Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

I have been your pastor for ten months and many changes have and will be taking place to ensure safety and the flow of operations in liturgy and office practices. The changes made in liturgy and placement of items on the altar are my preference to how I pray and offer up Mass.

I would like to thank the Pastoral Council for their work and support of the direction we are going in for our church parish. Purchasing of books for Advent and Lent, Mission topics, stewardship, finances and assistance for the poor are just some of the many things that we have undertaken. Some examples of the decisions and changes that have and will be taking place are the following. This in no way represents everything that has been decided.
Our parish will no longer provide direct financial assistance to those coming to our office. We had few if any people from our service area seeking assistance. The decision was made that we would send $1,000.00 a month to Catholic Services to assist the needy in our community and diocese. Catholic Services evaluates the need of the individual and seeks to provide services that will assist them immediately as well as provide them with tools and resources to move out of the cycle they are in. Monies we send are used for assisting those needing help from the Msgr. Sigur Center, St. Joseph Diner, St. Joseph Shelter for Men, Stella Maris Center New Life Center and the St. Michael Center for Veteran’s. More services are forthcoming thanks to our donations.

Due to recent vandalism in our church we purchased a completely new security system for the church to replace the current one which no longer worked. New cameras and monitoring equipment are now located at each door entrance. Two panic buttons are installed in the church to provide additional security for those in adoration or during off-hours who wish to spend time with the Lord. Some of the vandalism, damage or mess, whatever term you want to use, was done during regular Mass times. Parents must be sure that younger children going to the restroom during Mass are old enough to go unattended.

The tabernacle was moved to the Sanctuary leaving a beautiful space available for better use. A smaller version of our main altar was built to place in this space. The space will be used for adoration. After the altar is blessed the monstrance will be permanently placed on the altar and covered when adoration is not taking place.

A new sound system for the church is being installed to enhance liturgy and worship. A lightning strike caused part of the current system to no longer work. Wireless microphones will also be upgraded to assist when parish missions are going on. The bell system will work again carrying on the tradition of our faith as a sign of the presence of a Catholic Church in the area.

New office equipment was purchased to bring the office up-to-date in the modern world to assist productivity and moral.

These are just some of the many changes that have or will be made in our parish. They are moving us forward to better serve you and to enhance our worship.

Thank you for your support and May God’s Blessings continue to pour forth upon your family and our parish.

Fr. David