The Rev. Andrew Raczkowski of St. Joseph Catholic Church in White Pigeon acknowledged in the Sept. 20 bulletin that birthdays are special days, and some of them even have special meaning associated with them.

Children's birthdays are always cause for celebration as children are a gift. Following those are milestone birthdays— 16, 18, 21 and 30. After that, many of us stop counting.

The 75th birthday of a priest is a big deal. It marks the age that pastors and bishops are required to submit their resignations.

On Oct. 18, the feast of St. Luke, His Excellency Bishop Paul Bradley, pastor of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, will turn 75. He has served as bishop for 11 years. 

One of three scenarios could happen upon Bradley's resignation. 

"Pope Francis could accept his resignation immediately, resulting in the Episcopal See being vacant until a new bishop is named; Pope Francis could accept his resignation and appoint him as administrator until a new bishop is named; [or] Pope Francis could leave Bishop Bradley in place until a new bishop is named," Raczkowski said in the bulletin. 

To show gratitude and appreciation for Bishop Bradley's service, Raczkowski invited the congregation to participate in offering a "spiritual bouquet." A spiritual bouquet is a gift of prayer, sacrifice or other devotional acts presented as a group. Examples include offering a Rosary, spiritual acts of mercy or giving up something we enjoy in honor of the recipient. 

St. Joseph hopes to present Bishop Bradley with a bouquet of prayers and sacrifices offered on his behalf. This show of love and affection will be presented to him the week before his birthday. Individuals and families are encouaged to participate. This is a great practice to teach children, especially at the beginning of the catechetical year. 

Gifts will be collected in the golden boxes through Oct. 11. Fr. Raczkowski encouraged parishioners to continue to lift Bishop Bradley in prayer in the coming weeks.