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Pastor’s Letter: October 18, 2026

Dear St. Philomena Parish Family,

Blessings to you all this weekend! I hope everyone is well—this past week at St. Philomena has been another one full of blessings and reminders that we are a true family here! Masses, Confessions, OCIA, Manna, Finance Council, Long-term planning committee, marriage prep, weddings, funerals, and time spent with students—what a wonderfully grace-filled week it has been! Although each of these is an important part of our parish life, perhaps my favorite thing this week—the commissioning of our new 5^th grade altar servers. I am so edified by the enthusiasm of our young people to serve the Mass—to be there close to the altar where Jesus becomes present. Although it is sometimes a lot of details for young minds to remember, I appreciate very much their willingness to stretch themselves in service of our parish. Please pray for our new servers as they begin assisting at daily Masses and work their way up to the weekend Masses!

This week, we continue with Msgr. Gray’s Book Study…and I find it fits well with my upcoming schedule!

Treasure in Clay: The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen…Chapter 13

As Msgr. Gray observes, “Celibacy and marriage are different vocations but both focused on love. How did Sheen explain this truth? Does the world today understand this truth? Would Sheen support those today who call for the ordination of married priests? Sheen described the fruits of celibacy not as a fruitless and arid emptiness but as a greater and joyful union with God. Explain this insight. Why are priests who leave the priesthood to get married often unhappy? In the last paragraph, what is the connection between the recognition of God and our own sense of unworthiness?”

Answers: The celibate and the married person are both called to love. The celibate loves God immediately while the married person loves God mediated through the spouse. For those who are called, celibacy is a..