By Julie Godfrey Miller
Catholic Herald

Sheldon parish celebrates 50th

SHELDON -- On July 24 St. John the Apostle Parish marked its 50th anniversary with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Raphael M. Fliss, with Fr. John Long, St. John pastor, and Fr. George Votruba, a former pastor, as concelebrants. Long also serves Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Gilman; St. Michael Parish, Jump River; and St. Stanislaus Parish, Lublin. Votruba is retired.

Some of the oldest residents of the parish led the entrance procession.

In his homily Fliss said, "On an anniversary celebration like this, every one of us is willing and eager to reminisce and share their stories." He went on to recount a bit of the parish's history and praised all of the pastors and faithful who have played a role in the founding and the success of the parish. (See related story in the box below.)

Fliss also reflected on the Scripture readings at the Mass. He said that in the first reading (1 Kings 3:5, 7-12), God told Solomon to ask for something and God would give it to him. Fliss said, "I'm asking you. What would you ask for? Would wisdom and understanding -- would the understanding heart -- be part of your request? ... For what in your life have you been willing to pay a great price?"

"Even St. Paul, in his reading (Romans 8:28-30), says something about values, the need to trust that God's plan for salvation will carry all who believe to their predestined glory. For those who believe, the gains and losses, the goods and the evils of everyday life pale, become insignificant, in comparison with the deeper life lived in the kingdom according to God's rule, lived in a life of faith close to our Lord," Fliss said.

Then Fliss asked again, "If you could, what would you ask for? A red Corvette? Tuition for college? Maybe simple things like passing a test, or great weather for a picnic, a long vacation without the kids ... peace on earth, safety for your loved ones, a miraculous healing (Have you ever asked for a miraculous healing?) ... or $1 million."

He added that wishes come from many sources, even from watching a steady diet of television, but others might be selfless, sensible or noble, like Solomon's request for an understanding heart to use in judging his people, and to know right from wrong.

"It appears he was already well on his way to having it when he asked for it," Fliss said, and added that everyone knows the outcome of the story of Solomon, when he made an admirable judgment regarding the child claimed by two mothers. Solomon told them to cut it in half. The responses of the women showed which one really loved the child.

Fliss said that Solomon was a very smart man but even smart men can make very dumb choices, and Solomon made his share. Fliss cited two examples. First, Solomon spent seven years building a lavish temple to the Lord, but then spent 13 years building his own great palace, with forced labor and, perhaps, worse.

Second, God told Solomon not to fall into the possibility of worshiping false gods. But Solomon took over 100 wives and had many concubines. Shrines to the false gods were not far behind, Fliss said.

Maybe wisdom alone isn't enough. Wisdom and an understanding heart must be attached to a human will that is humble enough to submit to it in order to be effective, Fliss said.

Fliss mentioned the Antiques Roadshow program on public television, and said the fun is in watching the growing anticipation of the owner of an item as an appraiser describes it and prepares to put a value on it. Fliss added that many people are shocked at the high value put on their object.

Fliss said, "By virtue of our baptism, we have all been given the gift of the kingdom of God in our faith. Even if that faith may be perfect, and even if it is a little nicked or scratched, or tarnished, it still is valuable beyond measure. The appraiser is Jesus and he is telling us that our faith is a priceless gift, a priceless gift that will bring us all great joy and comfort, a priceless gift that should encourage us to gather like we do today at this Mass and every weekend" to share the faith, share the stories of the faith and to support one another with the faith.

Following the Mass there was a dinner in the parish hall. Although unable to attend the Mass, Fr. William Speerstra and Fr. Gerard Willger, both former pastors at St. John, attended dinner, as did Fr. Albert Verdegan, who has often helped out at the parish. Speerstra and Verdegan are both retired. Willger serves the parishes in Medford and Whittlesey.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2005