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Hello everybody!
As we put the Christmas Holy Day season behind us, we are entering into Ordinary Time (represented by the color green) with a host of upcoming opportunities for faith development and service. From supporting life causes, donating life through our blood drive, and growing in faith to the Archdiocesan Office of Multicultural Ministries’ Moving Toward Oneness event hosted at St. Pats and the regional Eucharistic Revival event at St. Albert, there is literally something for everyone! Please see the details below. Lent is also just around the corner as Ash Wednesday is on Valentine’s Day this year, just over a month away.
I wanted to thank all of those involved in our Catholic Services Appeal efforts at St. Pats, especially Lynne Marshall, our Director of Engagement, Dr. Nathan Sturtzel, our Principal, and all the staff, faculty, and families that have contributed to our success. We have exceeded our dollar goal and are now leading the Archdiocese in donor participation with 498 donors so far. There is still time to discern, if you haven’t already done so, what God may want to do through you to support the ministries and services of the Archdiocese that help others. Thanks to all!
Finally, I am grateful for all the prayers and offers of support for me as I face another back surgery. I am humbled and extremely thankful. Surgery has been scheduled for Monday, January 22, and will be followed by up to six weeks of recovery. I am managing okay and am still able to walk my dog, but the pain is constant and sometimes intense. Than you for your prayers! I know I do not journey alone and my closest and privileged companion in the pain is Jesus. In my pain, I have the opportunity to encounter Jesus in his pain. Or, perhaps, in his pain, Jesus joins me in mine. Likewise, in your compassion, I encounter Jesus’s compassion. Once again, thank you! I’ll continue to keep you updated.
As we enter this new year, may each of us encounter Jesus more deeply, fully, and intimately.
Peace,
Fr. Jeff
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