THE NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF May 21, 2007...
Provincial’s time Fr. MacDonald is in and out again this week. Please remember… Fr. Joseph Zerr, a member of the Franco-European Province, who died May 13. He was born in 1927, professed in 1946 and ordained in 1952. Fr. Mark Fortner, who suffered a heart attack on Sunday, May 20. He is at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, Wis. Fr. Joe Dean called to say that he visited with Fr. Mark and that he seemed to be doing well, though clarified that his was not a “medical opinion.” He did not have a room number for Fr. Mark because it was expected that he would be transferred to a different room today. The phone number for Bellin Hospital is 920-433-3500. Fr. Mark is registered under his civil name, which is “Francis Fortner.” Fr. Don Barnd, who is to have minor eye surgery this week. Happy anniversary! Fr. John Klingler celebrated his 40th anniversary of priesthood on May 20. Friends and SCJs joined the 37th Street Community for a celebration Mass and reception Sunday afternoon. Since professing his vows with the SCJs in 1963, Fr. Johnny has served in a variety of roles, including provincial superior and general councilor. He was a member of the Cheyenne River Reservation Pastoral Team for many years before returning to administration and working as personnel director for the province. Although retired for the past two years, his schedule remains as busy as ever. In the next SCJ News, there is an article that focuses on Fr. Johnny’s work at the Benedict Center in Milwaukee. “Some of these women have gone through some tough, awful situations, circumstances that we just can’t imagine,” he said of the clients he tutors at the center. “To see these women develop respect for themselves and choose a new path in their lives, that’s a joy for me.” Fr. Johnny is a member of the Benedict Center board of directors, as well as a volunteer at the center. He also does weekend ministry, celebrating Masses in Spanish and English, and helps with ministerial needs with the School Sisters of St. Francis. “There’s always something,” said Fr. Johnny. “Even in retirement it is easy to have a fully scheduled calendar.” St. Joseph’s receives award The Development Office at St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, SD, was recently given three awards from the New England Direct Marketing Association. For its Summer Midlevel Campaign, it received the Gold Award for Direct Mail Fund-Raising, the Gold Award for Best Print Production Technique and the Bronze Award for Best Integrated Fund-Raising Campaign. Speaking of development The three development offices in the province (St. Joseph’s Indian School, Sacred Heart League and the Hales Corners Office) have often been at the forefront of their industry. Recently, the Hales Corners office hosted the gathering of the NCDC Large Mailers (National Catholic Development Conference). The national NCDC meetings include development offices of all sizes and address issues that are common to all. However, large mailers have concerns that are sometimes different than their smaller counterparts. To further explore topics such as list acquisition, USPS standards and other large-mailer issues, approximately 10-12 large Catholic development offices meet to share ideas and discuss concerns. This year’s spring gathering was held at the Province Conference Center. Mission intention The Holy Father’s mission intention for the month of May: Seminary Teachers, that in mission territories there may be good and enlightened teachers for the major seminaries and institutions of consecrated life. Looking ahead The summer calendar is starting to fill. Dates to keep in mind: June 4-8 Provincial Election Assembly June 4 Final Vows, Frater Mark Mastin June 5 Mission-Sending Ceremony, Fr. Charles Bisgrove June 6 Installation of ministry of acolyte, Fraters Duy Nguyen and Greg Schill June 15 Feast of the Sacred Heart July 30, August 2 Provincial Council meeting (combined meeting with new provincial and council) July 31 - August 1 Provincial Conference August 4 Province Jubilees, Vow Renewals August 5 First Professions