THE NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF January 7, 2008...
Provincial’s time Fr. Tom Cassidy leaves this afternoon for Sturgeon Bay, Wis., where he will have lunch with Fr. Guy Blair tomorrow. As noted below, Fr. Guy was named “Person of the Year” by the Green Bay Press Gazette for his work with the homeless. Fr. Cassidy returns to the office on Wednesday and will be in town for the rest of the week. Person of the year Congratulations to Fr. Guy Blair, who was named “Person of the Year” by the Green Bay Press Gazette. In the article announcing the award, reporter Terry Anderson wrote “As nominees were reviewed, the underlying question remained: Did this person do something more than dominate headlines for a week or a month? Will their impact last beyond the moment? “One person stood out — the Rev. Guy Blair, a priest at St. John the Evangelist Church, who, as winter neared, made it clear he was prepared to defy city officials to care for an underserved segment of Green Bay’s homeless population. “Eventually, with the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay openly supporting Blair and with an agreement to make some program changes, city officials relented and approved operation of a new homeless shelter at St. John’s through this winter. “’Because of Rev. Blair’s persistence, Green Bay can be assured that, for at least this year, it is not necessary for any man, woman or child to sleep outside at night in the cold,’ Jean Sullivan of Green Bay said in her nomination letter.” Transitions Patrick Thompson has relinquished his duties as director of the Province Development Office in Hales Corners. The SCJs thank him for his many years of service. Fr. Jan de Jong is now a member of the Sacred Heart Monastery community. He began duties as president-rector of Sacred Heart School of Theology on January 1. Fr. Pat Lloyd is now a member of the Villa Maria community in Franklin, serving on the support staff. Fr. Bob Naglich has joined the SCJ community in Nesbit, where he will serve as part of a ministerial team. Fr. Tim Gray has left Our Lady of Guadalupe in Houston to begin a year-long sabbatical, some of which he hopes to spend ministering in South America. His address now: 1335 St. John’s Sideroad E., Aurora, Ontario L4G 3G8 Canada, 905-727-4214. Fr. Yvon Sheehy was installed as the new pastor of St. Martin of Tours parish in Franklin, Wis., by Milwaukee’s new auxiliary bishop, Bishop William Callahan. The ceremony took place Saturday, January 5. Fr. Tony Russo was honored Sunday, January 6, at St. Martin of Tours, for his years of service as pastor of the parish. He is now on sabbatical. Fr. Thi Pham is now director of the Province Vocation Office. He moved from Mississippi to the 37th Street community just after Christmas. Prayer intentions The Holy Father’s prayer intentions for January: General: That the Church work for full, visible unity that better manifests a community of love which reflects the Blessed Trinity. Missionary: That the Church in Africa, preparing for a special Synod, may be an instrument of reconciliation and justice. Birthdays Those celebrating birthdays in January include: Fr. Leonard Tadyszak (86) and Fr. Mike McMillen (66) on Jan. 5, Fr. Tom Westhoven (67) and Fr. Rein van Leeuwen (79) on Jan. 9, Fr. Don Barnd (86) on Jan. 19, Fr. Ralph Intranuovo (71) and Fr. Paul Vernoy (68) on Jan. 20, Fr. Bernie Rosinski (74) on Jan. 22, and Br. Andy Lewandowski (74) on Jan. 26. The 2008 Days of Celebration and Commemoration (birthday calendar) is being mailed with today’s Fridge Notes. Please remember… Santa Reid, the niece of Fr. Ralph Intranuovo, who died. Fr. David Maher, who is being treated for Leukemia. Fr. Ken Mitchell, who is recovering from a broken arm. His current address: 10501 Roosevelt Blvd. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33716. Fr. Joannes Vranken, a member of the Dutch-Flemish Province, who died December 17. He was born in 1926, professed in 1949 and ordained in 1956. Fr. Charles Gibson, a member of the Franco-European Province, who died December 28. He was born in 1931, professed in 1952 and ordained in 1958. Fr. Geoffrey Raymakers, a member of the Dutch-Flemish Province, who died January 1. He was born in 1930, professed in 1954 and ordained in 1959. From 1961 to 1998 he served with the English-Canadian Province (now a part of the Canadian Region).