Dear Friends,
This weekend we welcomed back now Father Anthony Albanese who celebrated the Vigil Mass and joined us in the narthex for our First Weekend pretzels. It is wonderful to have Father Albanese here to celebrate Holy Mass and to share his joy in being ordained to the priesthood. We wish him every grace and blessing as he begins his priestly service at Saint Laurence Church, Highland Park.
Many of you have probably learned by now that Matt Kirsch, our Youth Ministry Director, is leaving Saint Eleanor. In Matt’s own words, “I have accepted a new position working for the Norristown Hospitality Center (NHC). …I have always been so impressed with the great work the NHC has done to serve those who are most in need. The NHC is planning on expanding its services over the next few years, and I have accepted a position as the Development Coordinator where I will be working on raising funds and recruiting volunteers to help fulfill the NHC's mission. I am looking forward to the new challenges that this career change will bring.”
We are most grateful to Matt for his twelve years of dedicated service here at Saint Eleanor, first in the PREP office, then overseeing our facilities before becoming our Youth Minister. Matt’s enthusiasm, hope, and commitment to the Faith shined forth in all his activities through the years. We wish him every blessing and success in this new endeavor.
As I write this column, the foundation work has been accomplished to move the Sacred Heart statue hidden in the corner to the center of the walkway to greet all those coming from the parking lot into the narthex next to the Chapel. Once the façade to the foundation and the top ledge is installed, the workmen will move the statue into place, clean and seal it as well as clean and seal the statue of our Lady. You will recall that Philip Westmeyer, for his Eagle Scout project, re-landscaped that entire entrance last Fall. Looking forward to seeing this work completed. It should be beautiful.
This weekend we celebrate Holy Trinity Sunday, a central and core belief of our faith in God. Next weekend, we look forward to Corpus Christi Sunday, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. This begins the second year of our national Eucharistic Revival with the emphasis being on parish celebrations and events.
After the 12 Noon Mass, we will conduct our annual outdoor procession, remaining local allowing folks to walk with the Blessed Sacrament. The plan is to process from the main doors of Church, down the driveway to Locust Street, turn left and walk along the sidewalk to Sixth Avenue, move to the driveway there and then back up towards Church for the outdoor Benediction. I pray that many of you will be present to participate in this great public witness of our faith in Jesus Christ, truly, really, and fully present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. There will also be a “cold treat” to share afterwards while you spend some time talking together.
Finally, mark your calendars and save the date Saturday, September 30 for the Archdiocesan Eucharistic Congress at Our Lady of Czestochowa Polish National Shrine, Doylestown. More details to follow.
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
