The leaves are almost totally off the trees, and the frost has already come. We are on the brink of Winter. This is a good time to focus on what is truly important to us. What do we need to survive another Winter in Northern Minnesota. We get our cars winterized. We make sure the furnace is ready to stay warm. We may put plastic on the windows to help keep the heat in. We make sure that there is food enough for a week or so in case we can’t get out. These are preparations that must be made. God allows for changing of seasons. He gives us this time to turn to Him in our hearts. This is a good time to ask Him. “Lord, what do I truly need this Winter and what do I truly not need? Help me, Lord to discern what is going to prepare me more for you!” Winter is almost here, and we must be prepared not only physically, but spiritually as well.
A reminder to all, if you or anyone you know is having serious medical issues, please let me know. Many times the hospitals and nursing homes are so busy that they do not always remember to let me know that someone is there. So to ensure that I know about it, and that I can come and pray with you, please contact the office. I would rather get ten phone calls with the same information than none at all. Too often I hear, “Father, I was in the hospital, and you didn’t come and visit me.” And to this I respond, “I didn’t know you were in the hospital. I am sorry that I didn't come to visit you. I wanted to, and would have, if I had known that you were there.” So please let me know. Thank you. Please also realize that if you are in a hospital a great distance from here, I am probably not going to be able to make it, but, many times if I know, I will inform the priest in the area to come and visit, because it is the responsibility of the local priest to take care of the hospital in the area. Thank you all for your understanding. May God bless us and help us to be the saints that He has called us to be!
Fr. Thomas P. Galarneault