Holy Spirit Catholic Church

Gratitude June 2020

Hello Parishioners of Holy Spirit. If I have to sum up everything I want to say in one word it is ‘grateful”. During the past six years I have been blessed with the cooperation of so many people at this parish that I lift up my soul praising God. Let God be praised for the wonderful people of Holy Spirit Parish. The credit to the success story of this parish goes to the exceptional, efficient, highly intelligent, and selfless service of the people God surrounded me with through these six years.

I thank God for the founding families of this parish, for their dedication under the leadership of Monsignor Gene Driscoll. They have worked so hard to be what we are today; they laid a great foundation. Thank you!

I remember my first priority when I came six years ago in 2014-15 – Adult Faith Formation. I did not realize that we had so many people knowledgeable about our faith. Every year we have had 300-700 adults in our classrooms growing in their faith. Thank you to those who prepared these classes: Faith Alive, Catholic 101, Catholic 201 (just for one year), Marian Apparitions, Perfections of Mary, That Man is You, Choice Wine, Bible Study-Bible Babes, Fourth Gospel, Book of Revelations, Prophets-Book of Daniel, Catholic Mosaic, Basic Ecclesial Community, Book Clubs, Practical Spirituality and some more I can’t even remember. Thanks, and God’s blessings to those who taught these classes, and those who attended. A special thanks to John Arcis, the Director of Adult Faith Formation for our parish.

My trip to Guatemala with the Solis family while the landslide hit that city opened a new avenue for our parish. I am so proud of our young adults who took up this challenge to take over the mission trip to the Valley of Angels—an orphanage for the poor children of Guatemala. I have seen them coming to pray and study every Wednesday; they are my pride as I see them clean around the church or give a break to the foster parents. Their desire for the Mass and the devotion to our faith is indeed commendable. Thank you for being a part of my life.

In 2015-16, along with Adult Faith formation we began a journey of Stewardship of Time Talent and Treasure. A whole team of people led by Bill Campbell and Luis Gonzalez set the parish on fire. The number of active parishioners rose over 33%. The number of people who signed up to pray even rose dramatically. I am thankful for the volunteers who teach, clean, support the parish activities and, my favorite, the fall and spring cleanup committee who made the environment so beautiful around the church property. People gave generously to the parish, so much so that we have paid down our debt from $7.5 million to $2 million after paying all the bills and even increasing the number of people who worked at the parish office. Thank you.

During 2016-17, my added priority was the Development Commission. Under the leadership of Bill Campbell, this committee worked so hard and set a priority for our parish to love the poor of our community in and around Lubbock. This committee proposed, and the community accepted their proposal, to set aside 5% of our income towards the poor. Helping out Family Promise, poor Catholic churches, Catholic Charities, Grace Campus, feeding the homeless, or even helping people stand on their feet while hard times come their way has been the limelight of the generosity of the people of this parish. Our vocation team is so dedicated that it makes me think it is the best in our whole diocese. Thank you.

During the last three years, it has been great consolidating the various ministries. Our catechesis of Children (CCE) and Youth have been exceptional. Thank you to Jessica Kelly and Mary Ellen Doskocil (current), for the children ministry, and to Tiffany See and Peggy Klein, who have taken our youth ministry to a different level. To all the catechists and youth coordinators, thank you.

Our well-oiled machine, our Worship Commission, made my life at Holy Spirit so much more enjoyable. The altar servers, extraordinary ministers, lectors, music ministers, ushers, greeters, CMs, those who wash the altar linens, and the environment committee all helped me to offer Mass or administer sacraments with so much more devotion. Thanks to all those who helped me pray, those who prayed with me for the sick, and to host a healing Mass every month. These committees have made this parish so welcoming and worship worthy of the Trinity. Thank you.

The staff of this parish may be the best, at least according to me. They have worked so hard that they always made me look good. Dedicated, efficient and loving would be the best way to characterize them. I will miss them a lot. I hope the next pastor will enjoy these wonderful companions. Thank you so much.

I leave this wonderful parish with a heavy heart, for you have carried me through even during difficult times. I fight hard for causes I truly believe in. Some may think that is arrogance or pride, but I am passionate about those causes. Many of the parishioners brought in this proposal of doing something with the land that blew dirt all the time. Some came with a proposal of planting trees on it and others to build a prayer garden. It started with a small plan which grew out to be something to be ‘destination’ for West Texas with a Grotto to honor Mother Mary. Our plan is left unfinished and I hope you will work hard to finish this project.

Our Sausage Fest has been a source of coming together for this parish. Many people have worked tirelessly and selflessly to celebrate our parish life. Thank you. I hope you will continue to do so.

Marriage preparation has been at its best in our parish. Deacon Leo has taken this to its best level. I have enjoyed meeting with couples, preparing you and witnessing the wedding.  Thank you for making me a part of your lives. The couples that I have met when you were in trouble with your lives or marriages have helped me grow in my priesthood. The confidence you placed in me built character in me. Thank you.

The sick I have visited and anointed and spent time with always reminded me of Jesus carrying the cross. Thanks for making me a Simon of Cyrene. Kaye Villalba and her angels in a special way carved the face of Jesus on my heart with their visits to the sick and homebound with Holy Communion. Thank you.

My deacons have walked with me in this journey of service. Even our retired Deacon Michael Kenny was a great help to me in administration. Thank you.

Sickness and death and the aftermath is a great ministry in this parish. The funeral meals committee under the great leadership of Conda Brooks, and the bereavement committee under the leadership of Pat Harder, have been so consoling and exceptional. Thank you.

The parish council and the finance committee have been my backbone throughout these six years. Every decision and development have been under their leadership and inspiration. They supported me and cherished me through thick and thin. Thank you.

Last but the best – I will miss the children and the youth of the parish. They were my energy to go on, especially in times when I was tired or down in the dumps. Just a hug would give me energy to go on. That is why Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Thank you.

I have a lot more people to give thanks for, and I do not have the space in this magazine (article).  You have loved me more than I deserve or more than I could ever love you.

The Lord bless and keep you. May He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Father Rudi

Submitted to Holy Spirit Catholic Church Bulletin/Magazine June 2020
Recopied with permission from Father Rudi June 2020

A Mother’s Day Blessing from Father Rudi

From Father Rudi May 2020

This is indeed the month of Our Mother Mary. Praying a rosary every day is the custom of Catholics. The promises of Our Lady of Fatima and of her protection and graces to obtain salvation are still so applicable to us, her sons and daughters. In these times of distress, of COVID-19 virus, we need her more than ever before. Therefore, please pray the Rosary as a family.

Offering Mass every day by myself has taught me humility. I had taken for granted that the people of God were always present— all of a sudden they disappeared from my life. I had no pressure to finish my Mass in an hour. It took a lot of imagination to offer Mass for my people despite the empty pews. I took a lot of time when I said. “The Lord be with you.” I took all of the time I needed to imagine people in all the four Masses of every weekend. I had enough time to pray Psalm 35 “O Lord, plead my cause against my foes (COVID-19) take up your buckler and shield: arise to help me. When they were sick I went into mourning, afflicted with fasting. My prayer was on my lips, as a brother, a friend.”

I prayed for hours before the Blessed Sacrament for the times people could not come into the church to pray. I refused to be arrogant: to question God about the terrible tragedy of this virus. I raised the chalice of suffering on your behalf as I repeated the words of Jesus, “Abba Father, take away this cup of suffering from my people, protect them from this evil, yet it is not my will but they will be done.”

I have indeed some news to offer. By now many of you might have heard that I am transferred out of this parish to be a parish priest at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church here in Lubbock. My last day here will be June 30, 2020. Every pastor gets a term of six years. This administration has a current policy not to renew the term. I am sad to leave you wonderful people who have loved me more than I deserve. I will miss each one of you. At the same time, I am a little excited to serve the other side of town. Pray that I may bloom where I am planted.

Fr. George Roney will take my place as pastor of Holy Spirit. He was the pastor of St. John Neumann parish here in Lubbock. Ordained as a priest in 1978 he is a native of West Texas. I wish him all the best with this wonderful parish.

May god bless you all. I hope and pray that our parish will get to gather before I leave so I can say goodbye to you wonderful people.  

Father Rudi

Saturday Evening Mass March 28th

March 2020

“The love of God that is Christ, poured into the Church and embodied in a mysterious way by the priest, effects the Eucharist; the priest is the instrument of this mystery, not its cause.” While reading Fr. Toup’s Reclaiming our Priestly Character, I have been wondering about my own priesthood. It goes on to say, “God instituted priesthood for the benefit of those served and not primarily for the benefit of the one who administers the sacrament.”

The Church has always held the view that at ordination the priest receives an “indelible spiritual character: enabling them to act “in persona Christi Capitis”, in the person of Christ the head. These graces cannot be poured upon anyone except on the one who has been prepared and has a disposition to receive the graces to bear much fruit. “If you remain in me and I in you, you bear much fruit,” said Jesus in whose place I am called to stand. Yet Pope Benedict clearly reminds all priests not to forget the concept of “servant.”

“Do you lead people to Jesus or to yourself?” is the question that always makes me think hard. As a human, sometimes I need affirmation from my people, but never want to lead people to idolatry. And yet, I cannot be a robot. My personal characteristics will always be a part of my ministry. The balance I found is in the two natures of Jesus: Divine and Human. One cannot go to God keeping the humanity of Jesus aside; “I am the way, the Truth and the Life…. You cannot go to the Father except through me.

In my 32 years of priesthood, never have I been afraid to be an instrument of grace to those I served except for a few months when the priest abuse scandal broke for so. During that brief period, I was even afraid to shake hands with children. Within months I realized that I’m not being in persona Christi. “Fear not for I am with you,” said Jesus, and I obeyed. I will not let a few priests who abused their power and their position to hold me back from, “Let the children come to me for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The truth about priesthood is at its best when he grows in self-knowledge as a priest and a human person. As St. Teresa of Avila would say, that self-knowledge is the best beginning of the knowledge of God. Or as Peter Correra puts it, “A dubious perception of oneself as a priest leads to a dubious exercise of priestly ministry.”

There is a lot to grow to comprehend the priesthood of Jesus. In his eternal priesthood I try to share. I have failed a lot, but I have also grown a lot in His Love.

God bless all our parishioners, Father Rudi

February 2020 As we begin the Lenten season, Fr. Rudi encourages us on our journey.

Easter is the crown of all our celebrations for through his suffering, death and resurrection Jesus has truly freed us form the bondage of the evil one. The best way to prepare for Easter is a good Lenten observance. We are right in the middle of lent. The best way to be victorious over our bad inclination is increasing our prayer life to grow in virtues.

Let us meditate with St. Bernard, the Abbot to find refuge in the wounds of Jesus. Even if he has sinned gravely his conscience would not be distressed for he finds abounding mercy in the wounds of Jesus. He peeps through the nail holes of Jesus to see the resurrection of the dead.

With Blessed Fulton Sheen let us learn to fast and pray only to give, serve and love. “Show me your hands. So they have scars from giving? Show me your feet. Are they wounded in service? Show me your heart. Have you left a place for divine love?”  Bl. Fulton Sheen.

If you have not begun your Lenten observances or given up half the way, let us begin today to love. The church gives us the corporal works of mercy: Give alms to the poor, bury the dead, visit the prisoners, visit the sick, shelter the homeless and feed the hungry. As Mother Teresa would say, “As lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus thirst… He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you.”

Fr. Ed from Chicago will be with us through the week end of March 14 and 15 in all masses and will preach a mission on Saturday  and Sunday evenings. Please do not forget to bring your family and friends. Our penance service is on April 02, 2020 from 6-8 P.M. If you have not attended the Stations of the Cross begin this Friday. It is so inspiring to live our lent. This year let us keep the Holy Week as a special way to be with Jesus in his three days of suffering to destroy death and sin.

Save the date of June 20 from 7-9 p.m. to praise and worship with Tory Harris; it will be a great chance to evangelize. God bless all our parishioners, Father Rudi

Fr. Rudi’s homilies for the 24^th Sunday offered insight into how we can incorporate God’s love, mercy, and compassion into our relationships amongst our family members, friends, and within our communities. He referenced God’s metanoia; a Greek word meaning conversion or a change in the way one is living their life. While the full meaning of metanoia is translated within the New Testament as “repentance”, this kind of repentance is not about regret, guilt or shame; rather it implies a conversion; the decision to turn around; to face a new direction.

In the first reading this past Sunday, we hear of God’s frustration with the Israelites who have become depraved. Speaking to Moses he says, “I see how stiff-necked this people is“, continued the Lord to Moses. Let me alone, then that my wrath may blaze up against them to consume them. Then I will make of you a great nation.” Exodus 32:9-10. We know that God is just, and that the Israelites are deserving of God’s wrath just as we accept the justice imparted on ourselves and others within our society due to failures and mistakes, we make within our families and crimes committed within our community.

Yet, God’s metanoia brought a response of mercy and compassion towards the Israelites as a result of Moses plea, “Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and how you swore to them by your own self, saying, “I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky; and all this land that I promised, I will give your descendants as their perpetual heritage.” Exodus 32:13 Do we plead with God for his mercy, love and compassion for others, for ourselves?

In the second reading, St. Paul humbly describes himself as a grateful repentant and proclaims his metanoia; “I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me trustworthy in appointing me to the ministry. I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and arrogant, but I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief. 1Timothy 1:12 & 16. Is our response to God’s gift of mercy, love, and compassion like St. Paul’s?

In Luke’s Gospel we heard the three parables of searching and rejoicing for things we value. The shepherd looking for his lost sheep. “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep. I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” Luke 15:7

How about the women that lost one of her ten coins and searched her home until she found it. “Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost. In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10

Finally, we have the father of the prodigal son who demonstrates the unconditional love, mercy, and compassion of God. “While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20  

We are challenged by the father’s explanation to his faithful son who is a bit hesitant to join in celebrating his brother’s return.  “My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.” Luke 15:21-22 Can we accept God the Father’s gift of mercy and love for others and respond with more compassion for them ourselves?

From Father Rudi May 2019

Thank you to all who have made a commitment of financial and prayerful support to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal. We thank you for your generosity and your response to the call of Stewardship as a Holy Way of Life.

If you have not made your commitment yet, it is not too late. If you have not yet done so, we ask that you make your commitment today in order to provide the resources needed to continue vital diocesan ministries. We are counting on you to respond to this year’s theme, Companions on the Journey, which reminds us all that the journey to Heaven is one of accompaniment, encouragement, and walking alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ. It reminds us to share our gifts for the benefit of others who need your assistance. Please make your commitment today by filling out a pledge envelope located in the pew and dropping it in the collection basket, mailing your form, or dropping it by the office. Our parish goal is 100% participation and $386,030. You can also give your gift online at www.catholiclubbock.org/dca .

Last week someone left this anonymous note as their pledge form. The note reads as follows: “Unfortunately I no longer feel comfortable tithing here after finding out the CRS Rice Bowl was used in opposition to fund abortion and contraception for women in Africa.”

Let me clear up a few things. First, Catholic Relief Services, an organization of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, is a pro-life organization dedicated to preserving the sacredness and dignity of human life from conception to natural death. Their stated Catholic values are that “Catholic Relief Services is a manifestation of love for our brothers and sisters around the globe by the Catholic community of the United States. We protect, defend and advance human life around the world by directly meeting basic needs and advocating solution to injustice.”

As a part of the Universal Church, Catholic institutions are our partners of preference in our work. To reach all those who need our help, we also participate in humanitarian initiatives undertaken by a wide range of groups, such as governments, other faith communities and secular institutions. Although some positions and practices of these institutions are not always consistent with the full range of Catholic teaching, CRS’ association with them is always and only focused on activities that are fully consistent with Catholic teaching. Furthermore, CRS neither facilitates, endorses nor enables any violation of those teachings. CRS and its board of bishops and laypersons have a careful review system to ensure fidelity to Catholic moral teaching and to ensure that all funds under CRS’ direct control are used only for purposes complying with that teaching.

“If we, each, doing our own part,” the Holy Father teaches, “do good to others, if we meet them doing good, and we do so slowly, gently, little by little—we will make that culture of encounters that we need so much. We must meet one another doing good.” But our commitment to and belief in helping the poor, the hungry, the sick, the vulnerable, and the refugee in a way consistent with Catholic teaching—and modeling those values to others—remains unchanged.

Secondly, we must all be mindful of the 5 Precepts of the Catholic Church which include 1) Attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, 2) Confession of serious sins at least once a year, 3) Reception of Holy Communion at lest once a year during the Easter season, 4) Observance of the days of fast and abstinence, and 5) Providing for the needs of the Church.  As we consider precept 5, we are reminded that the faithful are obliged to help with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability. This includes the needs of our Diocese.

In 2 Corinthians 9:6—11, St. Paul tells us: “Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.”

I am continually blessed and humbled by the generous spirit that is demonstrated continually throughout the year by our parishioners. As we are blessed, we have been able to bless so many others in our community, surrounding communities and beyond our borders.  As God has given us everything we need, let us make a return to Him.
Fr. Rudolf Crasta

November 2018  

Dear Parishioners, the months of August and September always bring excitement to our parish. Preparing for the school year has been hectic but very fruitful.Our parish is growing in more ways imaginable. This is my fifth year as pastor of Holy Spirit and my main goal as pastor is the growth of our Adult Faith the classrooms studying different aspects of our faith. I am grateful to all the leaders who are my collaborators in teaching the faith and gospel values to our adults. John Arcisz, our director for Adult Faith Formation has worked hard this year to organize these programs. I know that many of us are studying our faith on-line and through Formed.org as well.

Our formation for children and youth program has gotten off to a tremendous start with over 520 children and youth currently enrolled and still counting. Thanks to all the catechists who have come forward to form our young ones in the love of God and of our neighbors. I know our children have been enjoying their learning experiences with fun activities such as a trip to the corn maze. We are fortunate to have Mary Ellen Doskocil, Peggy Klein and Pete & Charity Galan. They, along with their wonderful team, are full of life when it comes to teaching our children. We have 52 confirmation candidates who are looking forward to being confirmed by the Bishop this spring. The cooperation of the parents and their active participation with their children is essential to a successful year. Remember, you are doing the work of Jesus.

Another exciting addition to our parish program is the ministry of Greeters and Hospitality. An overwhelming number have been trained to welcome those who walk in to our parish every weekend. Thanks to Juno Bishop, Sister Rose and Dr. Karl Pankratz who have worked so hard to make this ministry possible. I am grateful that we are setting higher goals in the ministry of hospitality.

We are all called to evangelize. Remember the words of Pope Benedict, “Evangelization is not an option but the vocation proper to the people of God; a duty incumbent upon it by the command of the Lord…” And Pope Paul VI said, “Evangelization is in fact the grace and vocation most proper to the church; her deepest identity”. That is why we had the mini retreats during the month of July and now we are having a book study on ‘Evangelizing Catholics’ by Scott Hahn. I am hoping the outcome of this book study will, in the words of Pope Benedict, be to “enlighten us to fulfill our obligation to lead men and women to God.”

I hope that all of you will notice the recent “Faith in Action Flyer” that we included as a bulletin insert. We should all be proud of our parish in following the command of Jesus to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, and comfort the sick and bury the dead. Many of our unsung heroes at Holy Spirit share their time taking Communion to over 100 sick and homebound people every week and many others prepare meals and help to feed the homeless at St. Benedict’s.  We praise God for all of those who work to bring Christ to others. They will reap their reward in Heaven.  Also, on that flyer, the generosity of our parish is clearly seen in our financial sharing with others – whether it be second collections, benevolence projects, Basket 52 or social services, our parishioners always amaze me with their generous spirits and giving hearts. Please look for the “Faith in Action” flyer in the gathering space if you have not seen it. I know you will be proud, as well.

By the time you read this our Fall Festival will be over. While I am writing this, I am very nervous about the success of this parish festival. We have dared to dream big with our first ever Fall Festival and our first ever joint raffle with Christ the King Cathedral. I hope it will have been a success and more parishes will join hands to raise funds and work together to fulfill our obligation to evangelize.

Fr. Rudolf Crasta

October 2018

Dear Parishioners,  “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The saddest time in the history of the Catholic Church in the United States is the child abuse cases in the diocese of Pennsylvania and other dioceses. We are bombarded with this news day in and day out. I try not to think about it, for every time I ponder, my eyes well up and my brain shuts down. “To the one who is given more, more is expected”, said Jesus. We priests and bishops are held in a higher standard and we have failed terribly at a basic human level. Beholding Jesus crucified on the cross was always difficult for me. For the sacrifice He did for me and us. Now that I see these abused children nailed to the cross, I see the sacrifice they are called to. Nailed to the sin of abusive adults numbs my whole being. I pray with tears to Jesus, “Let these nailed because of our sin, let them please die in You so they will rise with You to new life, whole and complete.” The horrible scars that we have inflicted on them have taken away their freedom to live a life as a child of God.

From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile. Mark 7:21-23

Fr. Rudolf Crasta 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I would like to address an issue that has become quite serious and has devastating effects on many in our society. The issue is the frequent viewing of sexually explicit and inappropriate images on the internet. This influence has far reaching consequences to all of our families. As your pastor, I urge you to read this letter and pray for our parish. Before you say, “not my child, not my family” consider these sobering statistics….

• 5 is the average age a child is first exposed to harmful images.
• 83% of men and 49% of women say viewing explicit materials is an acceptable way of expressing one’s sexuality.
• 68% of men and 18% of women use explicit materials at least 1 time per week.
• 50% of Christens say that pornography is a major problem in the home.

Parents  of middle-school age kids, teenagers and young adults have many resources available to guide them.

1. Remember that sexual sin is a sickness; have great empathy for your child.
2. Gently reach out to your child. Don’t shame them, let them know they are loved and that they are not alone in their struggles; help them to find someone to talk to.
3. Educate yourself on sexual sin. Visit sexualpurityTexas.com for helpful information.

If you have a teenager that is struggling with sexual sin, we have a letter just for parents on how you can lovingly and effectively approach your child. For very young children, there is a book titled Good Pictures, Bad Pictures, that explains what pornography is in a non-graphic, very matter-of-fact way and gives your child a preventative solution if they happen to come across harmful, indecent images.

Men & Women struggling with sexual sin.

1. Know that you are deeply loved by the Heavenly Father and He can lead you out of your sin.
2. It won’t be easy, but He never fails. Recognize your humanity and allow God’s MERCY and GRACE to come into your life.
3. Visit SexualpurityTexas.com for information on support groups, phone groups, retreats, counseling, accountability partners, internet filters and more.
4. Attend a support group. Holy Spirit currently has a support group for men and more groups are available in the Lubbock area.
5. Get a LICENSED Sex Addiction Therapist.

Spouses that have been betrayed by sexual sin

1. It is important to know that it is not your fault.
2. Participating in a safe community is essential to getting the support & healing you need.
3. Visit SexualpurityTexas.com for more information and support.
4. Attend a support group. Holy Spirit has confidential meetings that offer support to spouses.
5. Get a LICENSED Sex Addiction Therapist.

If you or someone you love, needs guidance with this issue please contact Holy Spirit at HolySpiritaddictions@yahoo.com All communications will remain confidential.

Sincerely,

Father Rudi

June 2017

28th Ordination Anniversary

Father Rudi celebrated the 28th Anniversary of his Ordination on Sunday, April 23^rd. Please keep him in your prayers as he completes another year of service to the Church. We thank you Father Rudi, for sharing so generously the gifts you have received from God.

Prayer for Priests

Father, you have appointed you Son Jesus Christ eternal High Priest. Guide those he has chosen to be ministers of word and sacrament and help them to be faithful in fulfilling the ministry they have received. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“The Lord is risen, it is true!” Through our baptism, He calls us to proclaim new life to the world. Pray for those who herald the Good News as priests, brothers and sisters. If you think God may be inviting you to such a vocation, contact Father John Ohlig at the Vocation Office at 806-792-3943 ext 226 or email johlig@catholiclubbock.org.

 November 30, 2016
Dear Parishioners, The season of Advent is here and the end of the year is quickly approaching. The fall passed quickly with my time spent on sabbatical in Italy, Greece and the Holy Land. Changes in the diocese occurred during my time away, most notable perhaps, was the naming of our new Bishop, Msgr. Robert Coerver, by Pope Francis. I was blessed with thanking Pope Francis in person. Now, let us come together to give support to Bishop Coerver as we work to rebuild our diocese. Vocations to the priesthood will be a priority. We will watch to see the changes that take place and also the changes that a new president elect for our country might bring.

I am excited about the Stewardship initiative of the development commission; Time, Talent and Treasure. We are grateful to the many parishioners who tithe towards the parish. We have reduced our debt from $7.5 million to $5.3 million while we have paid all other expenses. Even with our debt reduction plan, we still set aside funds to help those most in need in our community. Holy Spirit is beyond generous when there is a need and even now our Basket 52 is literally over flowing.

August 15, 2016

Dear Holy Spirit Parishioner:

Spiritual growth and renewal are an ongoing part of the life of any Christian.  They also are essential to our parish life.  An important part of this spiritual growth is embodied in the principle of stewardship.  Stewardship leads us to recognize the blessings we have received from God and to show our gratitude for the gifts we have received by returning to Him a portion of the time, talent and treasure He has given us.

During the next weeks, our parish will be conducting a stewardship renewal.  You will hear about the many opportunities to do God’s work here at Holy Spirit.  Since stewardship is the whole parish’s responsibility, I am asking everyone to participate. I would like to thank you for your involvement in our parish.  Please reflect on the following two specific areas of stewardship; Time and Talent and how you live them out in your life.

Time:  Committing more throughout the week in personal prayer, study, adoration, adult faith formation classes, etc.

Talent: Using your talents, skills, abilities and knowledge to benefit our parish family youth/adult ministries, parish missions and other worthy causes.

God is the origin of all of our gifts.  Jesus speaks of the faithful and prudent steward as one the master assigned the responsibility to manage resources.  A good steward receives God’s gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with all, and returns them with increase to the Lord.

On the weekend of August 20-21, 2016, each Mass will have a lay minister talk, emphasizing the importance of Stewardship in all of our lives. Then on the following weekend, August 27-28, 2016, I will preach at all the Masses about the Spirituality of the Stewardship in regard to Time and Talent.  We will also make our time and talent commitments to God in church at each Mass that last weekend in August.

The Seven Commissions forming the foundation of our parish ministries and stewardship opportunities are summarized below.  I look forward to everyone’s participation.  Take time to think about and recognize the abundant gifts you have received.  Reflect on how you can use those gifts to further His work here at Holy Spirit.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Rudolf Crasta       

Fr. Jonathan Phillips

Catholic education was the central topic of discussion for three days during the first week of July 2016 in South Bend, Indiana. Over 50 priests from various diocese around the country gathered to discuss Catholic education on the University of Notre Dame campus. Our presenters were Fr. Joe, who is so much in love with Catholic education, and Sr. Julia, a full-time principal/teacher; who is giving up her life for the cause. They provided statistics and interesting insight into contemporary  21^st century Catholic education issues. I am quite familiar with many of these as they are present at Christ the King Cathedral School here in our own back yard.

Photo:  Touch Down Jesus on Nortre Dame Campus

 

The Importance of Catholic schools:

• Our CCE programs available to our parishioners on Sundays and Wednesday evenings
  are helpful for faith development, but not quite adequate to impart the basics of
  our Catholic faith. If you consider 29 hours a year, which is what our CCE program
  provides to five school days per week each academic year; the comparison represents
  spiritual information as opposed to spiritual formation of our children.
• 2/3 of the current seminarians come from Catholic schools.
• 27% of Catholic school graduates regularly attend Mass on week-ends as opposed to
  only 3% of public school graduates.

The Cost of Catholic Education:

• A great discussion about whether our Catholic families can afford the cost of
  Catholic school education for our children.
• It is important to find subsidies and sponsors to reduce the educational cost
  that parents consider; affordability is a major concern.
• Public school spends around $10,000 a year educating each student and Catholic
  schools typical fee is $4,500 a year per child.

Enrollment:

• Is it better for the child to have a classful of mates than a smaller class size?
• Is it better to fill every class-room with minimum fees than to have empty seats?
• Being mindful of the Immigrant-Catholic population; it is the immigrants
  who are stolen by the non-Catholic religions in our country.
• State vouchers and state assistance:
• States can provide a lot more assistance to send our children to the school of their choice.

 

Learning all about it makes me shout at the top of my voice………..

“Let us make Catholic education affordable for the future of our children! “

So, don’t we have enough money in Lubbock and in our diocese
to make Catholic education affordable?

 

Norte Dame Campus

Golden Dome

Reflections on the River

 

 

Father Rudi’s Holy Land Reflection

Upon Father Rudi’s return from his April trip to the Holy Land, he honored my request of recounting a few pilgrimage highlights. His first response was, “Celebrating Mass at the Holy Sepulchre.” When asked what it was like, he responded, “No words can describe it, only tears.”  I didn’t press him any further. Instead considered I may have similar authentic response myself someday. 

I asked, “What it was like to walk where Jesus once walked”? He emphasized that over 2000 years had past since then, yet the circumstances and the various groups vying for control is still present. This situation defines the area. 

What surprised you when you were there? Or what did you see that you had not anticipated? Father explained that the Garden of Gethsemane has been an important point of reflection throughout his life.  He has contemplated for years as to why  Peter couldn’t sit with Jesus for one hour during the time Jesus was sweating blood as he prayed? Why did Peter fall asleep?  The Sanctuary Gethsemane was cool—tranquil; there was no excuse not to reflect.

Father came away with a new connection to Gethsemane. For as he he was in contemplative prayer, just as Peter had, he too fell asleep. He connected with Peter. He too felt condemned with Peter.