Hosting visitors to the US
As noted previously, Fr. Stephen Huffstetter, general councilor, hosted Fr. Luca Zottoli, general treasurer, along with his assistant, Aldo Ivaldi, and Fr. Jesús Valdezate, a member of the General Finance Commission, for a visit to the United States. The focus of the visit was on development methods in the province, but it was also a time for the visitors to learn about a few of the ministries here, as well as see sites such as Mount Rushmore and the Badlands.
Fr. Steve shared a few days from his journal on the province blog:
“Our tour of the St. Joseph’s Indian School Donor Care Center absolutely amazed our guests,” wrote Fr. Steve. “They could not believe the vast numbers of people the school can reach personally, and were impressed with the philosophy of relationship building with the donors. Kody Christianson, the center’s director, gave us a history of the center and an overview of how it is developing. Geri Beck, who leads planned giving and major gifts, spoke of how her staff hosts visitors and meets with individuals across the country.
“The staff makes many calls each day, the majority to say ‘thank you,’ and speak with new donors to provide basic information about the school and programs. They also try to call donors to wish them a happy birthday, or follow up on prayer requests to see how folks are faring. While our visitors put on earphones and listened in on some of the conversations staff have with donors, I wandered around the office talking and reconnecting with our staff. We ate lunch with them. Besides the chance to update them on our work in Rome, I took the opportunity to thank the staff for their dedication and service to our donors.”
Click here to read the full entry on the province blog.
Retreat reminder for SCJs
Information about the 2017-2018 Dehonian Retreats was sent to SCJs in North America last week. “Open Hearts: An SCJ Retreat / Coeurs Ouverts: Une Retraite Dehonienne” will focus on five themes of the Dehonian charism and Rule of Life: (1) Fr. Dehon’s faith experience, (2) Oblation, (3) United in the love of Christ, (4) Prophet of love and servant of reconciliation, and (5) Fr. Dehon’s social spirituality. The retreat will be offered both in the US and Canada.
The first retreat option will be August 13-19, 2017, at Queen of the Apostles Retreat Center in Mississauga, Ontario, just west of Toronto. In the United States the retreat will be held May 6-12, 2018, at the Siena Center in Racine, Wisconsin (about 30 minutes south of Milwaukee). SCJs in the US and Canada are welcome to attend either retreat.
There will be a third retreat August 5-12, 2018, for those in formation and their directors. This will also be at the Siena Center in Racine, Wis.
All SCJs in North America are asked to commit to one of the retreat dates by July 12, 2016 (a week from today). It may seem early, but firm numbers are needed in order to reserve the retreat centers.
Click here to register for one of the retreats.
Click here to access the invitation letter.
Please remember
+Fr. Augusto César Pereira, a member of the Brazil – Sao Paulo Province, died July 5. He was born in 1931, professed in 1953 and ordained in 1985.
+Br. Eugenio Gino Colombo, a member of the North Italian Province, died July 4. He was born in 1923 and professed in 1948.
+Fr. Jan Bylica, a member of the Polish Province, died July 3. He was born in 1940, professed in 1958 and ordained in 1967.
+Harvey Fortner, the brother of Fr. Mark Fortner, died July 3, from cancer. There will be a private memorial at a later date. Fr. Mark is presently with his family.
Updates
Frater James Nguyen has a new phone: 206-734-5137
Fr. Tim Gray is now a member of the community at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Houston:
2405 Navigation Blvd.
Houston, TX 77003-1599
Where’s the news?
Facebook is implementing different algorithms that may affect what appears on your Facebook news feed. Emphasis is being placed on showing users items from their friends and family and less so on what is published by other news sources.
What does that mean for you? To make sure that you are current with the news published on pages such as the US Province Facebook page, Dehonians Worldwide (congregational page), and the pages of publications, clubs and other organizations in which you have interest, simply make a point to visit them every few days. Do not assume that items placed on the pages will automatically come up in your personal news feed.
The direct link to the US Province Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PriestsoftheSacredHeart
The direct link to Dehonians Worldwide: https://www.facebook.com/dehoniansworldwide/
Bookmark these and other favorite pages in your web browser. A reminder: you do not need to belong to Facebook to view the province or congregational pages.
International news
Often news that is posted on SCJ Facebook pages first appears on the congregational website. If you missed them, here are a few news items recently posted on www.dehon.it:
Katholikentag – In May, SCJs and students from Freiburg and Berlin (Germany) traveled to Leipzig for the 100th “Katholikentag” (Catholic Day). It is a time for Catholics in Germany to celebrate and learn about their faith. Catholic organizations and religious communities, such as the Priests of the Sacred Heart, have the opportunity to share something about themselves, as well as take part in presentations, prayer and cultural activities. Click here to learn more.
Iberian Week – This week over 100 SCJs and lay Dehonians from Spain and Portugal are gathered for the ninth edition of Iberian Week. Begun in 1981, it is a collaborative gathering for fellowship and prayer. This year’s theme is “Sint Unum; United in Charism and Mission. Click here to read more.
New SCJ presence in the Philippines – On June 26, Holy Cross Chapel in Tanay (Rizal Province), was officially declared a parish. The Bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo, Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes, DD., entrusted this new parish to the SCJs. Click here to read more.
New superior in Rome – Fr. Bruno Pilati, a member of the North Italian Province, has been named the new superior of the Rome II community. Rome II primarily consists of SCJ students doing graduate studies in Rome; it shares the same property as the General Curia. Fr. Bruno, who may be familiar to some in the US Province from his activities with the International Dehonian Family, begins his three-year term on September 1. Click here for more information.
Youth retreat in Poland: June 27 through July 2 young people from throughout Poland came together in Pliszczyn for prayer, music, presentations and just plain fun. Click here for more information. Be sure to scroll to the Facebook link to view more photos and videos from the gathering.
Thank you
Fr. Jean Robert Bigirimana, a priest from Burundi who received assistance from the SCJs toward his education at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, writes:
“I would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to the US Province for having sponsored my studies at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology. I graduated on May 6, 2016, with a Master of Arts degree in Scripture Studies.
“During the time that I spent at Sacred Heart, the US Province covered my tuition fees, board and lodging as well. Hence, I cannot help but be grateful for such generosity for myself and all the Burundians whom the US Province sponsored.
“Lastly, when I return to my country I am sure that I will be teaching. Please be assured that the skills and knowledge I acquired will be put to good use.”
Provincial’s time
Fr. Ed Kilianski is away from the office with family this week. Next week Tuesday and Wednesday he has meetings with the Provincial Council.
Closing shot
Last week the Vietnamese community celebrated the feast of SS. Peter and Paul with another Paul: Fr. Paul Grizzelle Reid who is assisting in the district formation program for a few weeks. He is pictured here with members of the formation community.
