Do we take our relationship with Our Lord seriously? It’s a question we all need to ask, after all he is Our King, Our Savior and Our Lord. The price of admission into heaven is we obey all of His commands not just what we want to. The fact that Christianity says we need a Savior means it isn’t an equal relationship as the last Judgment Gospel indicates. God does the judging and we are judged. Ask God for the grace to love him and give yourself to him so he can prepare you for the day when you meet him.
Covid, hurricanes, riots, fires need I add more to the list of a scary 2020? There are times when God is speaking to us through current events saying turn to me. Don’t forget me. Remember, God didn’t abandon us after the ascension, he’s still here guiding events until he returns. Look at the Eucharist, the actual physical presence of Jesus Christ in the form of Bread and Wine. It’s no symbol he’s really there. So remember, even if things seem dark, turn to God and ask for his protection and help. –Fr. Mike
Last weekend was ACA Commitment Weekend for the Diocese of Spokane. The goals set up by the Diocese for each of our parishes are: St. Mary’s (Chewelah) $35,137, Sacred Heart (Springdale) $2,936, Holy Ghost (Valley) $5,994.
Are we willing to listen to God? Put another way, are we willing to ask him what he wants and get familiar with scripture and the catechism? One of the reasons why the new catechism came out in the 90’s was the grave problem of catechesis. Growing up I was told contradictory answers to the same question by priests. So, who do I believe? That’s why doing your homework is important so you know what pleases God. Do you have a bible and a Catechism? Perhaps Dr. Scott Hahn’s Catholic Bible Dictionary might help too. Of course as your priest I’m always willing to help answer questions. -Fr Mike
It’s that time of year. September 26 & 27 is the commitment weekend for the Annual Catholic Appeal. This supports things such as the education of our seminarians and future priests, the priest retirement, religious education and the like. I have already pledged $1,000 this year and hope you will prayerfully consider giving what you can. Remember your prayers are also needed as well so pray for us. That’s also important. -Fr Mike
2020 is an interesting year. Did you see the Back to the Future meme where the professor tells Michael J Fox not to go to 2020? So why are things so crazy?
The Guatemala Commission has decided to cancel the 8th Annual Guatemala Mission Celebration, which was scheduled for September 16th. We are hoping to hold this event in the spring. We will keep you updated when we are able to reschedule the Annual Celebration.
What is love? Love isn’t a gushy feeling rather it looks our for the good of the beloved just as Our Lord sought out our good in the Cross. Did he have anything to gain by the Cross? No, but we had everything.
Fr. Mike is now available for Confessions every Saturday from 2:30-3:30 pm at St. Mary of the Rosary. If confessions are face-to-face, please wear a face covering. You can also schedule Confession by appointment by contacting Fr. Mike at 935-4106.
A message from Mike Coleman: As a parishioner, parish council member and member of the Knights of Columbus for St. Mary of the Rosary Parish it is my pleasure to present our sincere thanks to Mr. Wade Baker for his dedication not only as alter server but also his contribution to the beautification of our cemetery...
Dear Parishioners, I’m glad to be here to serve you in Stevens County. I grew up in Honolulu, HI and I’ve been a priest for 14 years for the Diocese of Spokane and have lived in Washington State for over 20 years. I worked as a Registered Nurse in Honolulu and Seattle prior to entering the seminary for Spokane and being ordained in 2006. I look forward to what I hope will be a good and fruitful stay with all of you. ~Fr. Mike Ishida
Effective July 3rd, Mass will only be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays of the month at at 6:00 pm. This schedule change is being made to minimize priest burnout as Fr. Ishida and Fr. St. Hilaire assume the responsibility for 9 churches in Stevens and Ferry counties.
Bishop Thomas Daly, Bishop of Spokane, announced on Monday that the new Pastor for the parishes of South Stevens County will be Fr. Kenny St. Hilaire assisted by Parochial Vicar, Fr. Michael Ishida. Due to the sudden retirement of two priests, the parishes of Stevens County and Ferry County have been combined into one cluster of 9 churches. Fr. St. Hilaire will continue as pastor-in-residence at Immaculate Conception Parish in Colville and Fr. Ishida will be the priest-in-residence at St. Mary of the Rosary, Chewelah. Fr. Ishida will reside at St. Mary’s Rectory in Chewelah. They will begin their ministry in our parishes on July 1st.
With over 70% of Washingtonians choosing cremation, the Parish and Fund Councils of St. Mary of the Rosary decided to install a Columbarium at St. Mary's Cemetery last fall. This past Friday morning (May 8), the Wilbert Company from Spokane installed our new 48 niche Columbarium at St. Mary's Cemetery...