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Amen Corner By Fr. Mike Tauke

Current Week

Aug 2
The Catholic experience is a communal experience. We are both a me-and-God experience and a we-and-God experience. Our sacrament structure moves the private to the community level.
I would like to take the Sacrament of Marriage as an example. I do not marry people; the couple – freely and without reservation - marry each other. I don’t give them the sacrament; they give it to each other. This is done in the context of the community – Church as people of God. I am not a “religious justice of the peace.” I am the official witness of the Church along with the community who gathers for the celebration.

The couple, by their vows, states publically their faith in each other and in God. It’s not the dress, the number of attendants, the limousines, and flowers that make the wedding. It is the honesty, truthfulness and commitment of the couple that make it a sacrament. We may say we love one another; the question is how and is it forever?

To declare a marriage a sacrament, a couple is stating their covenant will be lived out in the context of our Catholic tradition by being active and participating members of the church community. This commitment can be fulfilled if both members are Catholic. It is fulfilled if one is Catholic and the other is a baptized Christian of another denomination, or religion, or even as a non-believer.
It is for this reason we take marriage preparation very seriously. The culture puts lots of pressure on the wedding day.

Unfortunately, little is done to prepare for the commitment to married life. The couple needs to understand what it is to have a “church wedding.” The church – again, the people of God – are the witnesses to these two people committing themselves to live the gospel in the context of their married lives. The Catholic Church sees marriage as a SACRAMENT, not just a wedding.

The Catholic Church, in its wisdom, offers two choices for the Sacrament of Marriage – within Mass or in the context of a Wedding Service. Wedding Masses are appropriate if the couple and the majority of the guests are active and practicing Catholics and are familiar with Catholic worship. The Wedding Service is appropriate when the couple is of two different faith experiences or where the majority of the assembly is not Catholic. This way everyone feels hospitality and is able to participate fully. It is comprised of scripture, blessings and, of course, the vows. The greatest majority of weddings use this context. I love it.
Sacraments are actions, not things. Sacraments are not magic; they are mystery.

And the people say… Fr. Mike

Aug 23
This weekend, our parish hosts the Celebration of Life Mass. Archbishop Hanus will be the presider and homilist at the 10:00 Mass along with guests from the entire archdiocese. This event celebrates the gifts and talents of people with all the diversity of abilities. It is a celebration of inclusion and respect of life.

In the past we used words like “handicapped” and “disabled” to describe people who we thought had limited functions. In reality, we all are in some manner or form disabled – none of us have the totality of gifts to perform at levels of perfection.

I view all of us having “special needs.” We want to be included and recognized as having value. We want to be able to be independent. We want to be accepted as a person whose life has meaning and purpose. We want to be loved and respected.

This weekend, we want to acknowledge God’s presence in all people. We celebrate life when we are respected and acknowledged as people with gifts. Each of us is called to see and recognize God’s presence in one another and ourselves.

When we built this church, we designed it so everyone had accessibility, not only to the worship space, but also to restrooms, classrooms and offices. We want people, regardless of need, to find a place in our church home.

I love to look around our congregation with its many different faces, ages, backgrounds, abilities and gifts. I love to see people who in the past would have been shunned or excluded. I love to witness the empathy our parishioners have for others.

Welcome guests and visitors! You belong to us, because you belong to Christ! Celebrate life!

And the people say… Fr. Mike

Aug 31
As our parish prepares to grow and meet the challenges of our world, the question remains, “What is the status of the priesthood?” In the past, the number of priests determined the number of parishes built and staffed. About 1950, the number of priests in the United States peaked and began to decline.

Here are a few points to consider:
* This coming year there will be no one ordained to priesthood for the Archdiocese of Dubuque.
* Every year to follow it is estimated there will be only one ordination per year.
* Presently, over 22 pastors are over the age of retirement (70 years of age).
* The median age of priests for our archdiocese is about 62 years old.
* It has been over 36 years since there has been a person ordained from this parish.

Our archdiocese is now in the crisis. Many parishes will be closing. Many parishes will not have a resident pastor. Parishes need to be visionary. Lay leadership is essential. The basis of a parish surviving will not be determined by its size or buildings; it will be determined by the energy and foresight of the parish members.

Deacons will help to some extent. They are able to preach, baptize and perform marriages. However, they cannot preside at Eucharist, hear confessions, or administer the Sacrament of the Sick. Also, most deacons are not full-time within a parish.
People ask me if I see myself continue as full-time priest and pastor after retirement. The answer is, No! I believe there is a time when one needs to hand the responsibility onto the next generation.

I believe, we at St. Mary Parish, are modeling what can be done. It means gigantic sacrifices, investment in good staff, empowering laity, and addressing the issues of this present age. Our building process is a great example. If we had not made this investment, we, in all likelihood, would not have had a long future.

Throughout the debate on the future of the church, one question is rarely asked, “What do I do to affirm and sponsor priesthood?” You can have a building, but if there is no priest there will be no Mass. There is no easy solution, but we need to prepare for the future. I am hopeful; I want you to share the hopes and dreams of a great future.

And the people say… Fr. Mike