Recipients: Seven Dolors Church

"...let what is preached, be heard clearly."

Canwapekasna WI
moon when wind blows off leaves

28 October, 2007

St. Paul did not have or use electronics, but still his words are electrifying, stirring us to more faithful service. In addressing the community of believers in Rome, where he had not yet visited, St. Paul reminds them "that the footsteps of those who bring good news is a welcome sound, ...so faith comes from what is preached."
(Romans 10:15,17).

But if the electronic system wears out, or continually malfunctions, what can be done? Thankfully, with the help of the grant from the Las Casas Ministry Board, we were able to enrich our hearing and have added options so the ce1ebrant at Mass could be heard also, at the altar, or with a hand microphone apart from the pulpit.

The grant was a wonderful help in completing the purchase of a new sound system for Seven Dolors Church, in Fort Totten, and for a portable system at one of our, missions, Christ the King in Tokio -- all on the Spirit Lake Dakotah Reservation, east central North Dakota, in the Fargo Diocese.

Over the course. of the last 20 years, the previous system served, and at times faltered. Due to its design and construction, replacement parts were no longer available, since developments have moved to digital and other forms of remote and distance connections. No accurate records are available as to when the previous system was installed, but when taking the console to electronic shops in hopes of repairs, the look of amazement was continuing evidence that accompanied the words: "they don't make that stuff anymore." So we are most grateful to have been able to replace our audio system, and let what is preached, be heard clearly.

There are still members of our parish family; that do not read. One such person comes from a considerable distance, just off the Reservation, "I can hear, even from the fourth pew!" So it is a great joy to know that benefits of a good sound system, make possible the growth in faith and service that St. Paul commends, in times when we take for granted that everyone can read, write, and communicate without any difficulty.

To each of you who have been so generous and supportive of Las Casas and its ministries over the years, we express our sincere thanks and appreciation for your help in allowing us to provide a new sound system for one of our missions, and allow for the enrichment of lives, each day, each week, through the ministry of the Word--written, spoken, and enfleshed in Jesus Christ, whose love and instruction for right living, is shared.

Fr. Charles Leute, OP
St. Albert Province