From the Desk of Father Mark - Our Pastor
May 24, 2026 - Pentecost Sunday

NOT AVAILABLE IN THIS BULLETIN EDITION

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From the Desk of Father Mark - Our Pastor
July 26, 2026 - 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds
and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."

As many of you know, I walk the grounds of Holy Sepulchre cemetery with some frequency. Fr. Burns, founding pastor of St. Linus is buried close to the entrance. Like many founding pastors, he had a vision and was able to create what is today a reality. The vision required a lot of work, help, and determination. But, in the end he saw a treasure and built upon that vision. I also notice that someone regularly visits his grave, which I think is nice. Next to Fr. Burns is the grave of Fr. Fullmer. Fr. Fullmer was pastor of St. Denis when I was a child. I remember that after he offered Mass, he would enter the church to pray for a while. I always thought that was a holy action and attempt to do that after daily Mass each day. As a young priest, I lived with a retired priest, Fr. Mackin. Fr. Mackin once gave me great homily advice. "Mark, if you don't have a lot to say, don't take a long time saying it!"

These three priests have been an inspiration. They saw in their priesthood a treasure and they "sold" everything to live the gift of that treasure. I like to think the same is true of me. I have found in the priesthood a treasure, a gift from God and I couldn't want anything more.

Hopefully everyone has such a treasure in their life. Whether it is marriage, children, career, hobby, or anything. God provides all of us a treasure and once we discover it, our lives are never the same.

The parable of this weekend intends to motivate us in seeking the joy of our own treasure. God delights in our discovery of his gifts. Take time to consider your treasure. If the treasure is another person, consider thanking them. Also, in prayer, thank God for the treasure that is you!

This weekend, we welcome our Summer Mission speaker, Fr. Camillus. There will be a second collection for this appeal.

Have a great week!

Fr. Mark Walter
Pastor of Our Lady of the Ridge - St.Linus Parish