GREAT NEWS
We have learned that Friar Peter will be ordained a Deacon on November 12th in Buffalo, New York. This will make it easier for his family and friends to be present for this very important day. When he returns to us, he will begin to serve the St. Paul Community by proclaiming the Gospel at Mass and preaching the word. He will also be able to baptize our children and grandchildren, officiate at the weddings of our young adults and help us bury our beloved dead. After his Deaconate Ordination, we will begin calling him Father Peter. Friar Peter has been in formation for a long time. He has completed all of his academic requirements and he is so anxious to serve the Church as a Transitional Deacon and, after his priestly ordination next summer, as a good holy priest.
MORE GREAT NEWS from our Social Justice Committee:
"Father Robert... Thought I would welcome you back with some good news...we had a successful Hunger Walk...Friar Peter led us in prayer and 60 walkers left the gym...15 confirmation students...12 members of Berlin High Upbeat...a few scouts...several members of Berlin Congregational Church... the rest were our parishioners...and we raised $3,615.00 so far... I am happy and I believe Antoinette from Berlin Social Services will be thrilled…"
God Bless,...Barbara
OUT OF SIGHT BUT NEVER OUT OF MIND AND HEART
As you can see, our sanctuary is filled with boxes this weekend. Each one of those boxes is headed to one of our young adults attending college. We are sending out over 100 packages. As I often say, “Our young adult Catholics are the least served segment of our community.” This is not because we don’t care about them, it’s simply because their lives are filled with so many things and often it’s simply hard to find them. I want to thank all of the parents and family members who provided the names and addresses of our college and university students. I assure you that we will continue to keep all of our “older” kids in our hearts and in our prayers..
What’s in the boxes you ask? There are all kinds of snacks, some really great baked goods, a drawing from our kindergartners, and an invitation to our first annual Young Adult Supper on January 5th. Our Rosary Makers included a Rosary and a small prayer book. Some of our senior citizens even wrote letters. Those who still live at home received less goodies (because their Mom’s provide them with enough already) and a gas card in case they run out of gas as they commute to school. There is a lot of love in those packages and that’s how we wanted it.. A very special THANK YOU to everyone who participated on this committee. Like all good things here at St. Paul, this was a grass roots initiative with lots of parishioner involvement. Before you leave church today, please take a moment to stop and pray for all of our young adult parishioners who are indeed out of our sight, but not out of our minds and hearts.
THE ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE
The annual Social Justice Committee Food Drive is, once again, in full swing. Please be sure to participate. A significant number of people right here in town receive food from this drive and depend on our generosity around the holidays. So holy ones, watch the sales and leave your donations of food at the doors of the Church. “When I was hungry you gave me to eat” MT 25:35
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
The Knights of Columbus will be having a membership drive after all the Masses this weekend. On Sunday they will also be offering the parish “Coffee And” after all of the Masses. Mr. Tom Drzata, our Grand Knight, will also be speaking briefly after communion at each Mass.
SHUFFLE OFF TO…
Last week I attended a friars’ conference and spent four days in Seattle with a good friar friend. This week I am going to shuffle off to Buffalo. Sadly, I haven’t seen my Mom since the Spring. With all that has been going on, I just haven’t been able to get away to be with her, and with the never ending work in the friary, there was no room for her to stay here. She told me that she has a long list of projects for me to do around the house and I can’t wait to do them. So many of you have expressed concern for her. If everything goes as planned, I hope to have her come and visit this Thanksgiving. God Bless you Holy Ones. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.