Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

Advent moves quickly. This Sunday we are wearing the rose colored vestments as a sign that the penitential period is almost at an end. We are called to “Rejoice” this day, for the Day of the Lord is near at hand.

Of course, I appreciate that with the Christmas shopping, decorating, and celebrations that the season foists upon us, many of us do not feel much like rejoicing right now. Take time to appreciate the beauty of the Season – aesthetically and spiritually.

Today is the Parish Penance Service. While the religious education students will be receiving their First Confession at 4:00 p.m., there will be plenty of priests available for all to come and go. As there is no real formal service, it is an opportunity to come to confession and move on through the day. We ask that you arrive no later than 5:45 p.m. for the service. Thank you.

Tomorrow night we are hosting the Simbang Gabi Novena Celebration here. It is the third night of the Novena, and I know that Father JM and the committee have been planning this event for months. The evening begins with the Rosary at 7:00 p.m., followed by Mass at 7:30 p.m. Then, in keeping with true Filipino tradition, a real feast follows!

The narthex and sanctuary will soon be decorated for Christmas. Thank you to all who donated pieces for the new Nativity Set. It is a beautiful piece. Likewise, thank you to all who have contributed to the Christmas Flower collection. Things are beginning to look festive!

As I mentioned previously, end-of-the-year giving opportunities are upon us. You will be receiving a letter shortly concerning those opportunities. There are some projects around the parish that need to be completed, and other new items on the wish list.

The generosity of this parish in the annual giving trees and contributions of food and supplies for the food pantry is overwhelming and so positive. The Lord is good to us, and we certainly show that through our generosity.

The construction of the Outdoor Learning Center for use by the school, and the summer programs we are conducting this year, is well underway. We are grateful to the many school parents who have offered or contributed services, and who have worked hard to help bring this new educational concept to fruition.

Speaking of schools, the Superintendent of the Schools for the Diocese, JoAnn Tier, is retiring in June. There is a nationwide search underway for her successor. I am honored to serve on the search committee. If anyone knows of a qualified, practicing Catholic, committed to Catholic education and the values of our faith, please make them aware of the opening. The Bishop is deeply committed to insuring the future of Catholic schools in our diocese, and demands that we find the best qualified candidate possible – but that candidate must be a committed, faith-filled, practicing Catholic! I must say that the entire committee was more than happy to hear this qualifier from the Bishop.

Blessings to all this festive week!
Father Garry

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