Monday Message, January 26, 2026
KNOW
Diocesan offices are closed today.
Pastors will receive this memo today. It includes a link to request Confirmation dates. Note: this link has been updated.
Deacon Chris Greer of Seton Collaborative fame will be in touch this week to see if you are interested in bulk purchasing books directly from publishers. Be on the lookout for his email. Publishers have already been told we are going to try this approach to save money.
If you are interested in pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree from St. Mary of the Lake, let Patrick know. More details are here. We are hoping to put a cohort together from the diocese to a) save money and b) let smart people study together.
At our parish check-in on February 10th, we will be joined by some guests to discuss the Pontifical Missions. Looking ahead, the Bishop will join us for our parish leader check-in on May 12th at 11 am. Just so you have plenty of time to prepare.
Speaking of parish leader check-in, we have one on Tuesday, assuming we are not all stuck underneath piles of snow. The link is here.
Have you seen the new learning path featuring MLK and his Drumline Major sermon? Check it out.
Ministry Day 2026 information and registration are now live. Check it out. We are really excited to have the secretary of the dicastery for communications with us all the way from Rome!
Please continue to invite your catechists to the days of reflection featuring Sr. Johanna Paruch. See details here (Saturday) and here (Sunday).
All Youth Ministry Leaders are invited to two listening sessions in the coming weeks. Read the memo here and email us to RSVP.
Ready for Lent – check out these great resources.
FROM THE FIELD
Jessica at St. Luke is looking for anyone hosting a Confirmation retreat between now and early April. Please email Jessica if you can help.
Every year, we have to report to the Vatican how many young people are enrolled in faith formation. We use the numbers in Parish Soft. If your numbers are not in PS by this point, they will not be added to the mix; we will look like liars, and we will tell everyone it’s your fault. Okay, not all of that is true, but for Pete’s sake, please update your records. This is where our count is today: 4k off last year, so either the children are disappearing, or data is missing.
Dr. Mike Carotta is offering parishes a busy person’s retreat in Lent. Information is here if you want to contact Mike about scheduling.
REFLECT
Assuming snow-ma-geddon has happened (I am writing this on Friday), please stay inside, stay warm, and pray for those without heat or shelter.
Heavenly Father, we turn to You today, bringing forth the plight of those who are unhoused, those without homes. We ask that You bless them with comfort in their discomfort, strength in their struggles, and resilience in the face of adversity.
May Your love envelop them, reminding them they are not alone or forgotten. Please provide them with hope, a hope that can pierce through the darkest nights and the harshest realities. Fill their hearts with courage to face each new day despite the trials they encounter.
Lord, we pray for those who extend a helping hand to those experiencing homelessness. Bless them with patience, compassion, and the resources needed to make a difference. Guide them as they strive to provide physical nourishment, emotional support, and a sense of community.
May those who are unhoused feel Your presence in their struggles, Lord. Let us show each other the love of Christ, so each may know they are loved and valued. Provide comfort during cold nights, strength during challenging times, and hope for a brighter future.
Amen.
LAUGH
