Last Monday Night
Last Monday night was very moving for the friars. As promised, all three of us were in Church from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Some people went to confession, many just came to talk about what was going on in their lives. There were several people who just came to sit before our Lord present in the Eucharist. It was great having the time to listen and talk. On Saturdays, the priest and people going to confession always have to worry about how many people are in line waiting. We will be in church again next Monday and we look forward to speaking with anyone about anything. Don’t forget, the Light will be on for you next Monday from 6:00 to 7:00PM.
Coming up:
Annual Archbishop’s Appeal Update
This weekend we will kick off our Annual Archbishop’s Appeal with a video from Archbishop Mansell. Our parish has always been very generous to this important appeal last year we surpassed our goal by $15,000. As we have seen time and time again, so much good is done through the Archbishop’s Appeal.
The Annual Report
As you know, each year I try to give a complete report of the Parish’s Finances, our major accomplishments for the year, and the challenges we face. The continued success of our parish depends on the commitment of each and every parishioner. The Archdiocese and I believe that complete transparency on the part of our parish administration is the first step in ensuring our parishioners remain involved and committed Next weekend I will be giving the annual report. I am sorry that these “worldly” presentations come on the first two Sundays of Lent. I had hoped to give the Annual Report earlier but was unable to do so because of my Mom’s hospitalization. Thanks for your understanding.
I know I know
Some people have complained that the Peck Street sidewalks are not cleaned.. One lady felt rather strongly (Whew) that we are giving a very poor example to the town and our neighbors by not making sure that they are clean. I promise you we are working on it but this storm was really exceptional and all of the piles from the parking lot make it even more challenging to clear the sidewalks.
Bill has requested that our plowing service let us use one of the big snow blowers to try and get it cleaned up. Since you pay the bill, you should know that it cost over $4,000 to clean up the snow after this mega storm... and the collection that weekend was down $10,000. (Yikes) If you can make up what you would have given the weekend of the storm, it would really help.
And a special thank you to Mr. Tommy Coccomo who used his front-loader to clean up our parking lot and give us more spaces before the 4:00 PM Mass last week.
My Mom…
Dear Friends, I have been so touched by the number of people all over town who have stopped and asked me how my mom is doing, in the grocery store, at CVS, in the Barbershop and people walking down the street. All over town people have expressed their support and concern. Here is what is going on. Mom has a serious blood disorder. Because of her advanced age (88) and her tiny size, the doctors felt it best not to do chemotherapy. All of us know where this is going to go.
Mom is a very holy lady with a wonderfully strong faith. When I informed our Provincial that my Mother was so sick, he offered me an immediate transfer to Buffalo to take care of her. When I discussed this with Mom she said “of course I would like to have you home, but asking you to come here to Buffalo and leave Kensington would be like asking your brother to leave his family. Please stay where you are.” Last week she told me to come back to Connecticut because she had given me to God a long time ago and she didn’t want to be an Indian giver.
Please keep Mom in your prayers, as she faces this journey which all of us will face someday. In the next few months, it may be necessary for me to travel to Buffalo more frequently. Right now I am in contact with mom and the nursing home several times a day. I count on your under-
standing and I am most grateful to Fr. Raymond, Fr. Peter and the priests who are helping in my absence. Several people have asked for Mom’s address. Flora will be happy to give it to you. Just call the office.