Habemus Papam! As I mentioned this past weekend at Masses that it seemed likely we would have a new pope before we gathered again for Sunday Mass but I was surprised the election was that fast and even more surprised that the pope would come from the midwest of the United States! There's aways been a general sentiment that due to the USA being us a global political force that we would never see a pope elected from our country. The College of Cardinals, guided by the Holy Spirit, had another idea! The choice of his name is also significant. The Church has experienced incredible leadership under the likes of Pope St. Leo the Great and Pope Leo XIII, who was the 4th longest reigning pope in Church history and brought us much of what we refer to as Catholic social doctrine, especially in Rerum Novarum which championed the dignity of the human person and workers rights. The choice of his name gives us some insight into how he will lead the Church. We are in very good hands. Within a week we have a new bishop and a new pope. It's likely we won't see that again in our lifetimes! Join me in praying for Pope Leo XIV and Bishop Keehner. 

These weeks of Easter have brought much joy and activity. We celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Nickless, last weekend we packed every Mass as we celebrated First Communion, we've welcomed a new bishop and now a pope and that's just a few things. Last weekend Buena Vista University celebrated their graduation. We have BV students who regularly join us for Mass and get involved in parish and school activities. We congratulate all our college graduates who are celebrating that milestone. On Sunday we will celebrate graduation for our senior class at St. Mary's. As I told them at the Baccalaureate Mass on Tuesday, I am confident that they are ready to go into the world and make a difference. The gift of their Catholic education has equipped them with skills that will last a lifetime. We are truly proud of their accomplishments and send them out with our prayers. Next weekend brings the graduation of students from Storm Lake public and we also want to congratulate each of them, and the other graduates from the schools in our parish territoy for reaching this milestone in their lives. We ask all of our graduates to join us for Mass next Sunday (May 18) at our 9am Mass so that we can congratulate them as a parish family and offer them a special blessing at this moment in their lives. We will have a space reserved for our graduates. Because of the timeline of the various graduations, graduates do not need to dress in cap in gown as some will have turned them in already. 

As I write this, we have 8 days of school left! Not that I am counting down or anything like that! 

Father Lingle