Missive

Next Sunday, September 13^th, is our Eucharistic Rosary Procession through the streets of Cashton.  Weather permitting, we will begin with holy Mass in the Sacred Heart Parking Lot.  There will be a section marked off for people to sit.  I’d ask that you bring your own chairs.  I’d also ask that families sit in groups so as to allow more room for people while observing the niceties of social distancing.  Cars will be able to park behind the seating area and we will be broadcasting the Mass on 100.3 FM.  Following holy Mass, the procession will form behind the servers, Eucharist, and statue of our Blessed Mother.  We will pray the rosary, sing hymns, and offer other prayers for the protection of our three parishes from the present pandemic, social upheaval, and all other evils.  The procession will end where it began with Benediction.

In the event of rain, Mass will be inside the church and we will broadcast the Mass and following prayers on the radio.  But the forecast is looking good (at the moment).

Processions such as this are an ancient way of dealing with times of trouble.  It is a demonstration of our love and confidence in God’s providence and care for us.  I hope that many, regardless of when they attend Mass this coming weekend will take the time to join us for this public demonstration of our faith.  Assuming Mass takes about an hour, we should be stepping off about 11:00 am.  We will process down Front Street to Wisconsin Avenue, turn onto that street over to Main Street and back towards Sacred Heart.  Those who cannot walk that far are invited to follow the procession in their cars, praying the rosary and lifting their hearts to God along with those who are walking.

For those who are unable to join us at Sacred Heart, I would invite you to join us in prayer from your home.  Starting at 11:00 am pray the rosary with us, in particular for the intention of an end to this pandemic, an end to violence in our streets, and against all present dangers and evil.

The greatest enemy in these times is not illness, violence, or even death; the greatest evil is that we allow these realities to take our eyes off Christ, and Him crucified.  Peter could walk on water until he noticed the wind and waves around him, and then he began to sink.  At least he had the presence of mind to cry out to God for help.  We too are conquerors in all things: AS LONG AS WE KEEP OUR EYES LASER FOCUSSED ON CHRIST!

“Who will separate us from the love of Christ?  Trial, or distress, or persecutions, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or the sword?  Yet in all this we are more than conquerors because of Him Who has loved us.”  (Romans 8:35, 37)