From Fr. Ray,      

          This coming Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, will begin our forty-day Lenten journey to Holy Week and Easter.  A schedule of special liturgies will be placed in the bulletin and available in the Gathering Space on the information center (also the bottom of this page).  If your schedules permit, join us this coming Tuesday evening for a ritual burning of last year’s palms from Palm Sunday.  The ashes will be used for Ash Wednesday’s liturgies.  We will continue to gather last year’s palm throughout the Lenten Season for burning at the Vigil of Easter.

          This weekend will begin the initial introduction to the parish’s second Capital Stewardship Campaign.  The campaign will continue over the next three years, as did the first.  Introductory emphasis will continue throughout Lent with Easter ending the initial phase.  This phase will introduce the campaign, provide information, include prayer and daily devotionals, and invite participation.  It is my hope that the campaign will emphasize our commitments to Christian discipleship; raise our awareness of our personal and communal growth; and, support the parish’s Vision and Mission through expanding ministries.

          Throughout the initial phase, I and Campaign Committee members will ask, once again, your prayer, support and generosity.  We have gleaned a lot of wisdom and experience from our first campaign.  The successes of our second campaign will indicate to what extent we understand, support and encourage participation.  Our parish and school facilities are outstanding in the diocese and in our community.  They are a visible sign and tool for living the Vision and Mission entrusted to us through Jesus the Christ.  Throughout the parish’s three-year campaign, I ask your prayers and stewardship of time, talent and treasure.

          Your response to the special collection for Haiti allows us to send Catholic Relief Services $7,222.47 in the name of the parish.  As we continue praying for those who have lost so much, I offer my sincere appreciation for your prayers, thoughtfulness and generosity.  It will take many years and lots of continued support for the people of Haiti. It is our prayer that they may begin find a sense of stability on their long road to rebuilding lives and country.  Thanks, again, for your generosity!

          Finally, I thank all who supported Catholic Schools Week and those who supported the St. Ann’s Quilt Bingo.  We are so blessed.