Dear Fellow Parishioners, As a priest I have the opportunity to talk with other pastors and listen to the challenges that they face in their assignments. Most of the challenges deal not with ministry but with administration of parish affairs and property. That is not an issue at all here in our parish community. There is a wonderful partnership and ownership of parishioners that allow me to focus on the very things I am ordained for, “Prayer and the ministry of the word.” What that means is that I can focus my energy on preaching the Word of God and providing the sacraments for our community. Our Pastoral Planning Team (PPT) takes full ownership and responsibility for the administration of our parish affairs and property. Last night at our monthly meeting I was thinking, it would be wonderful if our Zoom meeting could be shared for all of you to see the dedication of the men and women who serve in leadership positions in our parish. How proud I am to serve with them. Their wisdom in finance, guarding our parish income as they would their own household finances, keeping the campus and property in repair as their own home, providing ministries because they want to grow our faith community, all work together in collaboration. Along with the dedication of the PPT members, our parish staff works together like a well-oiled machine. We have each other’s back and make sure that we serve the community as best we can following the precepts and guidelines of our Roman Catholic Faith. How wonderful it is for me to hear you praise staff members for their assistance in so very many ways. The thank you cards sent to me and to them are affirmation and support especially as we navigate a pandemic. Also, what adds to the dynamism of our community is your response to ministry. Just recently Pam sent an e-mail requesting people to be Ministers of Care (bringing communion to homebound). We needed 6 people and 18 were willing to help! We were given 6 months to get 500 lbs of plastic bags and did it in 6 weeks! Shoveling the walks after a snowstorm, done within hours! The list goes on and on. PPT, Staff, and parishioners all in partnership! What a great gift we are to The Catholic Community of Sacred Heart, The Diocese of Worcester and the Church at large. Thank you for allowing me to be on the journey with you! Fr. Bill