This week Fr. Battey and I head to a Pastor’s Conference at Notre Dame University in Indiana. Over the course of four days, we will have the opportunity to attend conferences on parish and school management. We return before the following weekend. I hope to bring back many insights to help the parish and school.
This summer we have two events organized by our seminarian: Bible Study and Solemn Sung Evening Prayer. First, a Bible Study. Parishioners have often asked me if we could start one. Every Thursday at 6:30pm Joe will lead a discussion on the scriptures in the church hall. St. Jerome reminds us that: “ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ.” With seminary studies fresh in his mind, Joe will bring the knowledge of Christ in the scriptures to everyone who attends. Handouts on the evening’s discussion are provided and there will be group discussion. I hope that everyone can make it to at least one session. Bring your bibles as well.
The second event this summer is Solemn Sung Evening Prayer. Every Sunday at 6:00pm come to the church to be a part of this timeless tradition of the church. Throughout the world Catholics pray the Liturgy of the Hours. This is the Church’s official prayer that helps sanctify the day and follow the admonition to “pray without ceasing.” It comes from the Jewish custom of praying at fixed hours. The Church divides the Liturgy of the Hours into five parts: the office of readings, morning prayer, daytime prayer, evening prayer, and night prayer (there are other smaller parts as well). We will pray evening prayer together before the exposed Blessed Sacrament. Do not let yourself be intimidated by the prospect of singing. Singing the Hours could not be simpler. It is designed to be easily picked up to elevate prayer. Handouts are provided so simply bring yourself.
Over the months of May and June we sent out budgets for the Annual Collection. I want to thank everyone who was able to donate to this yearly collection, especially given that times are economically difficult. This collection helps defray the cost of unexpected expenses. For example, at the beginning of the year we replaced the printer in the rectory because our old one was (incorrectly) printing in lines (great for making spreadsheets, but not so much for trying to print a formal letter). We also had to replace the water pump for the church heating system (I distinctly remember turning on the heating system for the first time and asking our maintenance supervisor Claude: “is there supposed to be that much water coming out of the pump? To which Claude replied “no.”). In the coming weeks I hope to send out an annual report of parish finances with a bit more detail. I am very happy to report that we finished the year in the black (despite Fr. Battey’s ravenous appetite putting a strain on the food budget [just in case: that is a complete joke!]).
Finally, Tavares Cleaning Services washed the floors throughout the church (including the church hall). Because of Covid our floors had not been professionally cleaned for a long time and with all the groups and events in our parish it was beginning to show. I want to thank them for their good work.