Pastor's Column 6-2-2024
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June 2, 2024Dear Parishioners,
There is a lot to talk about in this bulletin column! I apologize for the lack of one last week. First, we have two new people on staff. One you have already heard: Theresa Johnson. She has been volunteering off and on as a soloist at the major solemnities and at the 4pm and 9am Sunday Masses. Brother Roger and I have been looking to supplement the music program at the parish with a soloist and so I offered the position of soloist to Ms. Johnson. She will be singing at the 4pm and 9am weekend Masses most of the year, and at the 10:30am Mass for the summer when the choir takes a hiatus. Speaking of the choir: we need more members. When we consider what we can do for God and for our neighbor, God gives us the sign of what we should do through our talents. If you have a decent voice for singing, you can offer that voice to the worship of God in the choir.
Our next new hire is Mr. Ray Laurence. Ray is a faithful parishioner and retired police officer. He also worked managing and maintaining Sam’s Clubs throughout the region after retiring from police work. He will be handling the regular upkeep and maintenance at the parish. He will be a big help to us ensuring that the parish stays in great shape.
Our painting capital project was supposed to begin last week, but as you saw the rain put a damper on that. I am hopeful that the project can begin within the next couple of weeks. The front of the church and the rectory will be painted, as well as various odds and ends (e.g. repointing brick at the church and rectory chimneys).
We made our Catholic Charity Appeal Goal. We have currently surpassed our goal of $48,450 and have pledged $49.672.00. 226 donors gave this year. I want to thank everyone who donated and prayed for the success of this good work that helps funds many initiatives throughout the diocese. Bishop Richard Henning will certainly put it to good use.
Last weekend we welcomed the Franciscan Apostolate Sisters for our Missionary Appeal Weekend. They are a lovely order dedicated to several different ministries like visiting the prison, teaching CCD, working at hospitals, teaching in schools, and so much more. They are currently trying to raise funds to make space for retired sisters. Being a relatively young order, they have many vocations and young sisters in the novitiate. But they have a new challenge: the first generation of sisters needs a place to go to retire, pray, and be looked after. If you would like to help please make a check out to the parish and write in the memo line: “missionary appeal” and your donation will go to help these sisters. Thank you to all who donated and prayed for them.
Our Knights of Columbus have asked me to pass along their gratitude for our parish and school’s generous response to the Baby Shower Breakfast. Between material goods and funds raised, over $7000 is being directed to support the Mother of Life Center and Little Flower Home. Our faith community is amazing.
Finally, as I announced at the Masses last weekend, I am away for the summer again for studies at Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. This is the second of four summers I am away. Various priests will be covering the Masses and liturgies while I am away. I return August 1st. Please pray for me, as I will pray for you.
God bless,
Fr. Barrow
