THE NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF October 1, 2007...
Provincial’s time Fr. Tom Cassidy is doing a visitation at Villa Maria on Monday and Tuesday. Thursday, he leaves for South Dakota, where he has a visitation through the weekend. He hopes to squeeze a CMSM regional meeting in October 8-9 before heading to Pinellas Park for a visitation there. Welcome! As many of you know, Barbara Taylor, long-time administrative assistant at the Provincialate Offices, retired last week. Moving into Barb’s office is Lisa Brahm. “What a great first week,” she wrote. “I come to the Priests of the Sacred Heart with over 16 years of experience as an administrative assistant; I have always worked for large corporations where I supported hundreds of workers. I am very excited about this change and look forward to working for the SCJs for a very long time. “A little history –– I am happily married to my husband Doug, 11 years running. We have two children, Samuel, nine, and Emily, four. I am a Milwaukee city dweller as my husband is a police officer for Milwaukee. We attend St. Matthias church, where our children attend Christian formation classes. Since completing the RCIA program in 1995, I have been an active volunteer at St. Matthias. Some of my favorite things to do are volunteering at our church and school, but I also enjoy quiet time to play puzzles.” Lisa’s e-mail is the same as the one Barb Taylor had used: provadm@poshusa.org. Her direct phone line is 414-427-4261. Generally, you will also get her when calling the main number at the Provincialate. If you are in the area, stop by and say “hi.” Please remember… John Kasparek (senior), the father of Fr. John Kasparek, a former SCJ. Mr. Kasparek died September 28. Fr. John is now a priest for the Diocese of Palm Beach. Lucas Francisco Kistner Costa, a member of the Central Brazilian Province, who died September 26. He was born in 1984 and professed in 2006. Br. Cláudio Mallmann, a member of the South Brazilian Province, who died September 27. He was born in 1919 and professed in 1939. Updates Fr. Jerry Clifford jrcscj@sbcglobal.net Happy birthday! Happy birthday to Fr. John van den Hengel, who celebrates his 68th birthday today. Others with birthdays this month: Br. Lyle Hennen (62) and Fr. Ed Zemlik (50) on Oct. 3, Fr. Tony Russo (69) and Fr. Bob Naglich (52) on Oct. 4, Br. Leonard Zaworski (65) on Oct. 8, Fr. Peter Mastrobuono (68) and Fr. Adrian Visscher (77) on Oct. 10, Fr. Tom Cassidy (65) on Oct. 13, Fr. Mike Burke (70), Fr. Bill Pitcavage (65), Fr. Paul Reid (64) and Br. Dieudonné Tchouteu (45) on Oct. 14, Fr. Maurice Légaré (53) on Oct. 15, Br. Tim Murphy (70) on Oct. 19, Fr. Bob Bossie (70) on Oct. 23, and Fr. Richard Johnston (75) on Oct. 27. Rome, part two Br. Frank Presto is back from his days in Rome, where he attended a workshop for provincial secretaries. Last week, we featured his first impressions. This week, Br. Frank reflects on the rest of his time in Rome: “Two of the last three days continued plying on the information that is part of the job,” he wrote. “Some of it concerns vital statistics which I need to relay on a timely basis – so if I bug you about statistical data, be aware it is not just me who needs the data. Other areas continued to concentrate on how the provincial secretary ministers to all the members and why. “Thursday was perhaps the most difficult day. An expert from the Vatican described what occurs when various petitions for separation are forwarded to that office. Much of the discussion was very legalistic but appropriate. It was a strong reminder of the need to be caring and compassionate and yet ruthless in the drive to obtain the necessary documents and statements. “Of course, I did not spend all my waking hours in meetings. I toured Rome on my own with a sense of confidence after Bernie’s instructions on using the bus system and Metro. I admit to getting lost at least three times as I turned the wrong corner or went in the opposite direction. Sometimes that was a hassle, other times I discovered opportunities not listed on the typical tourist paths (The Museum of Musical Instruments by the Church of the Cross of Jerusalem was fascinating, even if I could not read/understand the placards). “I find myself with a different perspective on my current responsibilities. As I interacted with the folks in the meeting and in the refectory, I realized the congregation is going to be changing over the next decade as our confreres in the southern hemisphere undertake more responsibility and leadership. “I value Rome (although not the strange building codes or unusually obnoxious ambulance sirens) and the sense of history it contains. While it does provide an interesting foundation, we do move forward with each breath we take. I hope we create a legacy which will endure for the centuries.” Calendar The theme for the annual vocation calendar will be chosen later this week. If you have any last minute ideas, please contact Fr. Yvon Sheehy ASAP. You can e-mail him at: yasheehy@excite.com or call him at the vocation office.