Pastor's Column 10-29-2023
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October 29, 2023Dear Parishioners,
I am happy to report that we had a successful Bazaar. Our last parish bazaar was in 2019. Unfortunately, Covid put an end to many parish activities. But last weekend we brought back vendors, games, activities, raffles, and of course food. You may have seen a rough looking volunteer taking food orders who was very bad at math on Friday night. That was me, and I learned that night that I need to head across the street and start attending elementary level math again (in addition to Canon Law studies!).
This event would not have happened without the tremendous leadership of Nicole Latendresse. Nicole can normally be found leading our squad of cheerleaders in training and supporting our parish sporting events. But she graciously took on the responsibility of coordinating volunteers, vendors, and setup. I cannot thank her enough. But she was not alone. Al Hervieux brought his wisdom of organizing bazaars from past years. In the kitchen John and Robert Bianchi, and members of our Knights of Columbus prepared the food and beverages. Our local Scout Troop set up and took down the tables and chairs. Other volunteers manned the raffles and tables including Kathy Sowa, Carolyn Proulx, Charleen Lagace, Kayla Zalewski, Michelle Sullivan, Mandy McIntyre, Kelsey Flaxington, Liz Nickoson, Sara Shea. Hannah Slater, Nicole Pimental, Erin Smith, Kayla Whipple, and other dedicated volunteers who pitched in to make this a success. This was only a small start to the bazaar. Stay tuned for more.
Meanwhile, work continues improving our parish buildings and grounds. The new sacristy windows are in place. Not only do they look beautiful, but they will also keep out the elements. I want to thank the contractors Coastal Glazing in coordination with Pella Windows for their good work. Winter is almost here; although you would not know it based on the last few days with temperatures in the 70s. But that was very helpful because we can’t paint in cold weather. So, our painting contractors from Allstate Construction continued painting the church. All this work has been occurring under the watchful eye of parishioner Dan Bubier. Also, this past Wednesday the parking lot received some needed maintenance. The cracks in the asphalt were cleaned out and refilled with fresh rubber and some potholes were filled. This helps extend the longevity of the parking lot (and of our cars). Thanks for that work goes to A & D Sealcoating.
Our electrician Paul Henderson continues his work modernizing the lighting of the parish grounds. Gradually he has been changing exterior and interior lighting to more efficient LED bulbs. I always brag to others that our church has the best lighting in all the diocese (I would argue, even better than the cathedral).
Our new cleaning company for the church, headed by Carlos Cruz continues to provide a great service to the parish. Besides the regular upkeep of the church, he has also made our floors shine. This past week he finished the church hall which, as many know, was flooded this past summer. It looks great.
This week we celebrate All Saints Day. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. So Masses will be at the usual time for Holy Days: 7:15am, 12:00pm, and 7:00pm.
In Christ,
Fr. Barrow
