Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” (Mark 4:40) These words of Jesus in the Gospel this weekend should challenge us when our hopes and expectations do not go as we had planned. Maybe, like the disciples, we were looking forward to peacefully cruising along in our life, and a storm comes up which changes our direction and focus. We can either panic in these moments or remember that Jesus is in the boat and has the power to retore our peace. I pray that these summer weeks are bringing you this calm and peace in the Lord’s presence. We especially give thanks this weekend for those who have provided peace and security in our lives as fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, or other fatherly roles. This Father’s Day may God bless all fathers with wisdom and love.

  Speaking of fatherly roles, the process for selecting a new pastor for our parish is moving forward. The Diocese has read the surveys many of you submitted online and have met personally with the members of the parish staff, pastoral, and finance councils. These conversations have been a source of gratitude for all the good that is occurring here at St. Mary Parish. The next step of the process is the interviewing of recommended priests, and the Bishop’s public announcement. Please continue to keep our Bishop and his staff in prayer. Meanwhile, if I can be of any spiritual or pastoral assistance to you, please let me know.

  Finally, conversations continue regarding the parish/ school budget for this next fiscal year (starting July 1). This coming year we are discerning the possibility of some salary increases for staff and teachers, and needed maintenance and capital improvements (i.e., roof, outdoor lighting, sidewalk concrete, metal hand railings by the side entrance, etc.). No final decisions have been made on these items, but I want you to know that they are being discussed with the staff and finance councils. If you have questions or concerns about this budgeting process for parish maintenance work, please contact me through the parish office.

  Once again, thank you for all you are doing for our parish and for our community. Let us keep in prayer the children, families, and catechists, who will be participating in Vacation Bible School this week. May this summer continue to be a time for us to reconnect with the peace and calm that the Lord desires to give. Pray for us, O’ holy Mother of God.