Pastor's Column

     I’m happy to begin with a couple of thank you’s. First, to all who helped organize & execute a very enjoyable parish picnic last Sunday, thank you! There was good food, it was a beautiful day & we had a bigger crowd than last year (and no rain!). I know many of you were able to meet Sister Erin for the first time & noticed again her youth & energy. When people see me for the first time, they say, “Who’s that big & old guy over there?” But I’m happy to let the younger generation assume leadership & am glad that people like Sister Erin answer the call to service in the Church. I did need to confiscate the left-over hamburgers and hotdogs so that they don’t go to waste. I’ll do my best to consume them before they spoil. 

    Our thanks also to those who responded so generously to Sister’s call for donations for our school projects. I’m always amazed at how willing people are to give of their time and from their financial resources. Once you see the improvements in the gym and school building, I’m sure you’ll see that it’s all being put to very good use. 

    One more word of thanks to Irene Venesky who donated the statues in the church in memory of her sister Catherine Venesky. May she be remembered prayerfully as we enjoy these sacred images of the saints. 

    I ask your prayers for Kristen Dowhaniuk whose funeral Mass was on August 21. Kristen attended our parish school along with her brother Billy, and sadly, her mother died of cancer while she was in elementary school here. We pray for her & for her father Bill and her brother that God may give them peace.

    We also remember Edwin Wilde, the brother-in-law of parishioner Cora Dejelo, whose Memorial Mass was celebrated August 22nd. He was remembered as a man who lived so well the command of Christ who said, “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers or sisters, you do to me.” I am confident of his eternal reward in heaven. 

    Finally, please say a prayer asking for healing for Jack Habrat, Walter Alflen & Robert Holshue. 

    Well it is that time of the year when parents rejoice and children mourn: our students return to school this Monday, August 31st. We are anxious to have them back and especially welcome all the new students this year in both our preschool and elementary school. At Mass this weekend we will ask God’s blessings on teachers and students alike.

    Don’t forget to pick up your raffle tickets in the vestibule of the church this weekend…you’ll receive a free Jack Frost donut in exchange…otherwise the donuts cost $10 a piece.