sports, too tired, self-before-God currency, etc. are the routine misspending of time. Bad management of spending time then causes habits of spiritual neglect. Rarely does a theological argument enter into this picture.
Most of you know that Catholics are not the best of stewards of all Christian denominations and all other faiths. We are supported by about one-fourth of our community. Even at SVF the minority carries the weight of the majority. This is in time currency of tithing and monetary. Actually our parish is a tad better than the national average.
Tough times become holy times when we all invest in the Lord with time, talent, and treasure. This is how it happened in the founding times of our parish and our nation. We are truly the Body of Christ when we all invest. No amount is too small. The amount is not the issue. We are obligated to give by the scripture teachings and church precept. Some may not have the time of others; some may not have the means of others. No one is ever dispensed from spending their lives for the Lord. On the street we would say"put your money where your mouth is". In church we would say"Give first to the Lord."
When we revisit ourselves in these tough times, we are confronted with the greed, avarice, and mismanagement causing our collapse. Rebuilding from here with an audit of our time, treasure and talents, puts everything back into a holy perspective. These are holy times with moments of great opportunity.
Blessings,
Fr. Tom

February 8, 2009 Fr. Dennis Woerter O.P.
Dear Parishioners,
Lots of great things are happening here at SVF. It seems like much is moving along at a graced pace; we all try to keep up.
Great News! After two years of requesting, SVF will get a replacement for our dear Fr. Kilbridge. (He turned 90 in December and is doing well. He enjoys visits.) March 1st we will have our"new" priest on staff, Fr. Dennis Woerter, O.P. Some of you know this SVF parish son. His main focus of ministry will be as a campus minister to the Wednesday and Sunday schools of religion and the parish day school.
Fr. Judy will continue on in his ministry of technology. Fr. Michael will continue in pastoral care and out reach. I will continue in administration. All of us will serve as parish practitioners.
The Province is conducting a parish review this month. February 28th/ March 1st. Brother Ed Van Merrienboer, O.P., will speak after each Mass and then have an open meeting on Sunday night in the Parish Center following Mass. Mark your calendar for that. Think about what you love at SVF and what will make Christ more present. This is a parish review; not a parish survey. This information is compiled for the next pastor. My term is approaching its end. …and just so you don’t get crazy with rumors, Fr. Dennis is not the new pastor. Your new pastor will come through another process.
The Evangelization Program for SVF is moving along. Fr Jordan Kelly, O.P. said he enjoyed being here and preaching all Masses on January 10th weekend. Our next step is to form the SVF Evangelization Team. Thus far I have about four who have volunteered. The qualification is a drive and desire to learn more about Jesus Christ and also spread that Word right here in the parish.
We are only a few weeks away from Lent. Lent means"spring". Right now, that is a word that sounds good and welcome. Bring it on! Pray blessings in all these happenings.
Peace,
Fr. Tom

February 1, 2009 FOCA

Dear parishioners,
Sometimes change is not for the better. The bible uses the word"repent" meaning change."Repent and believe the good news." We have some legislation coming down the system that is bad news; it will threaten our Catholic beliefs. Below you will see what I am talking about. FOCA is the Freedom of Choice Act. Basically it will make us close all Catholic hospitals. It is the most aggressive abortion legislation to date.
This week I am speaking at all the Masses on this matter. The USA Council of Bishops is asking us to take part in a post card campaign to all in the house and senate representatives who will vote on this.
Too often in the USA we practice freedom from religion. So much lobbying is done treating healthy religion as an outdated reality. We are losing the common good and the moral good all for the sake of individual choices and entitlement. There is a difference between divine law and civil law. Don’t you wish these values were"self evident"? We cannot abandon our beliefs for the sake of godless values. Do your part to act on FOCA.
Blessings,
Fr. Tom