The most important reminder we have for parishioners and friends in this issue is the upcoming farewell party on June 28th for our dear, dear priests. After twelve years our fantastic pastor, Fr. Paul Koetter, has been reassigned to Holy Spirit Parish on the east side of Indianapolis and after three years, our energetic associate, Fr. Scott “Lalo” Nobbe, has also been reassigned to become pastor of St. Ambrose Parish in Seymour, IN. Let’s send them off in style as we gather in the St. Ambrose Center (also known as the gym, on the east side of the facility) and share stories of how they have touched our lives. How blessed are we to have had them lead our liturgies, inspire our faithfulness, and bring us together from many diverse settings. And best of all, they pray for us daily and are our friends. So come one, come all to say thank you and goodbye.

This past week was an active one at St. Monica as over one hundred children buzzed around the school while participating in our Vacation Bible School. Religious Education Director, Mary Jo Thomas-Day, reports that a good time was had by all. Older children assisted leaders who taught about our faith and our parish through a variety of craft activities, songs, skits, games, and prayer, with the emphasis on how to pray the rosary. Mary Jo is very thankful to have had so many teachers volunteer their time and effort to make this a fun and memorable week for the youth of our parish.

For those of you who have non-Catholic spouses who may be asking more questions about Catholic beliefs, or friends who have expressed an interest in knowing more about our religion, please pass on this information. St. Monica is holding a summer Inquiry Program. This is a low key get together with no pressure put on participants to become Catholic. It is simply an opportunity for those who are curious about our faith to learn more in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Five Sunday sessions remain: July 12 and 19, and August 2, 9, and 16. These are held from 6-8 pm in the St. Augustine Room. If you have questions regarding this program, please call Anne Corcoran our Pastoral Associate for Adult Faith Formation.

One great thing about St. Monica parish is the manner in which a parishioner will have an idea or passion and fuel that idea to other parishioners, and before long a group of people are trying to make the world a better place. Many of us have relatives or friends in the military with many of them currently deployed to war areas. And although we read about what is going on and pray for a faster culmination of the war and the soldiers to come home, we usually just go on about our daily work and activities without doing much for our soldiers. Parishioner Christy Fancher’s friend, soldier Kip Seidenstucker of the 55th Medical Division, shared with Christy the need for more provisions that would help soldiers relax and unwind somewhat (pretty difficult to do when there is a war going on around you.) He emphasized the need for little games like Catch Phrase, model airplane, helicopters, boats, art supplies. Bibles are welcomed as are telephone cards for the soldiers, and childrens’ clothing and toys for the soldiers to give the children of these areas who have not had a chance to be children. So through Christy’s efforts, boxes were placed in the Narthex to collect items. It is not too late to help out this cause. If you have any questions about helping this call, email Christy at j_fancher@comcast.net. If you hate to shop, financial donations are welcomed as the postage to send these items abroad adds up. If your budget is too tight at present to help Christy’s cause, consider becoming a pen pal. Only 44 cents and you can help make a soldiers’ life a little brighter.