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June 2007 Issue
Bishop's column
| There
are many reasons for celebration as we begin the summer
season in beautiful West Michigan. Our diocese has long
been a tourist destination area, especially along the
Lake Michigan shore. For those of us who live here, the
entire region offers us, in all the seasons, wonderful
opportunities for rest and recreation, as well as for
family outings and enjoyment. |
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There are vibrant parish communities throughout
the diocese ready to welcome the infl ux of visitors, so that
individuals and families can incorporate the practice of their
faith and participation in Mass while they are here among
us. Most Catholics by now have heard of the shortage of priests,
but I am happy to say that we are still able to provide full
sacramental service to visitors and locals alike. We are especially
blessed in this regard with the recent ordination to the priesthood
of three young men for service in the diocese. They will join
the rest of our priests and all the deacons, Sisters, and
pastoral ministers who attend to the spiritual needs of our
people, as well as our visitors. We should not overlook or
forget that, particularly in the summer season, we have special
visitors besides tourists in our diocese.
These are the migrant workers who harvest
our fruit and vegetable crops, especially along the lakeshore
areas. They live a hard life. While we and others may enjoy
a vacation during the summer, they are here for tiring labor.
They also face the diffi culties of language and cultural
adjustments. We have a number of priests and pastoral ministers
to serve them, but I hope everyone can welcome them and make
them feel at home for the time they are here. They, in turn,
give us a strong witness of faith and of warm family bonds.
Father’s Day in June, as with Mother’s Day in May, reminds
us of what it takes to keep families strong and healthy. The
practice of our faith is the foundation of any family’s wellbeing.
The example that parents give, the prayer
they are able to share, the loving attention they give to
one another and to all the family members – these provide
a powerful environment for individual families to thrive and
for the parish family to fl ourish. So, enjoy the summer God
gives us. If you are able to have a break with your friends
or families, fi nd a parish community nearby where you can
worship and meet new friends. Check our diocesan Web site
(www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org) for parish contact information.
Have a blessed summer!
- Bishop Walter A. Hurley is the
11th bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
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