Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus, Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Fr. Bob Pfeiffer and Fr. Sam Cicollini This weekend I am out of town for my annual Canada trip, so Frs. Pfeiffer and Cicollini will be covering Masses during this time. I appreciate their help, and I know they enjoy coming here to experience the love this community shows to God and to each other.

Please check out the St. Paul Photo Albums to see photos of the Basilica and National Shrine to Our Lady of Consolation. About 20 people from St. Paul's accompanied Dcn. John Amedeo on this pilgrimage to Carey, Ohio.

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, South Parking Lot As I write this the plan is to have the south church parking lot sealed and the lines re-striped. So hopefully as you read this you will have already noticed the difference. This time we went a bolder yellow color rather than white so even in the snowy months people can see better where to park. This project also includes repairing damage in the gym parking lot. Thank you to parishioner Denis Randall who volunteered his time to help get the project done.

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.

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Yes, We Still Believe in That! Last week I wrote about the reality and importance of angels. There are many examples in Scripture of angels, and the Church’s teaching is clear on their existence. The same can be said of demons, which are fallen angels. Demons retain their natural abilities but are fallen and thus deprived of God’s sanctifying grace. At the very moment of an angel’s existence it has the choice to fulfill or reject God’s mission assigned to it.

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Yes, we still believe that! A while back I wrote a small series of articles on teachings of the Church that have not been as emphasized, but are still part of Catholic belief. I would like to continue that here. If there are teachings or topics you would like me to write about, please let me know! For this week - Angels.