Pastor's Notes
It is good to be back after being away on vacation, spending the majority of time with my mother and sister. As I write these notes, I wait for their arrival from Texas. My mother, sister and their dog Natalie Noel will be visiting for a week or so. While visiting, my mother will visit her various doctors and take some time to enjoy the scenery of Kentucky.
While away, I wanted to express my thanks to Fr.Pagano, Fr. Hehman and Fr. Tureman for their Pastoral and Sacramental care over these weeks. I also wish to express my thanks to Deacon Bennett for his pastoral care of the parish. In a fraternal and personal way, I wish to say how wonderful it is that Fr. Tureman, one of "our own", son of Clare Tureman and sister of Mary Layton is able to substitute for me when needed. Fr. Tureman now lives in Lexington as he has relocated himself a year or so ago, to be close to his mother and help her in various ways.
Liane Hinch and Lydia Carter, part of our new Catholic Daughters of America leadership just returned from Buffalo, NY at the CDA National Convention. Connecting with other Catholic Women from across America as well as attending conferences and seeking out opportunities and guidance for our own local chapter were many avenues traveled by these ladies. At the end of August we will commission our new officers at our 4 p.m Saturday evening Mass and we will thank our outgoing officers for all that they have done and continue to do.
There are many of you "out in the pew" who know someone who has thought about exploring or joining the Roman Catholic Church. I encourage you to "spread the Word" and be active participants in assisting these individuals and encouraging them towards our RCIA process. Terry Culross, Linda Clark and the entire RCIA team is here ready to assist and journey with these individuals over the next months.
We also welcome back Brian Walsh from his Summer vacation. It is almost time, believe it or not, that our Newman Center will be up and running. As many of you know, Brian committed to us at least three years of service as our Campus Minister. This begins his third year (and hopefully not his last -- no pressure Brian!) and throughout these past three years, he has developed and advanced the Newman Center through our Catholic Identity, connecting with the Students and making the Newman Center a place of fellowship and hospitality.
It is good to share that our school ministry is now under the guidance of Tim Weaver, Superintendant of School for the Diocese of Lexington along with Connie Fischer, who maintains the title of Principal/Lead Teacher. This move is a big relief for me -- as we continue to find many avenues and adventures in making our school, which has seen its struggles, move in the right direction. I look forward in working with them and as always, loving the opportunity to celebrate Eucharist with the children on Friday mornings and visiting the classrooms.
As usual, let me remind you that I am available to you in my office via email at FatherJim.Sichko@SaintMarkCatholicChurch.net or, in cases of an emergency (i.e., death or imminent need of the Sacraments), by phone at 859-623-2989, prompt #3.
See you in Church,
Fr. Jim