Because of the Independence Day weekend, I am writing this message a week in advance having just meet with my classmates to celebrate our fifteenth anniversary of orientation to the priesthood (the actual date is May 13th, but we had to delay our dinner this year due to a surgery for one of my classmates). As I have shared with many of you, being the interim administrator at St. Mary Parish has been a joyful experience and renewing for my priesthood. It is a privilege to celebrate Eucharist with you, offer forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and gently pray for your loved ones who are journeying home to heaven. As I enjoy fireworks this weekend, I will think about how humbled I am to share every day in the colorful bright lights that all of you are to our parish family. Please continue to pray for each member of our community and that you may know that God cares about you, and that God has a reason to celebrate you each day.

  This week brought our fiscal year to a close. Over the next several weeks, our parish business manager and finance council will be working on a financial report for the parish. You will see that our parish’s financial situation is good, and that we can continue to support our school and many parish ministries. Thank you to all who have been so faithful this year and have made real sacrifice for the good of our community. I am reminded each day that if we work together and everyone gives a share of their time, talent, and treasures, we can continue to grow in the wonderful things God has in mind for each of us and for our parish community.

  Most of the time we think that summer will slow things down for us personally and for our community. This has not been the case these past weeks at the parish. We had a great wrap-up to Vacation Bible School and have been blessed with many teens that have been praying together on Tuesday nights. We have seen a return of many of our Altar Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, and choir members. We have also been working hard to finish some maintenance projects around the parish and prepare for the coming pastoral and academic year. Even in the middle of the summer, things are on the move at St. Mary’s.

  As always, know that you are in my prayers. May God bless our Country, our parish, and our community this week and always. Pray for us, O’ holy Mother of God.