A decision has been made… we now have a name for our new building. After discussion with the Parish Council, the parish staff, and asking for parish ideas, I was left with a list of 20 good options for a name for the new building. The one that made the most sense to me was the simplest, “Borromeo Center.” We’ll call it that. Architects and engineers are moving ahead with plans. Once the plans are complete we will ask for construction bids and then diocesan approvals. Our hope is to begin construction in the late summer or early fall.
This weekend we celebrate a World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The Church needs clergy in order to provide sacraments. We need vowed religious who serve the Church while witnessing to the world in poverty, chastity and obedience. Vocations of marriage and family life are the backbone of our society and our Church. And the call of a vocation to a myriad of other ministries… healthcare, teaching, caregiving, work with the poor… are ways in which God calls people to serve others and build the Church. St. Charles currently has a young man, Austin Roy, who is in formation in Vermont for priestly ordination with the Carthusian order. We also have our two transitional deacons, Sam Martinez and Noah Isch, who will be ordained priests on June 6. Beyond that our parish has no one else in seminary or in formation for religious life. We continue to offer prayers that young men and women in our parish will hear the call to these vocations.
Join us at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening, April 28 in the Bride's Room if you would be interesting in becoming a volunteer visitor for parishioners who are in assisted living or nursing care. If you have a talent for visiting, we will pair you with a person who would love to host you.
It is exciting to see the news of Pope Leo’s travels in Africa. I have been surprised to find that he is visiting some very impoverished and war-torn parts of that continent. He is following in the steps of Jesus, who lived in a violent and impoverished land. Jesus has Good News for the poor.
