I am sure that many of, or most of us, are happy to put 2021 behind us and move on now to the new year ahead. As you no doubt have come to know, the year ended for me on a challenging note. I am exceedingly grateful to Fr. AL for carrying the ball in my absence. On December 7th, suffering with a great deal of discomfort I consulted our school nurse who strongly advised I get to the ER. This I did, and before I knew it, and after a lot of poking, testing, and imaging, I was transferred to Jersey Shore Medical Center for open heart by-pass surgery. It’s been interesting - first the waiting, and now the slow recovery. It will be another month or so before I can resume a full and normal schedule. Thank you for all of the prayers and support during these challenging days. The staff of both the parish and school offices have done a remarkable job in filling in the gaps in my absence. I’m just hoping that they haven’t gotten so good at my job that they don’t need me!
As anxious as I might be to return to some semblance of a schedule, with the current surge in COVID cases, I think it prudent to be exceedingly careful.
Speaking of the parish office, we were all sad to learn of the passing of long-time religious education office assistant, Carol Cesario. Carol had been battling cancer for over four years. She was an inspiration to so many and she will be greatly missed here, and most certainly by her husband, Sal, and their family.
Our students should be returning to school this week. We are hoping that we will be able to maintain the set schedule, but as always, have planned for all eventualities.
It does look like there might be some dangerous days ahead. As we have in the past, we will follow all diocesan protocols around the pandemic. I do want to encourage mask wearing in church for the safety of everyone. Please be safe and careful.
As we enter into this last week of the Christmas season let us be ever mindful of the power and beauty of Christ being made manifest in our midst. It is what draws us into a deeper relationship with God, and reminds us of the frail dignity of our humanity.
As I have such an early deadline for this letter, and I am a bit tired typing this from my hospital room I will close for now. May this celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord be for us a source of hope and peace,