A photo of coffee in a glass mug on a rustic wooden table in Copenhagen, Denmark

Weekly pastor’s post (October 20 – 26, 2024)

by | Oct 21, 2024 | Pastor's post | 2 comments

A representation of the coat of arms of Mundelein seminary.</p>
<p>The phoenix tops the crest emblazoned on the shield.Lilies convey purity, innocence, and fertility. As such, they symbolize the Virgin Mary, conduit of the Divine, for whom the university is named. Beneath the Lilies lies the Torteau Roundel. One of the oldest charges in heraldry, the presence of the red circle in this context represents the Zucchetto, the cap that denotes the presbyteral rank of Cardinal, recalling the University’s founder, George Cardinal Mundelein. The parallel wavy lines near the base of the seal symbolize water, source and sustenance of all life, assurance of eternal life in the immersive sacrament of Baptism, and another reference to the water essential to the university’s identity: Lake Michigan, the site of the original institution, and St. Mary’s Lake, its current home.

After spending a week on private retreat here at Mundelein seminary, I am joining my classmates for a 15-year anniversary reunion. About 20 of our class of 37 us are able to come and I am looking forward to reconnecting with friends, hearing about the various experiences of life & ministry, and generally having a good time together.

During my retreat, I spent most meals with seminarians from various dioceses around the country. Throughout the many (delightful!) conversations, several things struck me. One is how young seminarians are – nothing like being among students to be reminded that though not (yet) old, I am very much not of the same generation! But what I find most edifying is the sense of fraternity and friendship as we sat together at the table. These are men from different countries, family upbringings, and other diverse contexts. And yet, their common faith and discernment has built – and is surely still building – a fellowship that I felt privileged to be able to sit in on, even if only for a few days.

As a military brat, I’ve often idealized – likely in an unrealistic way! – the gift of belonging. I know that many folks who have lived in one place most or all of their lives would look at my upbringing with no small amount of jealous. Given the chance, many folks are happy to share the difficulties of being known by everyone in a small (or not-so-small) town! And at least intellectually, I can understand how that could become stifling – especially when mixed with a desire to break out beyond the bounds of one’s personal history or geographical territory.

But as I sat with these men – some who will be priests (a few fairly soon!), others who will discern different callings – it struck me that this desire for community can be met and fulfilled anywhere two or three of us gather together. I suppose that’s an obvious conclusion, but it is one that I appreciate having re-introduced. Maybe this is why I so value being able to connect with people before & after Mass, especially sitting together at over coffee and donuts in the social hall. I don’t image that I am alone in deeply desiring to be able to come together with others in ways both casual and profound – it is helpful to be reminded that this is something already available to us, if we but take advantage of (or create!) opportunities to spend time together.

A photo looking out over an altar with an open Roman Missal, unlit candles, and the altar crucifix into a darkened church

On a different note, I’d like to draw your attention to my recent postings about liturgical celebrations in our parish family. The first was a prologue of sorts, written to help set the groundwork for future reflections. The second is a deeper dive into communion and the communion procession at Mass. As much as I enjoy reflecting on, researching, and writing these (and I do!), they are only useful if folks read – and share – them! If you haven’t already, please take some time to read both posts. And keep check back here! It is my intention to write about other changes, as they might come, in future posts.

If you follow me on Twitter/X or Facebook, you’ll know that I have been offering Masses not only for personal intentions (I have a few more opportunities to do so when I’m away!) but also for intentions of parishioners and – most importantly – for our parishes. If you’re on those platforms, you may also enjoy the photos of the various chapels on campus here at Mundelein seminary. But most importantly, rest assured that even from hundreds of miles away you are in my prayers. May you and your loved ones be blessed throughout the coming week.

P.S. Each week I include the week’s priestly anniversaries – of ordination and necrology. As we mark the two-year anniversary of his death, I would ask for special prayers for the repose of the soul of Father Roger Smith. I was the last pastor of Sacred Heart parish – the parish he faithfully served for some thirty years. You can read about him in the lovely obituary his family wrote for him. Though I only really got to know him for the four years I served at his parish, he was unwaveringly kind to me – always supportive in private and in public, he never failed to affirm me as pastor and offer his care as a brother priest.

Father Roger Smith (1943-2022)

I remember at the townhall gathering where I spoke about the closure of his beloved parish – the place where he lived & served for three decades! – he stood up to say something after so many others had said their piece. I won’t deny that my heart beat a little faster, wondering what the former (much loved!) pastor might say in that tense moment. I needn’t have worried: “I don’t like this”, he said, “but it’s the right thing to do.” I’m certain it cost him a great deal to offer such support in that moment, but he did so with great peace & confidence. I hope that when it is my turn to be a retired priest and some young upstart takes my place as pastor, I do half as well as he did in supporting the next generation. Of the many gifts that he offered me and so many others over his lifetime, his kindness stands as a lasting treasure.

Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord and let Your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.


A black and white photograph of a newpaper article of the miracle of Fatima

October 22 – Today is the memorial of Pope Saint John Paul II – a saint with whom so many of today’s Catholics can personally recall having touched their lives by his example and leadership. For myself, his joie de vivre (joy of life) even in the face of great persecution (living in communist Poland), a Church struggling in the modern era, and his suffering from Parkinsons in his final years. May we ask his intercession that we too may bear our crosses well, with eyes focused on the Lord. Read about him at the website of the National Shrine dedicated to Saint John Paul II.

A painting by Alonso Cano of Saint Bernardine of Sienna and Saint John of Capistrano from the museum of fine arts in Granada. Saint Bernardine of Sienna is on the left, holding a white & black flag looking at Saint John Capistrano, who holds a book with the letters 'IHS' on it, while looking back

October 23 – Today we celebrate the patron saint of military chaplains – Saint John of Capistrano.  He was many things during his time – a jurist, a reformer, even a ‘soldier saint’ (he ministered to those defending Belgrade against the Ottoman army). I hope you’ll join me in prayer for military chaplains of our time – the Archdiocese for Military Chaplains has a brief prayer on their website. Having done that, read more about Saint John of Capistrano at the Franciscan Traditions website.

A sephia photo of Saint Anthony Mary Claret. Robed in his episcopal garments with his pectoral cross hanging in front of his chest, he sits in a chair with one arm up, looking across the room.

October 24 – Ordained a priest at 28, Saint Anthony Mary Claret was given permission from the pope to become a wandering missionary. He became renoun in his ministry and the miracles attributed to him that he attracted followers would eventually become the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (or Claretians). He eventually became the confessor of the queen of Spain, following her into exile. When it was convened, he joined the work and deliberations of the First Vatican Council. He died in France in 1870 on what would become his feast day (today). Read more about him at the Claretian website.

The altarpiece wings at Saint Martin in Messkirch. Framed in gold, Saints Crispin and Crispinian stand facing each other, robed in the clothing of their time. Each holds an ax head in one hand (the instrument of their martyrdom) and a palm in the other (the sign of their faith)

October 25 – Today is the feast day of Saint Crispin and Crispinian. Saints of the late third century, they were cobblers by night and preachers by day. Their witness in the streets of Gaul caught the attention of persecutors during the reign of Diocletian and they were martyred in Rome when they refused demands to apostatize. Though they are perhaps unfamiliar to the modern Catholic, no less personage than Shakespeare so admired them as to put include them in his play (Henry V, Act IV)! Read more about them at Notre Dame’s website.

A Russian icon of Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki. With a halo around his head, he holds a cross in one hand and his sword & shield in the other.

October 26 – Today’s feast of Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki is undoubtedly more well-known among our brethren of the Eastern Churches. Though we are yet separated in many ways, this celebrated is shared across East-West divides (see the website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for an example). His feast day coincides with the liberation of Greece from Ottoman rule in 1912, which has only served to highlight the popular devotion he enjoys. A martyr of the late third century, he was killed for the faith by the Roman emperor Galerius (following the martyrdom of his friend Nestor, whose feast day is tomorrow). Read more about him at the Greek Reporter.



Priests celebrating their anniversaries this week

A color line art picture of people gathered around an altar as incense rises above them to heaven before the three Persons of the Trinity, Mary & Joseph, and all the saints & angels.

Remembering our deceased priests

    • Fr. J. Simon (October 22, 1889)
    • Fr. Garrett Galvin (October 23, 1987)
    • Fr. Fr. Daniel P. Kelly (October 23, 1918)
    • Fr. Bernard V. Cremer (October 25, 1974)
    • Fr. Charles C. O’Brien (October 25, 1918)
    • Fr. Hubert Mertens (October 26, 1938)
    • Fr. Roger J. Smith (October 26, 2022)
A black and white line art drawing of Christ the judge enthroned within an arch with angels seated on pillars to His right and left with stars behind him.

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Welcome to the comments section! As you join (or start) the conversation, please keep keep in mind that – above all – Christian charity is our guiding principle. Please limit comments to the topic(s) of the post itself. Comments that stray from these guidelines will likely be deleted. I look forward to your thoughts & contributions!

2 Comments

  1. Richard Bumgarner

    Dear Father M
    Thank you for all you are doing for this parish family. I am learning and deepening in my understanding of our faith in my 8th decade with the guidance of you and your ministry team. The weekly blog is a good communication tool, but my 80 year old eyes are complaining. The font is small, but readable. But the color of the font appears to be a medium grey and provides insufficient contrast to the white of the screen background. I know this is a popular color for websites according to the younger “pros” but could you please consider to use a jet black font color, except of course where a hyperlink reference is indicated. As an example, the words “Comments that stray…” just above this section are much easier to read and perhaps it is due to font size, or color, or both…I cannot tell. Thank you for your consideration. With prayers for your intentions an well-being, Richard

    • Father Jacob Maurer

      Hello Richard,

      Thanks for the feedback on contrast & design for easier reading. I tested out changing the font colors as you suggested (I hadn’t realized the lighter font color until you highlighted it) – unfortunately the contrast becomes so severe as to be deeply distracting. Readable, but unpleasant to behold.

      I suspect that changing the font color will require a more radical redesign….which is something I’m not prepared to do at this time. We have a parishioner who does website design, so I’ll ask her for some pointers, but it will likely take some time to figure out where to go from here.

      Peace,
      Father Maurer