Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Blessed Virgin Mary Grotto
I was sitting in the rectory with a priest friend enjoying a drink and good conversation when he looked out the window and saw the grotto on the corner of the parish property.  He complimented how beautiful it looks, and it sparked more good conversation about parish and how God’s grace inspires people to make it happen.  The care shown for our holy things especially the Mass, but also our statues and places of prayer is an indicator of how we show love of God and love of neighbor.  I want to thank those parishioners and especially the Stewards of the Land ministry that do so much to beautify our parish grounds.  If you haven’t stopped over at the Grotto to pray, I highly encourage you to do so.  It’s always good to talk to our Mother.  While we can do that anywhere, it is appropriate to go to a special place to see the love and care that others have shown.  It may seem like a simple thing, but encountering a moment of beauty can spark renewed inspiration from the Holy Spirit as well as good conversation, fostering greater fellowship and love of God.  

Update on Use of School Building
We continue to discern how we can use our school building.  While certain parts (PAC and Boeke) are still used for Faith Formation and funeral luncheons, and some classrooms are used for meeting spaces and PSR, there is still much potential.  With the bishop’s permission I have gone through the building with a broker who would market the space in order for us to gain revenue.  I have not signed with a broker yet though.  A small group of people have come forward with some creative ideas of using the space that could also generate revenue.  There is nothing definitive, but in speaking with parish council we are deciding to hold off on the broker for a time in order to give us a chance to pursue a couple different routes.  I will continue to update you as things progress. If you have questions please contact me or a member of parish council.  

In light of the above I want to inform you there will begin what I am calling a “Parish Apostolate” in the old junior high wing of the school building.  A local group of families who homeschool their children have formed a Catholic HomeSchool Co-op.  Most of them live outside our parish (which is why I’m calling it an apostolate), but some have connections here.  It is of course open to any parishioners with children K-12, but this is a way of showing proper solicitude for Catholics in the more general area. One day a week about twenty-five families will come together at St. Paul’s for certain classes, fellowship, service, and prayer.  The name of this Co-Op is “The Way to St. Joseph’s Holy Family” or “The Way” for short.  It will be Thursdays from 8:30-3pm.  Details are still being ironed out, but they will not be mere tenants.  The vision is for this apostolate to contribute back to our parish through some monetary means, but also through their presence and service.  Their first day is September 5. 

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Pfr