Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Last Weekend’s Feast, Devotions, Potluck, and Hall Meeting
What a whirlwind of a weekend last week, but also grace filled!  Even in the cold the love in our community warmed the church giving glory to God!  Thank you all so much for a wonderful Feast Day celebration last weekend!  We tried something new and it seemed to work very well.  By having a Friday, Saturday, Sunday focus, and especially the potluck meal on Sunday afternoon, many were involved and made connections with the Lord and each other.  We may tweak things for next year since it will be our 100th Anniversary year, but most likely this schedule with remain and definitely the potluck!
 
As an extension of the celebration weekend, we had our Parish Hall Meeting last Monday evening.  The attendance was not too bad.  About 60 parishioners were present and we also had our Boy Scout Troop there to help set up and clean up and they too participated in the discussion.  The format included introduction of our Pastoral Council Members, small group discussion on our parish mission, and a brief open forum.  We had great participation and good thoughts and ideas.  We are still collating all the data, but in the near future I will give a “State of the Parish” address at the Masses.  As always, even if you could not be present last Monday, my door is always open, and there are the suggestion boxes in the Narthex as well.
Thank you in a special way to our PPC members who facilitated the small group discussions.
 
Catholic Charities
Just a heads up that next week is the Catholic Charities Annual Appeal.  Many probably have already received information in the mail, but we will have the in pew pledge drive and the message from the Bishop next weekend at the Masses.  This is the case for all parishes in the Diocese.  I am always proud of our parish because we meet our goal every year.  Thank you for your continued generosity.
 
Blessing of Candles and Blessing of Throats
February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.  The traditional ending of Christmastide. In fact I even kept my tree up until today to remember Christmas and Epiphany, and to remember we should keep that spirit all year round.  Another name for February 2 is “Candlemas Day.” Customarily this is the day we bless candles for the year due to the theme of light being emphasized in the Gospel.  It falls on a Saturday this year, but we do not have a Saturday morning Mass, at which we would normally would bless candles and have a procession.  However, we will simplify it.  Go ahead and bring any candles if you wish to any of the weekend Masses.  After Mass I will offer the blessing of candles for any who desire it. 
 
In addition, St. Blaise Day is February 3, which falls on Sunday.  So to give everyone the opportunity, after I bless candles after all Masses, I will offer the St. Blaise blessing for any who wish to have their throats blessed.  One does not need to be sick or have an ailment of the throat in order to be blessed in this way.  These are wonderful Catholic devotions and customs that help bring us closer to the Lord and the saints and remind us of our Catholic identity.  So don’t be afraid to stick around a little longer this weekend for the added graces. 
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr