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December 18, 2011
At this time of year I always start to reflect on the past and look to the future. You may do the same thing when the end of the year is near. There is something about a new year that gets us thinking.
Looking back on 2011, so many things happened — major changes in my life. The loss of both my Mother and Mel within weeks of each other. There are days that I miss them terribly. I still miss my Mother when things happen that I would pick up the phone to call and tell her about. I also miss her at those large family events. I know there were times that having a priest son meant his duties prevented him from being at something. And it was a bit hard on her that each new parish was a little farther away.
Mel is still missed for his mellowness, even though know now that this had a lot to do with his being sick. I still see pictures of him and smile. I miss the way he would come up and lay at my feet with his chin resting on my feet, as if they were his own personal head rest. I remember the very first time I laid eyes on Mel at the pet store. I still find myself standing at his final resting place now and then. Mom may have a bigger garden in the back of the rectory, but the garden in the front of the house is the Mel Memorial Garden.
In the middle of this year, Hershey came into my life and changed it forever. She is NO Mel, but she is her own dog. No mellow here; pure energy. Hershey had big paws to fill and she is doing a nice job. As I pass landmarks with Hershey that Mel never made (by this time with Mel, I knew there was a problem) I am relieved to see there has been no major problems. She has healed quickly from her surgery where as Mel took time. Mel never made is first birthday, so Hershey’s first birthday will be a BIG BASH.
This May I will be celebrating 5 years of priesthood! With 3 very different placements, I found a wonderful variety of gifts and blessings. The challenges have changed over the years, and the responsibilities have grown from an associate to a Pastor.
If the past is any indication, the years ahead will bring many more blessings and graces. Holding new challenges and struggles, I pray God will give me the strength needed to do His will.
May you see God moving in your life. May you welcome that new born baby in the manger to be your King.
Father Backer
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December 11, 2011
Last Thursday morning, I was leaving Cleveland to go to Marysburg for the Holy Day Mass. As I started out of town, a man in a pickup truck came up fast behind me and started tailgating. I was driving the speed limit and was thinking that if I had to stop he would not have any time before hitting me.
When I got to the stop sign to turn left on CR18, I decided that if he also turns left I would pull off for him to pass. And pass he did. He turned right onto 15 and went into Madison Lake. Had I not pulled over, he would have tailgated me almost all of my drive. I was not that far behind him when he got to the stop sign by Marysburg, so he was not going too much faster then I. Yet when behind me, he had to be right up on me. I was waiting to see if he was going to turn to go to Marysburg for the morning Mass. If so, he may have been a part of the homily.
Why is it that we get into such a rush that we feel we need to cram more and more into our day. When people come to meet with me about something and I ask about their Mass attendance. So I often hear "I am just so busy!" or "I have not had time". Over the years we have made devices to help us do things faster so we will have more time. Then we simply use that time to do more things.
We all have things in our life that we have to do at work and at home. I have the Mass schedule to keep, appointments, meetings, and still need to be able to move things around if an emergency comes. More and more I have started looking at my time. Prayer is a priority for me, so I make sure I get all of that in. However, how often would I simply sit down in front of the TV at night? Often times, I try watching the news to keep up on what is going on in the world. Still, a lot of times I find myself watching shows I have already seen or that are just useless. Everything comes at you so fast. Have you ever thought about how many ads you see when watching one movie or show? It is information overload.
During the last few weeks I have tried to slow down a bit and enjoy the quietness of the rectory without the noise of TV. I even started reading a book given to me by a priest friend shortly after I moved here. The title of the book is "Diary of A Country Priest". I guess he thought I could get something out of the book. 
Take some time to slow down and enjoy your life. And remember to leave a couple of car lengths between you and the car in front of you. After all, it could be me in front of you.
Father Backer
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December 4, 2011
Advent is here! I can always tell, because I find myself running around to help out at parish penance services. There are two things I enjoy about this. First is the fellowship with my brother priests. Some of the penance services have dinners beforehand for the visiting priests (“If you feed them, they will come”). I often will say to the priest hosting, “Standard ‘pray for your pastor penance’?” Most times they say something like, “I NEED IT.” 
The second reason I enjoy helping out at other penance services is simply, I am privileged to be able to help someone mend their life, or move away from something that is holding them down, or let something go and heal. There have been more than a few times during the sacrament when I know God was talking through me. I did not know where what I said came from.
This next week we have the first of our two parish penance services. They are…
Tuesday Dec 6th at 7:00 pm at Marysburg
Thursday Dec 15th at 7:00 pm at Nativity.
Neither of these were well attended last year. However, I will still be doing them. I believe in the power of this sacrament. I hope this year more of you will take advantage of these services. Fr. Chris Shofner is coming from LeCenter to assist me with the sacrament.
I often tell people it is easy to come and say, “This is what I have done right.” It is very hard to come and say “This is what I have done wrong.” But that is what the sacrament is for. So many try to put a positive spin on things, “I do not always tell the truth.” So, you lied. Just say it that way. I have never yelled at anyone in the confessional. There is no rule about going to your own priest to confession. However, I would like to encourage you to go—more so if it has been over 5 years. The ideal is to go twice a year (Advent and Lent). I go almost monthly. I find it helps me grow in Holiness.
Some people, who go to parish A, will go to confession at parish B. This if fine. Some people find a priest that they really like, and make him their regular confessor. The nice part about that is they get to know you and can better help you over time.
Father Backer
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November 27, 2011
Things in our world havebecome so impersonal. Last week I called to take care of something with my student loans and I had to plug in about five different numbers before I was able to talk to a real person. I remember poking fun at this trend years ago when I had my own apartment. It was this time of yearand when you got my answering machine you heard…
“You have reached Dennis Backer… If you are calling to find out what I want for Christmas, press 1.
“If you are calling to find out what I want for my Birthday, press 2.
“If you are calling because you owe me money, press 3.
“If you are calling because I owe you money, please hang up now.
“Anyone else, leave a message after the tone.”
More and more, when you call a business you are greeted by a computer voice (even some parishes I know have gone to this). Sometimes you think you are talking to someone locally and they are really in another state, or country, and they have a strong accent. I had to deal with this a couple of weeks ago when getting my new bed delivered.
I am sure the thought is that these automated systems would help with customer service. But I just get the, “We appreciate your business, but we really do not want to talk to you” feeling.
Maybe I should start one now….
“Please enter the number of the commandment you have broken…”
Or, “To hear last week’s homily, Press 1.”
Let’s all try to be a little more personal this next few months. Here are a few things to try…
1) Talk to someone in line with you.
2) Thank someone who served you, even if it was their job to serve you.
3) Give a wait staff a nice thank you—with a nice tip.
4) Call someone you have not talked to for a long time. (This one happened to me last week. It had been 10 years since we talked.).
5) Hold the door for someone, rather than running off on your way.
6) Remember those people we often forget about, but could not live without.
7) Always keep in mind, “Jesus is the reason for the Season.”
Father Backer
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November 20, 2011
The time has come. This weekend we say good bye to “And also with you,” and, “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again,” and a few others. These texts have been a part of our life for so long that those of us who do not remember the Latin Mass, have not known a Mass without them.
We will see how this transition will go. I have been praying that it will go well. The practice Masses that I had went well, but they were not very well attended. We have been talking about the changes for some time now. So over the next few weeks we will see how we do.
Change can be hard; harder if we do not agree with it. You may not agree will all of these changes, but I would ask that you give it a chance. As we struggle together to get the feel of the new text, it is my hope that it will increase our prayer.
For the first time in a long time, I am not wearing green at Mass. This week I am wearing white for “Christ the King” and after this week’s daily masses, for the next four weeks, I will be in violet for the Advent Season. Advent is a time to prepare, not just for all those Christmas parties, but to prepare ourselves to draw closer to God—to remember the gift of Jesus Christ, who has come into the world for us.
I find this time of year things start moving FASTER AND FASTER. Thanksgiving is becoming less of a time with family and more of a meal before “Black Friday” shopping. Some stores have announced they are opening at midnight (or even on Thanksgiving Day itself) taking employees away from family. Some stores are refusing to open earlier than 4 am, so that employees can have Thanksgiving with their family. Christmas stuff has been in stores for weeks already. Soon the airwaves will be filled with Christmas music.
As Hershey approaches her first Christmas, I am hoping to teach her to keep the focus on the meaning of Christmas. I am sure she will get a gift or two and be invited to a party or two. I need to figure out if she gets her own stocking or if she will inherit Mel’s old one (in hopes that she cannot read the “MEL” through the “HERSHEY”).
As your social calendar kicks into HIGH gear, try to remember those who are struggling, they will feel it even more at this time of year.
Father Backer
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November 13, 2011
This weekend we hear of the man who buried his one talent. How often do we do that ourselves? The parishes need the help of many people to function. We have many people behind the scenes who help things go smoothly.
I would like to thank both CCWs for helping to put together a wonderful lunch for the priests of the Deanery. This was my first time hosting a Deanery meeting and the lunch was enjoyed by all! I personally got warmed-up for Thanksgiving and stretched my stomach some. I was also ready for a nap after a meal like that!
Sometimes the talent that we have is in great need, but we bury it and do not let people receive the gift we have to share. Sometimes it is because the need for help is prominent and is not behind the scenes. I have asked people to consider lecturing and often find they are uncomfortable with reading in front of people. I was this way before seminary, I had to work on it because I knew, as a priest, I would need to do it. I hope to have another altar server training soon, I am hoping many of those 3rd graders who received their first communion last year will consider being trained.
Many of you may find yourself singing in the shower. Why not at Church? Many people say, “I cannot sing.” I truly believe that the most beautiful sound to God’s ear is ALL voices singing together—the good and the not so good. As a congregation, we are called to take part in the Mass, part of that is singing. I know one night at Marysburg we did not do well, but that very night I had Greg come forward and he is now helping us by accompanying us on the piano.
If you think you may be singing too low. I invite you to sing up in the choir loft Sunday morning at Marysburg, Patty will welcome you with open arms. I would bet that if you came a little early next Sunday and went up to the choir loft, you could rehearse with them for that Mass. If you would like to join in with the Nativity Sunday morning choir, talk to Lynn Kluntz. I believe their rehearsals are on Monday nights.
I would love to hear more and more voices. I have been seeing more and more faces at the Masses. Those of you (be it new to the parish or long time members) who have buried your talents, I invite you to dig them up and use them.
Fr Backer
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November 6, 2011
This weekend we have Memorial Masses at both parishes. November is a month to remember those who have gone before us. I have noticed that we are putting names into our Book of the Dead. In my prayers I have been remembering those whose names have been put into the book. These books will remain up for the month. Please feel free to add names when they come to mind.
I have put a guide to the new Roman Missal into the pews. I would like to invite you to look it over, it has the changes to the Mass text that will start in just a few weeks. Please feel free to look through it, but PLEASE LEAVE THEM IN THE PEW. They will be used at the practice Masses that are coming up. We had one last Friday. Your next chance to go to a practice Mass is Tuesday Night at 7:00 p.m. at Marysburg, or Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. at Nativity. I invite you to come and participate in this opportunity to practice the upcoming changes.
I wish to apologize to you about the preparations for this change. It was my hope that we would have started these practice Masses sooner. Then I could have helped everyone to be better prepared for these changes. I am praying that things will still go well. The first few weeks will be the hardest. As the daily mass people become familiar with the changes, they can help us on the weekends.
I have asked the choirs to practice before the Mass the next few weeks. If people want to say the rosary before Mass, I would ask that you start 15 minutes early for the Sunday Masses , so the choir can have 15 minutes before Mass.
Father Backer
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October 30, 2011
Last week I announced plans for a new parish directory. I have more information to pass on to you, so be sure to read the rest of the bulletin to see the dates and times when pictures are going to be taken.
I am hoping those of you who will be leaving for the winter will be able to get pictures done early. If the alternative dates shown do not work for you, let us know. We will set up a “backdrop” so we can take a picture of you at the offices, if need be.
It has been about five years since the last directory was done. Those of you with children have seen many changes in your kids in five years. Some have more kids! We have had some NEW parishioner registrations over this past year in both parishes. If you enjoy celebrating your faith with us, but have not yet registered as a member, I would like to ask you to do so and be a part of this directory.
There is never the “Perfect” time to schedule picture-taking. We needed to avoid Wednesday nights during CCD classes at Nativity, so you will notice that there are two Wednesday nights scheduled at Marysburg during CCD times.
You will receive a 20% Winter discount on any pictures you may order of your family.
Seniors and Military receive an addition 10% discount on any pictures ordered.
The parishes will receive an amount per sitting. It helps to have everyone one come in for a picture.
You may have your picture taken at either parish at any of the times available. But you will need to be clear what parish directory your family should appear in.
There will be two ways to sign up for a sitting, there will be sign-ups after Masses or you may call and sign up at 800-866-2263. Let them know what church you are with and when and where you would like to be photographed.
Book of the Dead
I am introducing “The Book of the Dead” to each parish to be displayed for the month of November. This will be a book for you to write in the names of those family and friends that have died. Please remember in your prayers those whose names are recorded in the Book of the Dead during November. We will be having the Memorial Masses in both churches on November 6th. The Book of the Dead will be another way of remembering throughout the month those, and others, who have died .
Father Backer
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October 23. 2011
This past Monday I put my “DoLores Backer Memorial Garden” to bed for the year. I cut down the rosebushes, packed them with leaves and covered them. I put hay over the area where I planted some bulbs to come in next spring. Mary went south for the winter (only about 20 feet south and a little east. She came in the house). I took the lights in and marked the garden so playing children do not run through the garden.
Seeing the garden done for the summer has only reminded me that Mom, like summer, is gone. I have received much joy working in the garden. Watching things take root and grow.
I have some great plans for next year (you may have noticed the whiskey barrels that I put out). However, none of this prep changes the fact that the garden must wait until next spring. Will everything come back in the spring? How well did I do with the garden? All the answers to my questions must all wait until Spring.
Just when I was feeling good about my garden, I had to pull back from it. What will I do this winter? Often times this can happen in our lives in different ways. Friends come into our lives and before we know it, we or they move away. We get the job of our dreams and business slows down. Seeing things in my garden dying only reminds me again of my grief.
I know that things will change again this spring, that things will start a new. However, that does not change the fact of how I feel now.
The changing of seasons remind us of the passing of time. As we get older, we are reminded that we are not getting any younger. How well do we use the time we have?
As you know, my plans for my vacation have changed a few times over the last few months. I am away this weekend and next. I will be back to say the holy day Mass for All Saints Day. Please keep me in your prayers that this will be a time of refreshment and rejuvenation, a time to relax and recharge.
Fr. Backer
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October 16. 2011
This past week I was e-mailed a wonderful statement about the upcoming text change in the Mass. I decided to use it here:
The fundamental meaning of the Mass will always be the same – it is the prayer of Jesus Christ to the Father. And the prayer of Jesus is always a prayer of self-gift—it is a constant assent to the will of the One who sent him. The Mass is a participation in this one, eternal “yes” of the Incarnate Son of God. At the Mass we are called to make this prayer of Jesus our own, a prayer of complete surrender in love. This is why the Mass is dangerous and challenging – when taken seriously, it will confront us and ask everything of us. But if we are willing to accept this prayer and to make it our own, then we will have life, and we will have it abundantly.
On the first Sunday of Advent this year, the words of the Mass are changing, but the meaning of the Mass is staying the same. The new words are meant to draw us deeper into this unchanging meaning, by bringing into greater focus the many references to the bible found in the Mass, by striving for a greater fidelity to the ancient languages of the Church, and by being ever more attentive to the rich theological expressions that have at times been forgotten in some of our current translations.
Our current translation, the translation of the Latin texts of the Mass, has served us well for the past 40 years. The call of the Second Vatican Council for greater use of the vernacular in the Latin Church’s worship has resulted in great good, among which is a deeper appreciation for the riches of the Scared Liturgy.
But after review, consultation, and much prayer, the Church has determined that we can do even better in our translation of liturgical texts, most important among which are the texts of the Mass. While the current translation utilized what has been called “dynamic equivalence,” the new translation uses “formal equivalence.” Whereas dynamic equivalence sought to express the basic meaning of texts, while allowing for paraphrases and even omissions of words and ideas found in the original Latin, formal equivalence seeks a more literal or precise translation. What is more, the new translation seeks to highlight the many scriptural references found in the original Latin text, references that in our current translation have at times been obscured or even eliminated.
Learning the new words of the Mass will take patience and time. But after several months of their use, they will become just as familiar to us as our current words. What remains to be seen, however, is whether we will use this time of preparation to grow in attentiveness to the true heart of the Mass – the prayer of Jesus. Are we willing to make this prayer our own? Will we let the eternal “Thy will be done” of Jesus be spoken by our lips, through active and conscious participation in the Mass? Let us pray that the answer is a resounding yes.
…What will be your response to the new text of the Mass? Chew on that.
-Fr. Backer
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October 9. 2011
Recently, I have been approached by different people with very similar concerns. The Gospel this weekend may give me a chance to address these concerns in the homily. If not, I want to address them here.
“Sacred Space” is a place set apart from all others for sacred use. Our worship spaces are sacred spaces—We are coming to spend time with God, to worship together and receive God truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. I believe we sometimes can forget this. We can come in and act the same as we did when we were in the parking lot. There should be a change; we are in the presence of Jesus Christ in the Tabernacle.
What time do we get to Mass? Do we come early to pray? Or, are we late to get there? (Every now and then this can happen. I am talking about when it happens all the time for us.) I have witnessed people getting to Mass when I am already giving the homily. Others leave at communion as if “I just receive Jesus; I got what I came for and now I am out of here.” I know a priest who once talked about leaving Mass early by saying “Who was the first person to leave the last supper?” Mass begins when the priest walks in and Mass ends when the priest walks out.
I would like to suggest that people leave their cell phones at home or in the car. If you cannot, and must have it with you, turn it off before entering the church (or at lease put it on vibrate). Over the last few months I have heard more and more cell phones going off at Mass. If your cell phone does go off, remember, hit any button without opening the phone. That should silence the phone to go to voice mail. (I did not know this for years.)
When we enter a sacred space, we should remember that people are praying and preparing for Mass. I have heard people walk in carrying on their conversation at a louder level than those in church praying the Rosary. Some people like to remain and pray after Mass too. Please try and remember to respect that.
We may have removed communion rails from our churches, but that does not make it open season on the Sanctuary. The Sanctuary requires an even greater level of respect. It contains the altar and Tabernacle. Children should not be running around the Sanctuary before or after Mass.
What happened to the “Sunday Best”? I do not expect everyone to be in dresses and suits. However, it should not go the other way either. What we wear should be respectful and dignified. Hats should come off before entering the church.
OK, this is a list of things that we should all remember. Now I do not think we have a major problem with any of them, however, I have witnessed all of them at one time or another.
Father Backer
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Oct. 2, 2011
“Why is someone counting all of us in the pews?” “Are we losing a Mass?” “Are they closing us?” —Relax! All parishes in the Archdiocese are being asked to count the number of people at the Masses for the first four weekends in October. This is part of an effort to put together the most accurate report to the Holy See for the Archbishop’s 2012 ad limina visit.
The Archbishop is required to make a visit to the Vatican every five years to report to the Holy Father. In this visit he gives a report on the state of the Archdiocese. Many things are reported, the number of priests, deacons, religious, the Catholics in the area, the Churches and schools, etc. I am sure this report will include a description of the changes made through the strategic plan that was put in place this last year.
This shows our connection to Rome. Just as I am held accountable to the Archdiocese and the Archbishop, so he is held accountable to Rome and the Holy Father.
So, relax, these numbers are just for that report. I am not keeping track of them or going to plan something. It does not matter if we have a bigger or smaller weekend. All parish numbers will be put together on the report. Once we report these numbers, we will be done with them. So relax and be counted.
On another note, fall is here! This past Wednesday we started our Joint Parish CCD program. Our confirmation program started the week before. I will be speaking to the confirmation students this coming Wednesday at Marysburg, I will be walking them through the Mass (speaking about the why we do what we do and the changes that are coming with the New Roman Missal).
Father Backer
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Sept. 25, 2011
You may have noticed that over the past few months we have been running a countdown in the weekly bulletin. This countdown is to the start of the New Roman Missal.
By now I had hoped to have some “Practice Masses” so we could run through the new text together. I had ordered some guides to help us; however, they sent us the wrong thing. We returned the wrong order and are still waiting for the new ones to arrive. Since all churches are making this change at the same time, they are a bit overwhelmed. As soon as these new ones arrive (hopefully this week), I will try to have a “Practice Mass.”
What to expect at a “Practice Mass”? Not sure myself, since I have never done before. There will not be reading or a homily, these things are not affected by the change. There will be no bread or wine, so no communion. Since it is not really a Mass, we are able to stop and do things again if we feel like we need to. So, as we start with “The Lord be with you,” if people stumble with, “And with your Spirit,” we can just do it a few times together.
This “Practice Mass” will also allow me to stop and explain things. Why we do what we do, or where it comes from? This may also give me a chance to address other things like when people say, “God’s Church” yet the text is “His Church”. These self-appointed changes in the text cause division not unity. I still have a few Thank You’s after receiving communion. I can understand where some of the thought comes from, but it leads to confusion. Also, there are some beautiful texts that the priest is to say inaudibly and this would give me a chance to share those with you.
Part of the reason for having a “Practice Mass” is to help all of you and me with the changes in what to say. Remember, only 4 weeks after the change will be Christmas and we will have a LOT of people who may not have even heard about these coming changes. It will be helpful to have weekly mass goers as strong voices for the new text.
I have two practice Masses on the calendar already. One will take the place of the next Joint Parish Council Meeting: Nov 8, 7:00 P.M. at Marysburg. The second one will be the next day with the CCD program: Nov 9, 6:30 P.M. at Nativity. See you then!
Father Backer
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Sept. 18, 2011
School has started, both parishes have had their festivals, we have had a few cooler days. OH MY, could it be that fall is here?? The passing of time is one thing we cannot stop. Why does it seem like summer takes forever to get here, then when it does, it is soon gone. I have started to think about putting my flower gardens to bed for the year. I have such great hopes for next year’s new growth.
The passing of time also shows in wear and tear. As announced last weekend, we are starting to raise the funds needed to replace the roof at Marysburg. The roof is showing it’s years and if we do not do something soon, we will be facing a much bigger problem. I have written to inform the Archbishop that we are moving forward with fundraising for this project. Since the work is not going to be done right now, there is no way of knowing the cost at the time of the work (as your bills go up, so do the churches). I have set the goal of $35,000. This should be close to what will be needed. As we get close to having the funds, we will be getting 3 firm bids for the work. At that time I will be writing the Archbishop for his approval (this is required because the cost is over $24,000). We are not off to a good start with only raising $100 last weekend, I am hoping this will change soon. I plan to come up with some way to keep you informed with how much is raised and how much is needed before we can move forward with the work.
Our joint CCD program will be starting soon. If you have a student coming to the program, we should have heard from you. If you are able to help with the program, I would invite you to contact the parish office or Jaci.
Father Backer
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Sept. 11, 2011
Have you ever heard about a “Flash Bulb Memory”? I know you have had them! A “Flash Bulb Memory” is an event that happens that you clearly remember for the rest of your life. For years the classic example of this was the question, “Do you remember where were you when Kennedy got shot?” On September 11 of 2001, we all had a new ‘Flash Bulb Memory’, the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
Children 10 and under do not have that sad day etched into their memory. So many lives were affected that day, directly and indirectly. As a way of remembering, I would like to share my ‘Flash Bulb Memory’ with you.
I was just starting my Junior year in Minor seminary. Fr. Perkl, the priest on my floor, was standing in the doorway of my dorm room. We were talking about something when one of the guys down the hall came out of his room and ran past us to the lounge saying, “A plane just crashed into the World Trade Center!” I clearly remember thinking that it was a little plane and that it was all an accident. Fr. Perkl and I walked down to the lounge together. When I saw all that black smoke, I knew it was no little plane. I did however still think it was all an accident. I believe a lot of people were thinking the same thing at that point.
17 minutes later, all of that changed when the second plane hit the second tower. It was clear that this was no accident. The guy from down the hall was going nuts, he has a military background and kept yelling, “WE ARE GOING TO WAR!” As reports started coming in about a plane crashing into the Pentagon, I started hoping this was all just a bad dream and that it was not really happening. But it was happening.
I remember being on campus and looking up, there was not a plane in the sky. There was a eery silence to that afternoon—a disbelief as you shared the news with someone who had not yet heard. I remember in the coming days asking Fr. DeGrood, a priest on staff, if he noticed any changes from his perspective as a priest on campus. He said he did. He said before, a lot of people would not make eye contact with him—as if they were ashamed or uncomfortable with a priest. He said the days following 9-11, he had more students make eye contact, give a little smile, and many even say hello. He said he felt that, as a priest, he sometimes feels like he makes people see the shame in their own actions. Yet at a time of great tragedy, as a priest, he can be a sign of hope.
It is hard to believe the day is now 10 years behind us. Yet, at any moment my ‘Flash Bulb Memory’ can bring me back to that day as if it were today. Take a moment to reflect, to remember, and to pray. May no one ever have to go through anything like that again.
Father Backer
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Sept., 4, 2011
I keep finding myself wanting to say “Thank You”. Here I am again wanting to say Thank You, to all who helped make my installation as Pastor such a wonderful event. I want to publicly thank Fr Chris Shofner, for being the Archbishop’s representative and for installing me. To Deacon George, who came all the way from Blaine to be with us. To both CCW’s for all their work, and anyone I may have forgotten. Thank You.
This weekend is Labor Day weekend, the office will be closed Monday for the Holiday.
Next weekend is the Marysburg Festival. I am praying we have a nice day for the outdoor Mass, I may even have something up my sleeve. You may want to come and see. It should be great fun.
Father Backer |
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