Diary of a Parish Priest

Altar Server Pilgrimage to St. John Neumann Shrine in Philadelphia

Some of our altar servers and several parishioners travelled with us on a trip to the Shrine of St. John Neuman in Philiadelphia. We encountered only a little rain on the way there and back and our bus driver found a parking spot right near the entrance to church and shrine. 

The basement church contains not only the mortal remains of St. John's body encased under the altar, but a museum housing artifacts and documents from St. John's life. As you may know, St. John began his priestly career as a diocesan priest, but later entered the Redemptorists before he was ordained bishop to serve the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. We were welcomed warmly by Redemptorist priest Fr. Harrison, who is a good friend mirabile dictu with Fr. McGowan. Fr. Harrison presented a talk on St. John's life and ministry and also welcomed us to the upper church. I think Fr. Harrison talked almost as much about Fr. McGowan as St. John Neuman! Father's warmth and sense of humor soon won the day over our server's reserve, sitting as they were in view of St. John's body. 

We enjoyed boxed lunches on the return bus trip and arrived home even a little ahead of schedule after a good day of learning more about our Catholic history and spirituality. 

 

Busy Week !

• At a meeting of the Building and Planning Committee, Fr. Manning presented the plans approved by the diocese to the members before they are posted on this construction blog. He read the letter of approval from the Building Commission and outlined the next steps directed by the Diocese.
• Our architect, James McCrery and his assistant are working on a color rendering of the interior of the approved design. The exterior designs and church footprint remain as submitted last year.
• Fr. Manning has met with three different local attorneys with particular expertise in zoning and planning. After a weekend of prayer and further advice, we will select our legal counsel. As you may know, John Brogan who facilitated the approval of our additional 25 parking spaces alongside the gymatorium has retired from the private practice of law.
• A number of parishioners have kindly agreed to serve on a small committee to interview and select one of four capital campaign companies recommended by the diocese to help us raise the remaning funds we need to complete construction. Roger Trendowski, our business manager, is coordinating interviews with representatives of these firms and their presentations to our selection committee.
• A committee is being formed by our Music Director, Dan Palko, to research and recommend plans for a church organ in the reconfigured worship space. One consideration is to replace the instrument used now for music in the gym with a suitable instrument which can then be moved to the new choir loft. It might then be used for a transition period until such time as a new organ is purchased, or serve as a suitable replacement for the organ we have now. Of course, the logistics of removing, refurbishing and re-installing our present organ will be investigated along with its associated costs.

As always, please feel free and invited to come forward and offer whatever talents you have in service of the people of God at Holy Cross.

Be sure to check our Construction Blog periodically for updates and look for a visual presentation of the plans in the church vestibule coming soon.