Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This is a good time for each of us to reflect on the meaning of our own baptism. Pope Francis has on several occasions challenged everyone to note the day of their baptism and to celebrate it as they would their birthday. Sadly, when asked, most Catholics do not know the day of their baptism (October 6th for me, by the way). It might be a fun thing to do as a family today. Look at baptism pictures and remember the moment when we became children of God and members of the Body of Christ.

Today is also the last day of the Christmas Season, and tomorrow we begin Ordinary Time, which continues until Ash Wednesday (March 5th).

As you might have noticed, we have completed the flooring replacement -- new carpet and hardwood flooring in the church. Through the grant that we have received we have also begun the replacement of the heating and air conditioning units throughout the property. To date we have new units for the Parish Offices and Vestry, the Narthex of the Church, the Marriage Ministry Office, the Father Anderson Library, Food Pantry, and in each of the priest residences. The church air conditioning unit should be done over the next few months. Work in the school will happen through the spring and the summer. Also over the break we replaced the carpet flooring in one of the school classrooms with a new hardwood floor.

The month of January is a time to focus on much that is new.In another week we have the inauguration of a new president for our nation. That same week is the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. The parishes of the cohort observe theNovena for Life begins on Thursday, January16th and continues through the 24th. Each parish hosts the event --St. Clement, Holy Family, Our Lady of Fatima, and St. Benedict. The evening begins with Exposition followed by the novena prayers, and concluding with Benediction. Please check the bulletin for more specific information as to which church is hosting on which night.

The School will host an Open House for prospective families on Saturday, January 25th. Please sign-up soon if you are interested. Spaces are limited and many families are already in the queue.

Again, please allow me this opportunity to thank you for your kindness and generosity over the Christmas holidays. We all appreciate your thoughtfulness to us.

Details on the Christmas collection will be available in thenext few weeks.

Have a blessed (and hopefully warmer) week,
Fr. Garry
Fr. Garry