Kevin's Corner 10-26-08

Written by Fr. Kevin McDonough

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SAINT PAUL BLACK HISTORY: SOME RESOURCES:  For years, I have been asking for more-broadly accessible information about the rich African-American history of Saint Paul.  How about a walking tour or some designations of historical sites or an on-line portal?  On a recent trip to see my brother in Fort Worth, Texas, I found just that sort of thing in the tourist information office in the heart of that city's downtown - a simple photocopied map of about thirty important places in local Black community development.  I began talking it up again on my return home and - eureka!  - someone has finally started the process.  Just this year, the first of what will be a series of “African American Heritage Guides to Saint Paul" was published.  It is called "Points of Entry," and it describes how and where Black folks arrived in Saint Paul in the early days.  It is a handsome multi-fold map and guide.   

HOW DO YOU GET THEM?  I am not sure yet where to get more copies.  The one on my desk (no, you cannot borrow it!) was given to me as I walked out of a meeting and, hurried, I neglected to ask where to get others.  But if you want to do a little detective work yourself, try this website:  www.mnblackculture.org.  It is an attractive source, although just in its early stages of assembly.  And when I come across some more of the Heritage Guides, I will be sure to grab and armload and put them in the entryway of our church.  Watch this space for more information.   

 

PROJECT HOME:  We wrap up October's month-long commitment to the Homeless Shelter late this week.  It became clear to me this fall, as never before, that the Homeless Shelter may be the best adult education program that we have.  I am impressed as I listen to parish members and other volunteers at the depth of reflection caused by the Shelter experience.  Even before participating in the Shelter, you have learned something about the good boundaries in care of people in need - thank you to our trainers.  Then, the interaction with fellow volunteers renews your confidence in the generosity of others and builds new connections of service.  And most importantly, your care-filled conversations with the Shelter guests help reshape and deepen your thinking about poverty and homelessness and what ought to be done to alleviate them.  Let the conversation continue!  

 

PRAYERS FOR THE PIEPER FAMILY:  Those who attend the Sunday 8:00 Mass would recognize Colin and Suzanne Pieper and their two beautiful daughters.  Those who worked on our school's renovation a few years ago came to know Colin's brother, Ken, and architect.  Colin and Ken and their families received the unexpected news of their father's death in the Caribbean last weekend, and they are home now for his funeral.  Pray for eternal rest for Mr. Pieper, please, and for safe travels for his sons' families.   

 

SOME GOOD PRIESTS:  I spent last Tuesday with the priests of the Diocese of Superior, Wisconsin.  They were together for three study days, and I was helping with one of them.  Theirs is a part of Wisconsin which has experienced years of declining population and income loss (except in the county closest to the Twin Cities).  They also faced a horrific situation a few years ago, when one of their priests was accused of two murders and then subsequently took his own life.  And yet, I found them to be a positive, committed, and even upbeat group of people.  How is that possible?  Through all their losses, they have been learning to rely ever more fully on their God.  I found no evidence of fatalism, the attitude that leaves everything in a higher power's hands and just gives up.  Rather, they are energized by their challenges, moved by the confidence that God will protect them and accomplish His purposes in them.  Spending a day with those brothers was a good reminder for me, especially in the midst of the economic troubles of our country and world (and the challenges to our parish).  They reminded me that God is good all the time.  And now, I have passed that reminder on to you!   

 

TWO MORE WEDDINGS:  We have two weddings connected to our parish this weekend.  On Friday night, Levi Zortman married Heather Hannigan.  Levi is the third of George and Amy's children whom I have married, but the first here in our parish church.  They want to worship with us regularly, and decided to begin that pattern with a wedding ceremony here.  On Saturday afternoon, I married Ben Cirillo and Molly Kenefick.  I have known Ben and his family since he was a child, and it was an honor to celebrate with them.  Pray blessings for both couples, please.   

 

HUMBOLDT'S FIRST VICTORY:  You may have missed one of the little footnotes on this year's high school football season.  The team from Saint Paul's Humboldt High School won their first game since 2005.  I follow the Hawks a little bit because of personal connections:  our third grade teacher, Charles Vickers, is an assistant coach, and his boss, first year head coach Anthony Minus, is a member of our Knights of Peter Claver Council 256 (and a Cathedral parish member).  Their quarterback the last two years was a young man whose family I have known since before his birth.  As you can imagine, a three-year losing streak is hardly a morale booster.  But enthusiastic coaches and committed young people kept on coming back.  Their persistence paid off, and the brief newspaper article noted their gratitude at the unexpected victory.  We all enjoy watching the habitual winners, but it is especially gratifying to see the underdogs pull one out of the fire.  Keep on encouraging young people!   

 

ONE LAST TRIP:  I had planned to make a twenty-day pilgrimage through the American West as the last part of my "rolling sabbatical."  Given our economic challenges, however, the long version of the trip had to be cancelled.  I will take a shorter trip, however, from October 31 until November 5.  Watch this space next week for more details.  I will not be with you at Masses next weekend, but return a few days later and plan to stay home and attend to business in town for the months ahead.  Thank you for your patience with my multiple absences, but I have wanted to get some good time with family and friends during a period of transition in my life.  I am now quite renewed and ready to get back to the tasks at hand!