January 23, 2009
Around the Diocese
Answered prayers
“If you listen closely to our prayers of petition each week, you hear us praying to God for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life,” writes Father Tony Ernst, pastor at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Haubstadt, Holy Cross Church, Fort Branch, St. Bernard Church, Rockport, and St. John Church, Daylight.
“In addition to this, we have started our Vocation Chalice Program, which invites a family to take the special chalice to their home each week and offer prayers for vocations. For years, we have also observed the tenth day of each month as Vocation Prayer Day. Our prayers are being answered!!!”
In January, Haubstadt parishioner Tyler Tenbarge entered into the formation program at Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary on the campus of Marian College in Indianapolis. He is the son of Susan and Mark Tenbarge.
“While the seminarians attend classes with the other students at Marian College, they live together off campus and spend time in prayer and formation.
“The Archdiocese of Indianapolis started this new seminary several years ago and it has already proved to be a great blessing. We currently have four men studying there from our diocese, one of whom is Chris Droste from St. James parish.”
Parish manager
Judy Sonderman is now the parish manager at Precious Blood Church, Jasper, according to Father John Breidenbach, pastor. “She manages the parish employees and most other parish operations which allows me to devote most of my time as the parish’s spiritual leader, a priest, fulfilling my primary role to preach and preside over the sacraments.”
Happy Birthday!
Deacon Michael Helfter of Holy Family Church, Jasper, celebrates his birthday Feb. 3.
Anniversariesof ordination
Msgr. Clinton Hirsch, a retired priest of the Diocese of Evansville, was ordained to the priesthood Feb. 2, 1945. He resides at Holiday Village, 1200 W. Buena Vista Drive, Room 128, Evansville, IN 47710.
Father Raymond Reising, a retired priest of the Diocese of Evansville, was ordained to the priesthood Feb. 2, 1945. He resides at 7206 Bayard Park Dr., Evansville, IN 47715-4319.
Martin County anniversaries
Congratulations to couples in Martin County parishes who are celebrating January wedding anniversaries:
• St. Mary Church, Shoals: Bill and Barbara Shaw, 55 years;
• St. Martin Church, Whitfield: John and Ann McAtee, 54 years; Arvin and Ruth Sellers, 44 years;
• St. John Church, Loogootee: Bob and Jane Prather, 57 years; Jim and Wilma Bateman, 53 years.
Happy Birthday!
Michelle Jarboe, CRE at St. Ferdinand Church, Ferdinand, celebrates her birthday Feb. 1.
Corresponding
“Our youth group has been corresponding with the troops at Camp Virginia in Kuwait for a long time now,” reports Shirley Jeffers, youth minister at St. John Church, Loogootee.
“We send letters of support and many care packages. We try to send what they need and include candy, gum and other goodies they can enjoy.”
She offered a letter from a soldier in Kuwait: “My unit has been here in the Middle East for 15 months, although I have only been for about seven. We all appreciate the thoughtful support of you, your friends, and the many other Americans who send letters, packages and good wishes. It makes the time over here worth it!”
Diocesan Hispanic Ministry Advisory Board
A diocesan board for Hispanic Ministry will begin meeting on February 7, according to Bene-dictine Sister Karen Durliat, diocesan director.
“Initial membership will be made up of representatives from the five parishes where there are weekly Masses in Spanish in the diocese.
“This board will help to set the future direction of the outreach of the Guadalupe Center at the diocesan level. At the first meeting parishes will share their welcoming and integration activities. The board will then set priorities for the next two years.”
Sister Karen said board members will be chosen by pastors, and will be announced in late January.
58 years
Congratulations to Bob and Ina Cardinal, parishioners at St. Philip Neri Church, Bicknell, as they celebrate their fifty-eighth wedding anniversary.
Ceremony of blessing
“The day has finally arrived,” writes Father Timothy Ten-barge, pastor at St. Anthony Church, St. Anthony, and Sac-red Heart Church, Schnellville.
“After more than two years of anticipation and patiently waiting, and with only a limited number of items still to be completed, the parish [of St. Anthony] will begin again celebrating Liturgy in the church on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 10 a.m.
“Bishop Gettelfinger will preside at the chapel (school cafeteria) that morning for presentations and preliminary rites after which everyone will process to the newly renovated worship space.”
A reception will follow. “During this time, there will be a picture presentation of renovation efforts and activities before, during and after the fire.”
In 2006, a fire extensively damaged the Dubois County building, and since that time it has undergone extensive renovation.
Father Tenbarge said, “Febru-ary 1 will be a grand and glorious day for the faith family of St. Anthony Parish due to the efforts and prayers, the patience and persistence of a great many people.”
Please send information for AROUND THE DIOCESE to Mary Ann Hughes, The Message, P.O. Box 4169, Evansville, IN 47724. The e-mail address is mhughes@evansville-diocese.org.