Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Mary’s of the Lake:

This past Saturday June 30th at 10 AM three transitional deacons were ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christi through the Laying on of Hands and the Invocation of the Holy Spirit by Bishop David L. Ricken, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. The three newly-ordained priests of our Diocese are: Fr. José López Vargas, Fr. Gregory Steven Parent, and Fr. Kyle Thomas Sladek. As you know, as a deacon, Father Kyle spent a few months for pastoral experiences in our four churches last summer. As we rejoice with our new priests, please continue to keep them in your prayers.

SPECIAL: We will have a great joy to welcome Father Kyle, who is going to come to celebrate all Masses in all our four churches on the weekend of July 7 and 8. These Masses will be considered ‘Masses of Thanksgiving.’ Please come to worship God and to join Father Kyle to thank God with him and for him, as we pray for him and his priestly ministry in the Vineyard of the Lord.

 Additional Masses of Thanksgivings will also be offered by Father Kyle on: Sunday, July 1 at 9 am at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (his home parish); Monday, July 2 at 8:30 am at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help, Champion; Tuesday, July 3 at 7:00 am at Carmelite Monastery of the Holy Name of Jesus, Denmark; Weekend of July 14-15 at Most Blessed Sacraments Parish, Oshkosh.

At the Ordination Liturgy on Saturday, besides the Promise of the Elect, the Prostration, the Laying on of Hands & Prays of Ordination, and the Anointing of Hands, there was a special moment when the Bishop presented the newly ordained with the paten (holding the bread) and chalice (containing the wine), instructing them to accept the gifts of the people and to deepen their own sharing in the mystery of the Lord’s Cross as they offer those gifts on the Altar. This was Bishop formal instruction: ‘Receive the oblation of the holy people, to be offered to God.

Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord's Cross.’

                                                                                 
Please continue to pray for Father Kyle & the 2 other newly-ordained priests as well as all the priests in our Diocese.  Please also continue to pray for an
increase of those who respond to the call to priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life, as well as an increase of happiness in marriage and single life.

There will be a Basket at the Entrance of each of our four churches for you, if your wish, to drop your Cards of Congratulations & Prayers and/or Gifts. Fr. Kyle’s current mailing address is: 2634 Sequoia Lane, Green Bay, WI 54313

Fr. Philip