HAPPY EASTER!
To
day we joyfully celebrate the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord. We continue to be led in our prayer by Jesus, the Risen Lord, to proclaim the Good News of Resurrection to the world. The Easter season concludes next Sunday with the celebration of the Feast of Pentecost as we receive the powerful, sustaining gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Last weekend, I was able to take my mom to the 50
th
priesthood anniversary of my childhood pastor, Fr. Bill Zavaski. My mom worked for years as the church secretary for Fr. Bill. She kept looking forward to being able to celebrate this milestone with him and his friends. Mom really enjoyed the Mass and celebration. During the Mass, which was con-celebrated by 24 priests, Fr. Bill introduced the members of his class that were at the Mass, "Present from the class of 1969 are 5 of my classmates. Three hundred years of ministry! Not too bad!" The community acknowledged the centuries of ministry they have given in dedication to the Church with applause.
Last month I celebrated the 30
th
anniversary of my priesthood. With unexpected health issues that arose that day, I was not able to celebrate the planned Mass or attend the celebration. (I am told that the party for Fr. Mark's 6
th
anniversary that evening was a great event.) I am following up with doctor's care so that I will have the health and strength to continue to minister and serve the Church. Healing comes in God's time, since I have not yet received the full healing of my vision; I trust it is not God's time yet. Thanks for the prayers for my well-being. I want to thank the parishioners that reached out in kindness, prayer, and support for me at that milestone of my 30
th
anniversary. Your words of encouragement, gifts of Masses, and other expressions of generosity are very much appreciated.
This coming Tuesday evening we will be celebrating the Graduation Mass for the 2019 graduates of the School of St. Mary. Some students are new to our school this year. Some students have been with us since pre-school. Together, the class of 2019 celebrates the many ways they have grown in faith in their time at St. Mary's. During their time in the church, in the classroom, and on the playing fields they have learned values for life: to learn, to serve, and to lead. With the help and support of parents and families, teachers and administration, priests and peers they go forth to the opportunities of the summer and their future. Let's keep our graduates and all graduates in 2019 in our prayers.
Thanks to Fr. Mark and the planning committee for the inaugural St. Mary's Day of Service. The Day of Service is Saturday, June 8. Please keep all those participating in this day of service and all those we will be serving in your prayers. Also, reach out to Fr. Mark if you have any questions about the day.
Last weekend, both Fr. Mark and I spoke at the Masses informing parishioners of the specifics of the
Phase Four and More for St. Mary's
Project. An audio recording of my presentation to the parish is
avail-a
ble via our parish website. I am asking that you open your hearts and pray how you can open your wallet or perhaps even a stock contribution or IRA distribution to the
Phas
e Four
and
More for St. M
ar
y's
being part of its success. As I mentioned, you have or will receive a letter in the mail and information about making a contribution to this project. Thanks for your prayers and support for the project's success.
We will be working with the construction companies as the parish and church will remain open for business during the construction. We are anticipating having morning Mass the first week of construction and demolition in the Parish Office chapel. Details will be announced at Mass and communicated through the parish website. Please follow the instructions and the signs that will be placed on campus indicating traffic flow for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow during the period of construction.
Daily Mass will be offered at 6:30am and 8:00am Monday through Friday during June, July, and August. Information about changes in the Mass times in the fall will be shared with the parish when the students return to school.
God bless you and your loved ones celebrating and living Easter hope.
