Reflections About Life At St. Bridget (1938 - 1941)

by Monsignor Stanley Loncaric

We were fortunate to have Father Loncaric celebrate Mass for us again on Pentecost Sunday, May 29, 1977. These comments were excerpts from his homily on that Saint Bridget's Day, 1977.

I first offered Holy Mass in this church on July 6, 1938. I was ordained only two years when I was appointed pastor of Saint Bridget. I had never been to the country and did not have the slightest idea what being a country pastor meant. I was fortunate to have my mother with me. That made things somewhat easier.

It did not take long to get acquainted with the forty-five families that made up the Parish Family at that time. We were still in the depression. Many Sundays the total collection amounted to only $5 or $6. We always had plenty to eat - the people were most generous in bringing in food.

One thing that impressed me and made my pastorate a joy was the deep faith of the people of Saint Bridget's. The biggest social affair was the annual picnic. This proved most successful financially.

The very fact that so many people return each year to celebrate Saint Bridget Day is proof of the very truth that you loved your parish and cherished your membership here. Furthermore, your labors and your effort to preserve this church; to maintain, repair, and improve this house of God, even though Christ no longer dwells here daily as He once did, is added proof of your affection for St. Bridget.

On this Pentecost Day, let your hearts be filled with gratitude to Almighty God for the faith that He brought to St. Bridgets' over a hundred years ago, for the graces and sanctification that the Holy Spirit has so generously given to all who have been members of St. Bridget, and for the gift of faith that He has given to you. Respond to the graces He gives you. The more faithfully you use the graces of God, the more generously God gives His graces to you.