Dear Parish Family,

   As we enter into the heart of October, I am grateful for this month being Respect Life month and being dedicated to the Holy Rosary. Mary received the author of life in her womb, and remained closely united to Him through His life, death, and resurrection. She experienced in her life the full flavor of human joy and sorrow. She is a powerful advocate and intercessor on behalf of humanity to learn to respect all human life from conception through natural death, and a bearer of God's mercy to those whose sins have not respected the sanctity of human life. We all need to remain in a spirit of humility to live as Mary lived, obedient and receptive to the gift of life in all its forms and complexities. I want to give you a few updates on some events on the horizon which I am excited about and for which I ask your prayers.

   Listening Sessions: In this bulletin, you will find an invitation to attend the Listening Sessions. These Listening Sessions will take place at our parish in November. I am excited to offer these to get to know you and learn your insights about our parish. Your input will be invaluable as I enter into my new role and help lead the parish community. You will need to register for the session you will attend. Follow the instructions in the Listening Session invitation.

   Server and Camera Ministries: We have a great need right now for ministers to help operate the livestream camera at the 8:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, and for altar servers at our Vigil and Sunday Masses and for our Funeral Masses. If you've been a recipient of our livestream in the past year or more, offering your time as a camera operator would be a great way to give back which we would greatly appreciate. Servers for our Masses are always welcome as they beautify our liturgical celebration and help the servers enter into the Mass in a new and profound way. Please contact the parish office to learn more about these ministries and training.

   Retreats for Fr. Scott & Fr. Steve: I want to ask for your prayers as Fr. Spisak and I prepare to go on retreat after next week. Fr. Spisak and I will be away starting the afternoon of Sunday, October 17. Fr. Spisak will return to the parish on Saturday, October 23. I will return to the parish on Wednesday, October 27. Due to COVID, our retreats last year were cancelled, so this will be a much needed time of repose and spiritual growth for us.

  Priests usually plan their retreats 6-12 months ahead of time, so due to circumstances of my new assignment we were unable to coordinate these dates more fittingly. Please plan accordingly for this time when Fr. Spisak and I are away. We have visiting priests assisting at Masses, and the parish office will help coordinate emergency requests that may come up. Thank you for your understanding!

  I once heard a priest relate that when his parishioners asked him how his retreat went, he would reply, "You tell me in six months!" I think that's a great answer. You tell me and Fr. Spisak how our retreats went once you see the fruit of the Spirit that comes from our time away with the Lord!