Summer has come

Nothing quite says "summer" to me like the sight of a tomato plant. I have many happy memories of picking tomatoes right off of the vine and biting right into them, always remembering, of course, to suck the juice out on the first bite to avoid making a huge mess (as a boy, this always reminded me of the vampire bunny, Bunnicula [I loved those books]).

Every summer at home we filled several five-gallon buckets with tomatoes. We always had far more than we could eat and we ate them every night. I never tire of tomatoes, the most splendid fruit of them all!

Last week the Pastor set about the backyard again. He loves to play in it, planting flowers, arranging fountains, etc. and has made it a very nice place to sit and read or talk. For my part, I'm happy to let him play all he likes and enjoy the benefits of his labor.

Just the other day he added something new to the back yard, and something I didn't expect: tomatoes! (I've been suggesting a lilac bush for three years, but that hasn't happened yet).

But one of the tomato plants he planted is no ordinary plant; it seems to have special, gravity-defying powers. Behold:

I've seen these contraptions on television before and have my doubts about them, but if they do work they are truly wonderful! I'll keep you posted :)

A Letter to the Parish

23 April 2007

The Memorial of Saint George

My dear friends in Christ,

May the Lord give you peace!

St. Bonaventure tells us, "Do not extend yourself beyond the point your intelligence can reach, but neither remain short of it." With this bit of wisdom from the Seraphic Doctor, several years ago I approached Bishop Lucas about the possibility of additional studies beyond my ordination to the the priesthood of Jesus Christ. The Lord has given me a mind well suited for academic work, which became for me during my college and seminary years a great blessing and a true joy, indeed.

It was around this same time last year that I wrote to tell you that I would be returning to the Liturgical Institute at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois to continue my studies pursuant toward a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.). After discussing the matter with His Excellency, Bishop Lucas, and the Reverend Monsignor Enlow, I write today to let you know that I will be returning to these studies again this summer with their support and encouragement. It is my hope - and theirs - that I will be able to conclude the course work for the S.T.L. this summer, leaving only my comprehensive exams and the defense of my thesis for the coming year (these would both be done during the span of a week or so).

These classes begin June 11th and conclude July 20th. You will not see me as much this summer as you did last because I have no weddings currently scheduled during those six weeks. I may return for a weekend or two, but not more, so as to devote as much time as possible to papers and to my thesis.

Prior to my return to academia, I will be away from the parish May 7th through May 18th attending the wedding of a cousin and visiting a friend from college. After that, the priests of the Diocese will gather for their annual retreat June 4th and 8th and I will join them there.

While I am away, the Reverend Carl Schmidt and the Reverend Ben Meyer have both graciously offered their assistance. For their generous help I am deeply grateful!

Be assured of my continued prayers for each of you while I am away. I beg your prayers for me as I return to these studies. May God bless you with a peaceful and restful summer!

Peace and Joy,

The Rev. Daren J. Zehnle

Parochial Vicar