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July 15, 2020
+ Feast of St. Bonaventure
Dear Friends in Christ,
I hope this midpoint of summer finds you well as we continue to navigate in unchartered waters. My heart and prayers continue to go out to all those affected by COVID-19 – those who have died, those who suffered ill health, those who have lost loved ones, those who have lost jobs or are struggling with financial hardship, those who suffer injustice of any kind and those who are struggling with anxiety, fear or loneliness. It is critical that Catholics walk in solidarity with all of our brothers and sisters who are hurting at this time.
With the exception July 25, which will include a 5 p.m. Saturday evening Mass to celebrate our Fluer de Lis Award winners, we will continue with our two weekend Mass schedule throughout the summer, as demand has not yet necessitated adding more Masses. The 10:00 a.m. Mass will continue to be livestreamed. Please note that Archbishop Hebda has continued his suspension of the Sunday obligation in this archdiocese. I am most thankful to all of the volunteers who are serving in a variety of ministries related to the weekend Masses. Your presence and your gifts are most welcome and appreciated.
Congratulations to our 2020 Fleur de Lis Award winners and our Pope Francis award winner. The FDL award is given to those who exemplify extraordinary commitment to Our Lady of Lourdes and the Pope Francis award is presented to those who demonstrate extraordinary service to the poor and marginalized. The 2020 FDL award winners are: Fred Schilling, Julie Ditter, Nancy Casey and Marie Trepanier.
The 2020 Pope Francis Award will be presented to Mark Ditter. All of our 2020 award winners are most deserving and all manifest servant hearts and generous spirits. The awards will be livestreamed at the conclusion of the 5 p.m. Mass and the presentation will be taped and uploaded to our parish website and sent out on our parish platforms. Congratulations to all and much thanks!
I have a double dose of happy news to announce - I am pleased to announce that Marshall Collier will be joining the Lourdes team August 1, 2020 as our new Director of Public Safety. This is a working title that may be adjusted in the future. Marshall is a man of uncommon grace, competence and compassion. He is beloved of the Lourdes family who appreciate so much the light that he manifests in his personal interactions and relationships. After a successful career, Marshall retired from the Minneapolis Police Department earlier this summer.
In addition, Michael Rainville, long-time parishioner whose family ties to Lourdes stretch back generations, will join the Lourdes team August 1, 2020 as our new Director of External Relations. Michael will do what he does best and so effortlessly – build relationships and bridges between the community of Our Lady of Lourdes and our broader community. Michael and Marshall, who are friends, will work together strategizing the best ways to foster friendship and flourishing within our Lourdes family and among the important relationships with our neighbors.
Lastly, we will soon announce a new series that will take up critical issues of justice in Minnesota and beyond. This speaker series will be livestreamed and will be extended to our neighbors to participate. It will be informative, restorative and dialogic in format and will be aimed at addressing critical issues of justice in a way that promotes the common good of our community. Stay tuned for more details about this important and exciting initiate at Lourdes.
Be well, be safe and know of my gratitude for you, your faith and your continued commitment to Our Lady of Lourdes. Always remember that God loves you!
United in Christ,
Fr. Daniel Griffith