Thank you to our parishioners for continuing their financial generosity to St. Petronille Parish. 

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Questions, please contact Diane at

 makowskid@stpetschurch.org

January 19, 2020

Dear Parishioners of Saint Petronille,

Life

Over the course of the last year, we have had numerous threats to life manifest themselves.  We are certainly all aware of the corona virus, but, being locked up for months, we have also seen riots and violent demonstrations in Portland, Seattle, Washington, DC, and many other cities around the country.  We have experienced a great deal of discord and disgruntlement surrounding the election and a great deal of accusation on one side or the other.  Even locally, we have experienced people undermining service to a greater good for selfish reasons.

This week we celebrate the birthday of a man who fought for the civil rights of people persecuted for the color of the skin but being assassinated for the belief that God created all human beings with the same dignity.  In the same week, we remember the anniversary of our government failing to protect the most vulnerable of our society.  For the first time since its founding more than 5 decades ago, the March for Life in Washington was cancelled due to threat of violence from others.

There seems to be plenty of reason to despair…to get frustrated…in the very least to ask God what is going on.  Martin Luther King, Jr., said: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

I think of our parish.  During these last 10 months, we have spent our time helping those in need and taking the time for silent prayer to our Lord.  Our teachers have sacrificed to educate the next generation and families have gone out of their way to help.  We have done our best to bring hope to the dying and care to their families.  Has it been perfect?  No.  It hasn’t, but our priority has been the other and the Other.

Now, as we may be frustrated, confused and worried, we remember his words again: “We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now because I've been to the mountaintop... I've looked over and I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.”

Our goal is not earth but heaven.  Our lives here on earth are simply the means and not the goal.  Heaven is the goal and purpose of our lives, eternity with the Lord.  To get there, we allow the Grace of the total self-giving Lord to take complete hold of our hearts, minds and souls.  We will not be happy, certainly not eternally happy, until we do…and there is no trial or struggle here on earth that cannot serve to draw us closer to Love Himself.

Saint Vincent DePaul Drop Boxes

Unfortunately, due to a complaint from one of our neighbors on the North end of our parking lot, we had to remove the Saint Vincent DePaul drop boxes used for collecting clothing for the poor.  We apologize for any inconvenience this causes you, but we will plan to have a Saint Vincent DePaul clothing drive in the Spring.  We will keep you posted about the date of our clothing drive and any date in which we might be allowed to resume use of the dropboxes.

May Almighty God bless you and keep you.

Prayers.

In Christ,  Fr. Thomas Milota

Click here to read letters from Fr. Milota since the beginning of the COVID pandemic

Click here for more information or contact
Annemarie Coman at comana@stpetschurch.org

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040b4ba4a92ca6ff2-north

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