Weekend Wisdom, April 30th, 2023
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We have plenty to celebrate today! We continue to rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus on this Fourth Sunday of Easter. In addition, today is also Good Shepherd Sunday and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
At Mass today, we hear Psalm 23 which begins, “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” Our Gospel Acclamation is, “I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.” And in today’s Gospel, Jesus says “I am the gate for the sheep… Whoever enters through me will be saved…”.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down his life for us, his sheep. In a similar way, priests and bishops dedicate their lives to shepherd God’s holy people in our parishes and dioceses. Many thanks to Fr. Mike and Fr. Ben! This weekend, let us pray for increased vocations to the priesthood. Let us also pray for all seminarians, especially for Nathan Budde who is member of St. Mary’s Parish!
When we hear the word ‘vocations’ in a church setting, many of us automatically think of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. It is important to remember that all of God’s people are called to a vocation. A document from the Second Vatican Council called Lumen Gentium (which means, “the light of the nations”) states the following: “Every member of the Church is called to holiness. This means we are called to love: to love God and to love each other. The particular way that you live out that call to holiness is your vocation.”
Vocations include single life, married life, religious life, and the clergy (deacons, priests, and bishops). As a permanent deacon, my vocation includes my lifelong commitment to my wife Lynn and being part of the clergy. It is often said that deacons have a foot in both worlds, they are a part of the clergy, but they often have families and secular jobs.
On May 18, I will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of my ordination to the diaconate. After my initial assignment at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish in Green Bay, I have been blessed to serve our two parishes for the past five years. I thank God for the countless blessings I have received by serving as a deacon. By the way, if you, or someone you know is discerning a vocation to the diaconate, I would be happy to answer any questions. It is a very fulfilling vocation, and our priests would welcome the help! :-)
May God bless you and your family,
Deacon Mark
