The Collar's Corner
St. Patrick and St. Vincent de Paul Parishes
Two Parishes, One Faith
Becoming alive in Christ, called to bring Him to
life in the world
June 2026
Greetings, Parish Families! Here is this month's edition of "The Collar's Corner." At our most recent Joint Parish Pastoral Council meetings (see the Where are We Going? section below), part of our discussion centered around possible ways that we could enhance the use and the promotion of these Flocknotes. One possibility that was discussed was including a spiritual reflection piece, perhaps centered around the upcoming Sunday Scriptures. This may be a part of my monthly Flocknote or it might be a separate note on a weekly basis. You might also see, in future Flocknotes, some changes to my monthly note as well. For now, as I'm getting ready to head on some time of rest and relaxation this weekend, and wanting to get a note out to you before I left, I'm continuing with the current format for now.
Angel and I will be departing following the Saturday Vigil Mass at St. Patrick's for a week away and will be returning to the office on Monday, June 22nd (the day before my mom's birthday :)). Angel will be hanging out with her grandma and I'll be taking a little road trip. A happy and blessed Father's Day to all of our fathers and grandfather's while we are away!
Fr. John
Invite others to join our Flocknote community!
If someone you know wants to sign up or you want to invite someone to join and receive our monthly "The Collar's Corner," there are 3 ways to do that:
OR
2) Text WESTPARK (no space) to 84576
3) Sign up via our new parish website....www.2parishes1faithcle.org
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
It’s important and necessary to think and to plan and to look ahead, I think we all know that. While we can’t plan and prepare for everything that may happen in the course of our day, our week, or our life, we also can’t afford to neglect planning or preparing altogether. That’s true of our personal lives, and it’s true of the lives of our parishes. In the weeks before I left for vacation, at our Joint Parish Pastoral Council meetings in May and June, we welcomed Robert Koonce from the Diocesan Deanery and Pastoral Planning Office. Robert joined us to help us in some work that the members of our Council and I, felt was very much needed…looking and planning ahead for where we wanted to go.
Robert joined us, not to share what the Diocese’s vision for either of our parishes was, he joined us to help us determine what our vision, our plan was. He joined us to ask the questions that would help us to think and to reflect on who we were and how we wanted to continue to proclaim the Kingdom of God in our corner of the world. I would say, and I believe the other members of our Joint Parish Pastoral Council would agree, that we had some very beneficial and fruitful discussions. As I get back into the office routine Robert and I are going to sit down and review the notes from our Council meetings and start putting some action steps together. The plan is that when we resume our Council meetings in the fall we can start the year out with a concrete plan and remain focused on the mission that Jesus has entrusted to us.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
On July 4th we pray for and celebrate our country's independence. This year, that day is a Saturday and so we will have our regular weekend Mass & Confession schedule for both parishes. At each of the Saturday evening Masses that day, the Mass will be offered for our country.
A Prayer for the United States
O God our Creator, from your provident hand we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You have called us as your people and given us the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, and your Son, Jesus Christ.
Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society.
We ask you to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty. Give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.
Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father, a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters gathered in your Church in this decisive hour in the history of our nation, so that, with every trial withstood and every danger overcome— for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who come after us—this great land will always be “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Taken from: https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/prayers-for-the-nation/
JOINT PARISH PICNIC AND RAFFLE
Mark your calendars now for our 2nd annual Joint Parish Picnic on Sunday, August 16th, starting at noon on the grounds of St. Patrick's. More details will be coming as we draw closer.
You can pick up your raffle tickets for a chance to win $1000, $500, or $300 starting this weekend at Mass. At St. Patrick's you'll find baskets with tickets at the doors of the Church. Please take some tickets (just don't fill them out during the homily ;)) and return them via the collection or the Parish Office. At St. Vincent de Paul there'll be some tickets available in the Sacristy after weekend Masses. You can also stop into the Parish Office during the week to pick some up as well. Good luck!
CONSECRATION OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE SACRED HEART
Did you know that on June 11th, as we prepare to celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus the following day, the Bishops of the United States will be consecrating our country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. You should be able to watch part or all of the Mass of consecration here...https://www.usccb.org/consecration-united-states-sacred-heart-jesus
I've also included here the prayer of consecration if you wish to pray it on your own.
O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:
You know the longings of our hearts,
and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you.
From your pierced side,
you have poured out the wellspring of
life, for which we thirst.
Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you.
We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths
that our Creator has endowed all people
with the right to life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness.
We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity
that have taken place in this nation.
May our hearts be united to yours,
so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness;
may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired,
and the wounds of our land be healed.
May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love.
O Desire of Nations and Center of History,
we ask you to bless these United States of America. Who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
DIVINE MERCY HOLY HOUR
Our next Divine Mercy Holy Hour will be held on Sunday, July 5th. At 3:00 pm, the great hour of God's mercy, Fr. Robert will lead us in the Divine Mercy Novena along with some time before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament in Eucharistic Adoration. All are welcome to come and pray, rejoicing in God's abundant mercy! Our Divine Mercy Holy Hours are hosted at St. Vincent de Paul.
Jesus, I trust in you!
DID YOU KNOW?
Sometimes when we haven't been to Mass in a while, or even when we have trying to remember the prayers and responses can be challenging. We might stand there, wondering what to say. Or perhaps, when we encounter a visitor or somone new, we might not know where to point them or how to help them.
For those who might need some help at the doors of each parish, we have an aide to help. You should find these sheets with the Order of Mass and all the prayers and responses that you will need. If you are looking for one and can't find it, please let the Sacristan know. Sometimes the sheets may get used up before someone notices. Please let us know if there aren't any so that we can get some more copies made.
