St. Pius Catholic Church

     This coming Wednesday the Parish council will meet and elect officers for the coming year, and four newly elected members will be seated.  The new members are Mr. Dennis Carlson, Mrs. Chris Elsberg, Mr. John Justice and Mrs. Melanie Rice.  Those going off the Council are Mrs. Doreen Adlfinger, Mrs. Joanne Forlini, Dr. Joe Gilman and Dr. Betty Whitted.  Thanks to all who were willing to serve their parish and who ran for the Council positions, and congratulations to those who were elected.  It’s always sad to bid farewell to those whose terms are over, because over the years we’ve worked closely with one another and have formed a bond.  The four members leaving the Council have all been very active in the work of the Council and its Committees.  After the meeting we’ll have a party at the Rectory.  As is typical of the way the Council works, everyone will bring snacks to share at the transition celebration.  The Council’s success is a result of all its members being willing to share their time, their energy and their talents with each other for the benefit of St. Pius X Parish.
     Looking ahead a bit, Vacation Bible School, June 21-25, has only a few openings for certain ages.  Of course, there are always openings for volunteers to help with the week.  Mrs. Julie Nonnenmann, 793-7378 is in charge.  Also, on Wednesday, June 23, the Fr. Bader Scholarship Fund Committee will meet to award scholarships for the 2010-2011 school year at Jordan Catholic School.  The last day to get your applications in for this scholarship is Friday, June 18.  This scholarship fund is for the children of our own parishioners.  Please keep the Fr. Bader Scholarship fund in mind when you are planning your estate or writing your will.  More information is available from our parish office.
     Our summer intern seminarian arrived this last Wednesday.  Please introduce yourself to Mr. Scott Potthoff of Spring Valley, Illinois. He’ll be participating in many aspects of service while he is with us so that he gets a taste of what parish life is like from the viewpoint of the minister.  Keep Scott in your prayers that this may be a truly beneficial assignment for him.
     This weekend’s Gospel recounts the story of Simon the Pharisee who invited Jesus to dine with him in his home.  It reminds me of my three years teaching in Zambia, Africa, because the preeminent virtue in Africa is the virtue of hospitality.  It seems to me that we need to recapture that virtue for ourselves.  We Christians in America talk a lot about community, but it’s very easy to live lives of isolation from one another.  The new resident on the block who is never welcomed; the next door neighbors who never speak; the person who feels awkward asking someone across the street for assistance because they’ve never even greeted each other; are all signs of the need for this virtue.  One of the blessings of summer is that it’s a great time to show hospitality to those around us.  May the example of Simon the Pharisee inspire us all.       
                                        Mike Schaab, Pastor