September, 2019

New Assignments and a Prayer for Safety

Dear Co-Redemptorist,

Fr. John Schmidt, C.Ss.R.

September usually signals a return to routine after summer break. Children are back in school and we pray for their safety after a violent summer. Recently several mass shootings happened in a span of a week: Gilroy, CA, El Paso, TX and Dayton, OH. This tragedy violates our values and the Christian gospel that speaks of love of God and neighbor. We pray for the families and communities and we ask God’s wisdom to help us speak out to end violence and bring peace to our country.

On another note, September 1 is also an important day for Redemptorists moving to new assignments. We move every four years and that’s difficult since we settle into a place and build relationships. Moving makes us anxious because we leave the familiar, but we do it so we can meet the needs of Mission and enrich the evangelization of God’s people. On St Alphonsus’ feast day (August 1), Fr. Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R., Superior General, wrote about the need for conversion: ”not only conversion from sin, but much more importantly conversion to the will of God and to the practice of the love of Jesus Christ.” Fr. Brehl says conversion means that we are open to the Spirit’s prompting and, reading the ‘signs of the times,’ we respond with greater missionary energy to bring the Gospel to all, especially the poor and those at the edge of church and society.

As we begin these new assignments, please keep our young men in your prayers:
Fr. Chung Tran—Grand Rapids, MI;
Deacon Huy Vu—Minneapolis, MN
Frater Thien Hoang—Theology program, San Antonio;
Jose Montoya and Steve Urban—Novitiate, Lima, OH;
Scott Partin and Brandon Biagioli—Formation residence, Bronx, NY

I hope Fr. Michael’s message will help us in these anxious times. It reminds us to remain rooted in the work of the Gospel which preaches the love and peace which God’s kingdom establishes on Earth. May we help bring this peace to fruition by loving others.

Thank you for your past support, and as you plan your almsgiving for 2019, please include the Co-Redemptorist Association in your regular giving plans.

In Christ the Redeemer,
Father John K. Schmidt, C.Ss.R.
Director, Co-Redemptorist Association

P.S.: Have you considered including the Redemptorists in your estate plans? Through your stewardship, you share in our many Redemptorists ministries. Will you join us on this final journey of Faith? Jim Ruybal, the Director of Redemptorist Mission Advancement, is available to discuss a special legacy gift that can continue the Redemptorists’ work beyond your lifetime. Send him an email, or call at 303-726-0839.