We're All on a Journey to Sainthood

The big news from this past month is that I finally needed to get glasses. I only need them for reading. I still have 20/20 vision in one eye and 20/30 in the other eye for seeing distance. However, my vision for seeing things close is starting to catch up with my age. It is a bit of a challenge trying to figure out when and how to wear them at Mass so I can see the printed words but also keep an eye on all of you. 

Fortunately, that is not all the news from these recent weeks. Our parish and the Diocese together recently hosted a very successful Bethany Brunch. This was an opportunity for young women to meet and listen to the stories of Religious Sisters. Thirty women attended the Saturday morning gathering. The Sisters also visited and spoke at a gathering at the Saint Thomas More Newman Center that is at the University of Wisconsin River Falls, our school, and the socials after this past weekend’s Masses. Many learned the difference between a Sister and a Nun. If you didn’t meet the Sisters and hear the answer to this question, you will need to wait until next year when we hopefully can host a similar set of events. (I know one can check AI for the answer, but that is not as fun as asking a Sister or a Nun.) One hint, both a Sister and a Nun are called Sister.

The committee working to bring a Catholic High School hosted their first prospective student gathering for prospective students and families. Solanus Catholic High School hopes to open its doors in the fall of 2027. For the first two years, or until the school outgrows the space, plans are to house the school in the upper level of the Saint Patrick School building where the library is currently located. The second phase will be to rent or lease a different space. Phase three would see the construction or purchase of a permanent home. It was encouraging to see twelve prospective students and their parents participate in this first public forum. They and others would make up the class of 2031, if they choose to attend. The inaugural class will be true pilgrims; they will have the opportunity to select the school’s mascot, have input regarding the school uniforms, and offer ideas for extracurricular activities and class electives. For more information, go to our website, https://solanuscatholic.org/. 

This weekend, over forty children are eagerly prepared to celebrate their First Reconciliation. They have been studying hard, learning about sin, God’s great gift of forgiveness, and the Act of Contrition. Please keep our kids in your prayers as they receive this Sacrament and then continue to prepare for their First Holy Communion in the spring. 

Several in our Hispanic community have also been preparing to receive Sacraments. We have a group of kids, adults, and parents meeting each week, learning about Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, and Reconciliation. During our Spanish Mass on the first Sunday in December, we will have several Baptisms and Confirmations. It is exciting to be a part of their journey in faith.

And that is what we are experiencing, the journey that so many are on. It is not only those discerning Religious Life or preparing to receive a Sacrament, we are all on a journey. Some days the journey can seem long and arduous; other days it is swift and smooth sailing. But for all of us the goal is to join those who we remembered and celebrated on the first Sunday of this month. For all of us, when asked what we want to be, the answer is one word: saints.