It’s always hard to write these bulletin columns so far in advance of their publication, but the bulletin company needs to print them before the holidays, so I write this on Tuesday, December 17th, almost two weeks before you read it. I’ll do my best to predict the future but I do so aware that I’m guessing a bit here.
So first, I’m going to presume that you enjoyed our Christmas celebrations here this past week. I believe that this is the time of year (besides Easter) when our music ministry really shines. So without yet hearing them, I thank our music ministers in advance for their hard work and the dedication of their time in preparing for our Christmas liturgies. I am particularly thankful for the efforts and gifts that Mickey Stitt, our Music Director (and Michaela’s Granny) puts into this important work. What lifts up our spirits and our praise more than the music and songs of Christmas? To her and to our Associate Musician, Mary Piechowski, who also brings great talent to our music ministry, I say thank you on behalf of the parish. We also acknowledge Rick Wiegand, who directs the choir (and who also cantors beautifully for many of our funerals and weddings). We are also blessed to have 4 young men join us every Christmas for the past few years and who play trumpet & guitar. They are Mark & John Zebro (brothers) and Morgan & Connor Boyle (also brothers). This adds great pomp and solemnity to our liturgi- cal music. They are from the parish where I was Pastor before coming to St. Leo’s. I knew them when they were young men and I’m so proud to see them using the wonder- ful musical gifts God gave them! We are so blessed for their willingness to join us each year and they add so much. Finally, each choir member adds their particular voice to make one beautiful sound that rises up to the Glory of God so to all of them, we offer our sincere thanks. st
A reminder that this Wednesday, January 1 , is the feast of Mary, the Mother of God, a holy day of obligation. Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 4pm and on Wednesday at 11am. Let us pray together for God’s blessings during the New Year of 2020. st th
Finally, January 1 marks the end of my 6 year as Pastor of St. Leo’s. I am incredulous at how fast the time has gone. It also marks the end of my 6 year term according to the policy put in place by Bishop Lennon. Since I have not heard anything regarding the renewal of a second six year term, I inquired of my cousin as to the status of my assignment. He requested that I write a letter to the Bishop, informing him of where our parish has been during these last six years and suggesting the direction I would like to go in for the next six years. Though not yet official until I receive a letter in return from the Bishop, I am confident that I will be permitted to stay for a second term. So let me thank you as sincerely as I can for the great joy you have brought into my life and ask your forgiveness for any way I have not ministered well to you. I hope and pray I can continue to serve you as we celebrate the Eucharist as we have for the last 50 years.