Letter for March 7, 2010
Third Sunday of Lent

Dear Friends,

We continue to extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to our Mother Parish, St. Francis de Sales, on the loss of their good shepherd of 36 years, Fr. James Schleicher. Fr. Schleicher came to St. Francis on July 23, 1974 & lived his priesthood caring for his flock right up to this past Tuesday, February 23rd at around 4pm when he went home to God. Two days prior, Sunday, February 21st he presided at Mass and preached an 18 minute homily that people tell me was his best ever. What a way to go...dying with his boots on!

We are so grateful for his witness of faith, hope and love. Do you know since 2006 his health has been in decline, on dialysis 3 times a week, but he kept on going...motivated out of his love for Christ, his Church and especially the Eucharist.

We are also so grateful for the witness of care and love Frs. Bline and Suso showed in caring for their bother priest in the rectory.

As I attended his funeral Mass on Monday & Vesper Service Sunday, both were standing room only. Obviously, Fr. Jim Schleicher touched a lot of hearts in his priesthood since being ordained on December 18, 1954.

Fr. Jim, may God reward you for being a good and faithful servant.

Of other things:

We are officially entering the 3rd week of Lent. How is your Lent going? Are we all trying to pray a little more, give up a little more, give out a little more? I want to say thank you to all who are taking advantage of the opportunity Lent gives us to deepen our relationship with Christ. I am most inspired by the large numbers of people making an effort to come to Daily Mass (8:30am & 6:30pm offered daily), attend Stations (offered 9:05am Wednesday, 7:05pm Friday), praying their daily Rosary, abstaining from meat on Fridays, attending & working our Fish Frys and so much more.

May our prayer, fasting and almsgiving continue to lead us closer to Him and each other.

Peace in Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

Fr. Dave

P.S. Don’t forget to go to Joseph more in this month of March dedicated to him.