Pastor's Letter

Friday, February 17, 2012

Dear Parishioners,
   I hope that by now, our households have received the Lenten/Easter brochure in the mail.  Please try to keep this resource close at hand in the coming days, as a helpful reference guide to Lenten activities at St. Mary.
   It happens that last weekend was observed as World Marriage Sunday.  It may have struck people that we essentially overlooked this occasion.  In truth, it is often a challenge to attend well to all of the numerous designated celebrations as they come up (Saturday of last weekend was World Day of the Sick, and we offered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick at two Masses, etc.).
   In any event, I can share with you that on Friday evening of this past week, we held a great event which was initiated by parishioners and which we hope will be one of steadily growing efforts to support married couples within St. Mary Parish.  It was called Dinner for Three and included a period of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament during which Confession was available, the celebration of Mass, a delicious catered meal and a time of witnessing by several married couples.  The parish hall was basically filled to capacity, and it provided some terrific opportunities of fellowship and prayerful encouragement of the vocation of marriage.  My thanks to the organizers and participants.
   Continuing on the theme of gratitude, my heartfelt appreciation also goes out to the many who worked and otherwise supported the recent
Night in Tuscany benefit event for St. Mary School.  An addition to this year’s format was a live auction for certain items, including some outstanding art pieces created by each class in the building, with the assistance of some local fine artists.  I believe a great deal of good will is generated at this annual event, and it is terrific to witness how the parish and the wider community as well comes out in support of our mission of Catholic education.  Well done!!
               Peace,  Fr. Stephen