News - February 2026 RSS Feed

I guess I missed the memo that 2026 is the Year of Snow, but here we are. I hope everyone did well through the storms this past week, and hopefully, it is all finished for the season. Unfortunately, the weather does some serious damage to the bank account. We had spent $65,000 in snow removal this winter before last weekend. That is certainly a hard hit to the budget.

This weekend we launch the Annual Catholic Appeal. The video message from Bishop O’Connell is compelling, and we are happy to welcome Carol DeMuria to speak to the parish about the appeal. Carol has been coordinating the parish side of the appeal for many years and is very attentive to the program and its impact on the diocese and on the parish level. I am happy to report that the silent phase of the appeal has brought us to over 10% of goal. Thank you for your support. An important aspect of the appeal is new donors. Regardless of the amount contributed, the kickback to the parish increases based on new donors. I ask all of you who have never donated before to make a donation to assist us in achieving this benchmark.

Our Lenten journey begins this week as we observe Ash Wednesday, Once again, we are offering many opportunities for you to share in the Liturgy of the Word and receive ashes. While there is no requirement to be marked with ashes, it is a noble statement of one’s intention to enter into Lent with a new purpose and a focus on conversion of mind and heart. Given the current world situation, it is good that we take this Lenten opportunity to sacrifice for the cause of world peace.

This weekend we observe Marriage Weekend, and we reflect on the importance of the Sacrament of Marriage in the development of society and the formation of families. The public sharing of vows before a priest or deacon, expressing one’s intention to remain faithful to the marital covenant freely and without reservation, builds up the community, and provides the grace necessary to fulfill those promises. It is not easy, but it is the call that the vast majority of people have in their lives. Lori McCahill, Director of Marriage Ministry, and her “plus-one” Mike, are addressing our ministry and some initiatives of that ministry at all of the Masses this weekend. Anyone who is civilly married should seek the convalidation of their marriage to make it a sacramental marriage. This is generally a very easy and simple process. Please make contact with Lori for more information.