Msgr. Schaedel's letter for bulletin of February 20, 2000:

Dear Parishioners,

I am sure that by now you are wondering where in the world your pastor and associate pastor have been! It's a good question.

As you read in the bulletin, Father Duvelius was in Rome "on business." He was part of a worldwide meeting of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter. I think he also took some time to sample some of Rome's finest eateries. He deserves it! He takes very little time off from the parish.

The first weekend of this month I was in Honolulu for the Pro-Bowl Game. Naturally, I could not go that far without taking a day or two before and a day or two after the game. It was my first time to visit our 50th state. It was wonderful. A highlight was a visit to the island of Molokai where Father Damien worked so long and so lovingly with the lepers. His cause for canonization is in process now.

The Pro Bowl was as you might expect, anticlimactic. The Super Bowl is over. The real season is over. But it's still fun. Peyton Manning did not do as well as we had hoped; neither did the AFC.

The stadium where the game is played is within easy walking distance of Pearl Harbor. I was also deeply touched by my visit there. Youngsters today have no conception what Pearl Harbor or anything like it was all about. I am happy that they have never had to experience such horrible conflict directly and immediately involving our country. Yet, on the other hand, I feel a bit sorry for them. How will they ever feel the strong feelings of patriotism, which are so much a part of our history? (Mention to young men today taking one's hat off during the National Anthem and they look at you as if you are crazy.)

At any rate, Hawaii was very enjoyable. Imagine my surprise (and theirs) when I discovered two different families from the parish on my plane to the islands. Neither one knew the other was going; nor did they expect to see their pastor on board! We all stayed on the beautiful island of Maui. Both families were in Hawaii for a convention at a hotel down the beach from mine.

The next weekend I was technically on business too. I am the chaplain for the Indiana Chapter of Legatus. This is an organization of Catholic CEO's and their spouses. Legatus is the Latin word for ambassador. Members are to be ambassadors for Christ in the marketplace. The founder of Domino's Pizza, Tom Monaghan, founded this organization about ten years ago. Our Episcopal moderator is Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua of Philadelphia. Our annual convention was in Boca Raton, Florida. I was chosen to moderate the chaplain's meeting this year. And naturally, I stayed for the whole convention!

One of our Indiana Chapter members, Jerry Semler of Saint Pius Parish and the CEO of AUL Insurance was awarded the "Ambassador of the Year Award." Jerry led many members of our Indianapolis corporate community in our successful "Building Communities of Hope" campaign here in the Archdiocese. He helped raise well over $20 million for our Catholic Charities and Catholic Schools in center city.

This weekend you should find me in Clinton, Indiana, on archdiocesan business. Sacred Heart Parish in Clinton is just finishing up a major planning process. I will preach all of the Masses this weekend to assure them of the archbishop's support for their efforts. I will also be giving them the very good news that their school will not close. By the way, Sacred Heart in Clinton is a very, very Italian Parish! I should feel right at home.

Before long, I will be writing about Lent. Can you believe it? Ash Wednesday is March 8. Easter is late this year, April 23. That's almost as late as it can be. Father Duvelius and I intend to provide you with numerous opportunities for Mass and spiritual growth during Lent 2000.

Before you know it, March will be here, the month of Saint Joseph, patron of Italy. We will have a Tridium in Honor of Saint Joseph on three consecutive Sundays: March 5, 12, and 19 at 1:30 p.m. As last year, this will consist of Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, the rosary, the Litany of Saint Joseph, and a brief sermon on the virtues of Saint Joseph.

And don't forget our annual Saint Joseph's Table on Sunday, March 26, from Noon until 5:00 p.m. at Primo Banquet Hall. It's always wonderful food and wonderful fun.

Faithfully yours in God's Providence,

Rev. Msgr. Joseph F. Schaedel