Dear Our Lady of Ransom Family:
- I have some unfortunate news to share with you. Fr. Dan Flens has reached the end of his assignment at Our Lady of Ransom. Before being assigned here, Fr. Dan told me of his intention to eventually move to Florida before a normal associate assignment would end. While this time of pandemic does not allow us to celebrate his ministry in the way we typically would, we are currently considering ways to allow our community to express their gratitude. Fr. Dan shares the following:
"Dear OLR Parishioners,
I’m writing this brief note to tell you that I will soon be completing my time as one of your Associate Pastors. Ever since my mother retired and moved to southwest Florida in the early 2000’s, I knew that I would eventually want to relocate to the same area so that she would have an immediate family member living nearby. Over the past year, a number of events, including the pandemic, helped me to see that it was prudent to initiate this move. Therefore, I will be leaving OLR sometime in mid-November, and getting re-established in Florida over the next few months. In the first months of 2021, I hope to begin ministry in my new host diocese.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this parish community for over a year, and for the hospitality you have shown me. During this time, I have come to know that some of you are caring for an older parent, and others are grateful to have one or more of their adult children living nearby to help them out when needed. It is time for me to position myself to be of similar service to my mother, and I will be deeply grateful for your prayers as I do so.
Fr. Dan Flens"
- A great opportunity for the men of Our Lady of Ransom: The Knights of Columbus will host a one day retreat on October 24 at Our Lady of Hope, and invite all men of Our Lady of Ransom and other area parishes to participate. The theme of this year's retreat is A Call to Missionary Discipleship. Our intent for this year's retreat is to inspire the men of our northwest-side parishes to answer the call to renew their relationship with Christ and understand why the new evangelization popularized by St. John Paul II is an essential element of the Church’s mission. Anticipated retreat speakers include: Frs. Matthew Bozovsky (Pastor, Our Lady of Ransom), Britto Berchmans (Pastor, St. Paul of the Cross), and Nick Cavallari (Associate Pastor, St. Paul of the Cross). In addition to thought-provoking presentations by our speakers, the program will include Mass and Eucharistic Adoration. Coffee and pastries will be available in the morning, and lunch will be provided. A donation of $25 is requested from those attendees who can afford to do so. Due to social distancing precautions, space for this year’s retreat is limited. To reserve your spot, email your name and contact information to kofcmaria4836@gmail.com.
- A big thanks to all those who participated in the Knights of Columbus blood drive hosted at Our Lady of Ransom. Donations that day were able to provide blood to 63 people in our area health care facilities. What a great way to be a truly pro-life people.
- A special word of gratitude to Lisa Christopher, John Dobbins, and Linda Polan for agreeing to take the lead on our Greeters ministry. Being born from the requirements of the Archdiocese during the time of pandemic, this ministry is a non-negotiable for us maintaining permission to be open for the celebration of sacraments. Members of this ministry must demonstrate radical hospitality, dedication and commitment, and faithfulness to the policies set in place by the Archdiocese. Lisa, John and Linda will do well leading this essential ministry, and I am grateful for their commitment and willingness to enter into our parish leadership.
- This week we have begun the second generation of The Fruitful Branch. It is exciting to see so many men and women committing to growing in their lived relationship with Jesus Christ. Please keep all of the participants in your prayers.
- Our parish intercessors had a wonderful webinar with our very own Deacon Keith Strohm. Nationally renowned for his gifts in evangelization and intercession, it is a great chance for our community to make use of his wisdom. Our intercessors continue to pray for the health and growth of our community. To our intercessors: Thank you for the love that you show to our community by giving of your time in prayer - you are the foundation upon which every good thing in our community rests!