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

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Thanksgiving Day Mass
A reminder that on Thanksgiving Day, the greatest act of giving thanks is by participating at the Eucharist, which literally means “thanksgiving,” as we give perfect thanks to our Heavenly Father through the sacrifice of His Son in the power of the Holy Spirit!  Please join us on Thursday at 8:30am for Mass.

Married Couples
Speaking of thanksgiving, I want to thank married couples in particular.  As I write this I am at a conference in Chicago for continuing education.  The last few days there was  another group here on a marriage retreat. Walking around and seeing these couples hold hands, pray, and laugh together prompted me to think of the beautiful witness of the sacrament of marriage.  I see it all the time at St. Paul’s, and I think seeing it in this context helped me to see it anew.  Thank you for your married love.  It is from this love that comes strength in the church, vocations, compassion, and a tangible icon of Christ’s love for the church.  Your sacrifice is inspiring to me.  Let’s pray for married couples and those preparing for the sacrament.  We pray also for those whose spouse has gone to meet the Lord.  May God renew the witness of married love as He has given it to us and elevates it by His grace. 

Holy Hours and Faith Formation
As we get used to this new Sunday schedule, there are some other opportunities for people to grow in our Catholic Faith.  In response to suggestions from the Listening Sessions and recent surveys, we will add a Holy Hour on the 1st Sunday of the month.  It will happen in between the two Masses from 9:15-10:15.  Then on the 3rd Sunday of the month will be a Faith Formation session in the PAC from 9:15-10:15.  This will allow people the flexibility to participate in multiple events.  Why 1st and 3rd Sundays?  Well, I will be responsible for celebrating the 1pm EF Mass at St. Mary’s on the 2nd and 4th Sundays.  Honestly, this helps me a bit to spread out the workload.  The holy hours and Formation sessions will start in December. 

Parish and Finance Report
The past couple years we have not given a yearly parish report.  We are remedying that very soon.  Certain factors (Covid being the main one) resulted in our parish falling behind in our reporting for the diocese.  The diocese too is back logged on the oversight they have over parish finances.  St. Paul’s is not the only parish where this has happened.  Happily with the diligent work of Jeff Kendro, Vicki Williamson, Jeanne Bearer, Hallie Wolff, and the finance council we are all caught up and ready to give a report to the whole parish.  Details are being finalized, but I will give the report on the weekend of Nov. 25, 26.  When it comes to finances, none of it is possible without your generosity.  Thank you all for that continued generosity as we move forward to fulfill the mission God has given us.

Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr