After being away for 2 weeks, I returned to much news here at St. Hubert. Although I was aware of all of it, it feels different now that I am back talking to people about all that has transpired.
We had 7 funerals during this time and overworked Fr. Fred a bit. Many of these people I anointed before I left. Please pray for them and their bereaved families.
There were 2 other deaths that were extremely sad. Samantha Salvador, a 20-year-old parishioner, died in a two-car crash on Thursday, February 23 on Interstate 65 in Indiana. She was a graduate of Schaumburg High School, and a nursing student at Valparaiso University. She also was a Communion minister here at St. Hubert. There is a GoFundMe page if you are interested in contributing to this family who are members of our parish. Samantha’s wake is this weekend at Salerno Rosedale Chapels, and her funeral Mass will be here this Monday at 11:00 a.m.
Jeanne Murphy, of our parish, also lost a son-in-law who died in a car crash in California. I do not have the details of this situation, but ask all of us to pray for these families.
Back here at the parish we introduced our new Music Director, Ed Magistrado, at the Masses last weekend with a special blessing at the 10:45 Mass. He seems happy to be here, and to date, I have heard many wonderful comments from our parishioners.
On Wednesday, February 22, Mr. DeFrisco announced to our faculty and parents that he would not be returning as Principal. He will be with us until June 30. As of this writing, I am meeting with a search committee to look for a new principal. After 11 years with us, Mr. DeFrisco has a wonderful opportunity to become the Assistant Superintendent of Schools with the Rockford Diocese. I will write more about his time with us as the day draws closer.
As you can see, the next year will be one of transitions here at St. Hubert. Clearly, I will be writing more about how we are transitioning with all the changes.
Most people do not like change; however, we have all lived long enough to know that this is part of life. Our real question is not what will happen or who will replace whom? Rather, our question always remains the same, no matter the external changes in our life. Where is God leading us as individuals and as a community? If we seek this answer through prayer and dialogue, then we know that good things await us. God wants only good things for us.
Lent is a good time for us to reflect on our transitions along with our Lenten themes. We learn that being a disciple of Jesus includes creative suffering, conversion, and always new life. All these realities will help us continue on our journey of faith.