Latest News

Paseo to Niagra Falls

Monday, 16 August 2010 15:34

From August 9-12, Fr. Joe Jablonski, Fr. Andrew Torma and three participants from the Buscadores (Seekers) group* went on a short trip to Niagara Falls. After a year of meetings and formation, Fr. Joe organized the short trip as a way for participants to get to know each other better and have the opportunity to reflect on their growth in the discernment process. Besides visiting Niagara Falls, the group spent a day at Mill Creek Park in Youngstown, OH, reflecting on their personal journeys and growth in their call to ministry and/or in the discovery of their vocation.**

*Seekers groups are designed to help teens and young adults discern their vocation in a supportive environment. Fr. Jablonski and Fr. Torma both reside at St. Joseph Parish Shrine in Chicago, IL (Back of the Yards Neighborhood) and host group meetings in Chicago and Aurora, IL.

**Every person has a vocation, a calling to a way of life. Learn more about the types of vocations by watching Fr. Andrew's video "The Four Vocations".

MSC in Center Valley, PA Build an Outdoor Stations of the Cross

Friday, 13 August 2010 15:11

Fr. Joseph Muller, MSC and the MSC Community in Pennsylvania are undertaking a new project, creating an outdoor Stations of Cross and Shrine to the Sacred Heart on their property in Center Valley.

Shortly after the construction of the building in Center Valley in 1968 to house our MSC seminarians, the students planted a double row of pine trees, thirty feet apart, which arced the East and South of the building. For fifty years these trees quietly grew into the sky, while partially shading the undergrowth which competed with them for the area.

When Fr. Muller arrived in 2009, he found the area uncared for. Wild cherry and mulberry trees had taken root within the pine branches facing the building, while sumac trees dominated the branches facing the corn fields. Dead branches, poison ivy and other weeds covered the floor between the pines.

This summer Fr. Muller decided to clean up the mess. As he cleaned, with chain saw, hatchet, rake and shovel, a beautiful arched nave appeared between the pines and he had the idea that this setting was ideal for an outdoor Stations of the Cross. His local superior, Fr. E. Michael Camilli, MSC, gave him permission to undertake the project and the idea is becoming reality.

The lower end of this 900 foot walkway, which Fr. Muller is almost finished cleaning, opens up to four rows of pines. Fr. Muller thought that this area was suited to a small shrine to the Sacred Heart. It will serve as resting spot after making the Stations and will invite the faithful to sit down in the shade of the pines and meditate quietly with the Lord and his Mother.