Gratitude, Announcing Projects, and Looking Ahead

Gratitude, Announcing Projects, and Looking Ahead

 

As we move through the quieter rhythm of summer, I am grateful for the many signs of God’s grace at work in our Collaborative Parishes. They remind us that even during these warmer months, the Lord continues to build up His Church through the gifts and generosity of His people.

 

First, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Samuel Kalu, who has completed his eight-week summer assignment with us as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Boston. Samuel embraced every opportunity to learn from parish life, but even more importantly, he made it a priority to be present to our people. He spent time with parishioners facing illness, recovering from medical procedures, residing in nursing facilities, or mourning the loss of loved ones. In these encounters, he practiced the essential work of a future priest: listening with compassion and bringing the hope of the Gospel to those who most need to hear it. He also left us lasting gifts by creating a new funeral planning guide for families and organizing a wonderful appreciation event for our youth altar servers. Please join me in thanking Samuel for his generous service and in praying for him as he continues his formation for the priesthood.

 

Summer is also a productive season for caring for the buildings entrusted to us. At St. Martha, we have completed the installation of a new all-digital carillon system that will provide beautiful bell music for years to come. The old system stopped playing music because it relied on a miniature, mechanical chimes and a cd player to generate the music; we left the cover off the old chimes in the sacristy so you can see it after Mass (please not before, while we are preparing for Mass). At St. Mary, we are preparing to install new flooring in the parish hall before Faith Formation begins this fall, and we are evaluating proposals to replace the church roof in the coming months, which will mean all five buildings have gotten new roofs over the past thirteen years. These projects represent our ongoing commitment to being good stewards of the facilities that support our worship, fellowship, and mission.

 

Looking ahead, there is much to anticipate. We hope to begin another session of our “Light of Hope” grief support ministry after the success of its recent six-week series. Be on the lookout for a new series on Pope Leo’s social justice teachings beginning August 10th, see bulletin for more details. Our Collaborative Church Cookout (f.k.a picnic) on September 13 will offer a joyful opportunity for both parishes to gather as one family at St. Martha, on the grounds and in the parish hall (see separate announcement). We also look forward to welcoming a new group of adults who will begin the journey toward full communion with the Catholic Church. Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity, and participation in the life of our Collaborative Parishes. Together, may we continue to grow as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.