The Heart of a Servant 

In today’s gospel, Jesus challenges us during those weak moments when we may lose sight of not just what’s important—but also who is important in our life. He wants to curb our sense of self-importance in favor of developing the heart of a servant.
 
In other words, Jesus is urging us to value God’s role in our life, and also to be aware of how important it is to relate well to others. Every servant leads their own life, because they make choices on how to be and how to relate. Good servants anticipate what others may need and then respond appropriately. The Christian life values life—our own, but also those who we encounter day-to-day, year-to-year. Most of all, we value the One who gives it and holds it sacred.
 
“Well done, good and faithful servants!” (Matthew 25:23)
 
Speaking of valuing others, in addition to Fr. Rizzo, our associate pastor who has been with us the past two years, Fr. Fred Licciardi, is also retiring. Please join us in the lower level of the church after the 9:00 a.m. Mass to wish him well.  Fr. Fred has brought his positive energy, joy and love of the gospel to our community and we will miss him. He’ll be around every now and then to preside at Masses and to continue his popular lecture series this Spring.
 
Fr. Rizzo was very touched by the beautiful Mass and celebration in honor of his 40+ years of priestly ministry.  Thank you to everyone who made this a special day for him, and for the many, many people who brought in desserts and food to share. We have so many people who are very generous in responding to a call to pitch in and help.
 
We also congratulate our parishioner, Joyce Manfre, who received the Christifideles Award last Sunday from Cardinal Blase Cupich. This award is bestowed upon a layperson in each parish who has used his/her talents to deepen participation in parish life. 
 
Joyce is a Eucharistic Minister, a Minister of Care, leads Communion Services, helps serve at daily Masses, is a member of the Stewards Ministry and Funeral Luncheon team, and has been very helpful at parish events and pitching in when needed. Joyce has found joy and fulfillment in actively participating in the life of the Church and it shows in who she is. Like many people here, she definitely has the heart of a servant, and so it seems so appropriate to acknowledge and thank her for all she does.
 
Honoring the Gift of Life
 
On page 5, take a look at an open letter from Lee Krizka, one of our parishioners, about next week’s Blood Drive being coordinated by the Knights of Columbus. It is a touching appeal about how important and life-giving donating blood truly is. If you’re in good health and are able to give, please consider it. It is a true act of service that benefits those in need.
 
And finally, a heartfelt thank you to all our Veterans as we honor your commitment to service on Friday. The students at St. Hubert School have been working for weeks on a program to say thank you, which will begin at 8:15 a.m. in the Parish Center. We’re also ready to update our military services display in the narthex. If you would like us to hold a member of your family in prayer who is currently serving in the military, or would like to update or display a picture, please contact Lynn Howard ext. 113 at the Parish Center and she will help you.
 
As we head into the week, may God continue to bless you in the many ways you serve others,