Dear Fellow Parishioners, “There’s a boy here with five loaves and two fish, but what good is that for so many?” (Jn 6:9) Did that young boy know how his small contribution would assist in feeding 5000? Sometimes we don’t realize that our small attempts and contributions can make a difference. I’m thinking of how overwhelming climate change seems these days as we witness drought, fires, flooding, hurricanes, and tornadoes in overwhelming force. Many are waiting for governments throughout the world to step in and act. We often forget that our lifestyle and actions do help as we strive to assist in the efforts to take “care for our common home.”
Dear Fellow Parishioners, How lucky we are to have families that are part of our journey through life, beyond the family we are born into. We have our biological family, and we also have our parish family. For me as a priest, I also journey with my brother priests. I have encouraged us all to make sure we have someone who walks with us on our spiritual journey. How fortunate I am to be part of an Emmaus group with three other priests who have been meeting monthly for almost 40 years! The support we offer each other is incredible. Knowing that they are there and just a phone call away between meetings is a gift.
Dear Fellow Parishioners, How wonderful it is to see so many returning to weekend Mass. It has been a long time coming and we continue to do our best to keep everyone safe and healthy. We are following the Diocesan guidelines for worship, that are directed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the guidelines set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. At the same time, we are listening to the needs of the community here on the local level.
Dear Fellow Parishioners, What page are we on? Catechism, CCD, Religious Education, Faith Formation, whole Community Catechesis…Lifelong Learning! Those of us who have been involved with our Catholic faith for the past 40 years will recognize the journey we have been making as a Church to impart faith and encourage others to follow Christ.
Dear Fellow Parishioners, Throughout the pandemic, our Pastoral Planning Team (PPT) has been meeting on Zoom and working diligently in spite of many unknowns to keep our physical plant and our spiritual reality moving forward. You are welcome to read the minutes of our meetings, located on our website under Our Parish and Parish Planning Team, but at this time I want to bring several items to your attention.