Last Sunday was such a joy-filled day as Sacred Heart Elmwood celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving as the high point of its year-long centennial observance.  But don’t forget that many events are still to come this year!  What a joy to have Father Varkey concelebrate the Centennial Mass and join in the festivities afterward.  He speaks so fondly of his time serving the Elmwood and Spring Valley communities and has great affection for you all!  At the conclusion of the Mass the Elmwood parishioners had the opportunity to thank him for 13 years of priestly ministry to them as well as Brother Michael Mandernach for his 60 years of religious life and collaboration with Fathers Becker and Varkey.  The Elmwood Village Auditorium was the perfect location for the many activities following the Mass.  There was an excellent turnout for the meal that was so delicious – Elmwood and Spring Valley parishioners along with many who returned home as well as our friends and neighbors from the Village and area.  Adults enjoyed bidding on the incredible variety of items on the silent auction and the kids had a blast with the children’s’ games.  Congratulations and thanks to the Centennial Committee for organizing such an enjoyable day and to all who worked so hard behind the scenes.  Special thanks to the Chair, Tim Bates, who worked so hard shepherding the whole planning process.

A good number of Elmwood and Spring Valley parishioners were present for the second part of the afternoon – the sinfully good cake and ice cream served in honor of the Silver Jubilee of my ordination to the Priesthood.  Deacons Ray and Dodge were outstanding in their clever “observations” about me as part of the anniversary program.  They really brought the house down with laughter!  It was a particular joy for me that my father, Charley, and my stepmother, Marilyn, were able to be present for the day.  They had a great time meeting and speaking with so many of you!  As I thank Elmwood for organizing such a great anniversary party, I also thank Boyceville for this weekend’s anniversary gathering.  Thank you to all of you for the beautiful cards, kind wishes, gifts, and prayers on the occasion of my anniversary.  Thanks, as always, for your many signs of support, encouragement, and affection!  Be assured that you are remembered daily in the celebration of the Mass and in my prayers.

            Over the next several weeks our parishes will be blessed with the presence of retired priests celebrating Masses of the Lord’s Day.  Please express your gratitude to these men who in retirement continue to generously exercise their priestly ministry in service of our spiritual needs!  Father Eugene Wolf comes to us from La Crosse while Father Dennis Lynch is making the long trek from the Stevens Point/Wisconsin Rapids area.  And recently-retired Father John Schultz is coming from Eau Claire.  Their presence affords me the opportunity to spend some time with my seminary classmate, Monsignor Bert Diaz, of the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas.  I leave for Brownsville on July 28 and return on August 21.  You may recall that last year Monsignor Diaz and I camped and hiked in the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado.  Our destination this year is California where we will be camping and hiking in several National Parks.  We may even visit a vineyard or two as long as we are there!  In my absence Deacons Ray and Dodge will assist you in your needs.  Upon my return from vacation I jump back into the Deacon Formation Program spending five days in prayer with the men who are preparing to be ordained for our Diocese in October.  Please keep these men in your prayers!
 
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!  Saint Luke, pray for us!
Very Rev. Kevin C. Louis, STL