September  30, 2018
   
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
My Mother and Christ Child Society Thanks You.
This weekend I may look a little different from what you are used to, but do not let it distract you.  As of this writing, I do not know the total amount raised at the Christ Child Society Fundraiser, but there were enough in tips in my bar tending jar to justify shaving my beard as I promised to do last week (which made my mother happy and apparently a few parishioners). It is for a good cause so thank you to all who contributed.  And for anyone who likes the beard, well, be patient; I can always grow another. 
 
Priest Convocation and Daily Mass Schedule Change
Not this week but next week Oct. 10, 11, and 12, Fr. Karg and I along with most of the priests of the diocese will be at our Presbyteral Convocation with Bishop Perez.  Once every two years this gathering allows priests to be together with their bishop in fellowship and prayer in a mini-retreat setting.  Because of our absence there will not be daily Masses on those dates. The Church will still be open at that time for people to come and pray.  Please do, and include our priests and Bishop in your prayers. 
 
Share Your Gifts with the Community as a Liturgical Minister
As I think you know it takes a lot of work to celebrate the Mass well.  There are many behind the scenes efforts to help our community worship the Lord with joyful reverence.  A major part of that is the different lay ministries needed.  This includes sacristans, ushers, cantors, choir members, servers, lectors, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.  If you are willing to share your gifts and some of your time we could use a few more folks. While servers often are children above age 10, adults also perform this ministry.  In particular we could have some more lectors, who are the readers at Mass proclaiming the Word of God in the first and second readings.  Our corps of Extra. Ministers of Holy Communion could also use a few more volunteers.  They are privileged to help the priest distribute Holy Communion at Mass and bring our Lord to home bound parishioners.  If you are interested in any of the ministries call Terry at the rectory to find out more.  Do not be afraid.  We have good preparation and training for whatever the Lord calls you to.  It is a wonderful joy to be of service in this way at St. Paul Parish. 
 
Christmas Mass Schedule
Before you know it we will be getting ready to finish the Liturgical Year and begin again with Advent preparing us for the celebration of God the Son’s birth into our world.  A few parishioners asked me if I would be willing to offer an actual “midnight Mass” like back in the day.  The custom is an ancient and beautiful one for it would be truly at the first moment of Christmas Day (12am) yet still dark and awaiting the glories of the morning.  Before we make our schedule permanent I would like feedback.  Is there enough interest in a midnight Christmas Mass?  So this is not set in stone, but a possible schedule could be 4:30 Vigil Mass, Midnight Mass, and 10am Christmas morning.  Again, I am not enacting this yet; I offer it as an idea.  Please feel free to send us a note, or call, or email, or even stop tell me or Dcn. John after a weekend Mass. I want to do my best to offer what is spiritually beneficial for people but also reasonably convenient for those with tough schedules. 
God bless you.
In Christ,
Fr. Pfr.