Here are some thoughts for the New Year... attributed to Mother Theresa or at least adapted by her. It was written on the walls of her Orphanage in Calcutta.
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
I am sure I speak for all of the friars, and I personally want to thank you for your love and support during this most difficult year. Who would ever have dreamed that we would face the challenges we faced, yet we faced them well and we faced them together. The other night I was cleaning my office—miracle of miracles—and I found and re-read some of the cards and letters I received this summer. I must admit, they brought tears to my eyes. Let us continue to pray for everyone involved in those difficult days; I assure you I do every day. Thanks again for the concern, support and love which so many of you expressed.
New “Possibilities” for the New Year
Once again we will open a search for a youth minister for the parish.
With all that went on last year, it was just not possible to complete this important task. I assure you we will try again this year.
A possible Pro-Life Ministry
Keep your eyes on the bulletin and the website. Some parishioners have come forward expressing interest in supporting such an endeavor. We’ll see what the new year brings.
Lectionary Based Small Faith Communities
We have begun to explore the possibility of small bible studies or faith groups with a number of parishioners. Once again, keep your eyes on the Bulletin.
Greater Involvement With Our Young Families
Our Family Life Committee has begun its work to offer support to our young families and encourage their involvement in our church. I can’t wait to see how this important ministry for our Parish evolves.
On-line Giving
In the very near future we will begin offering another way for our parishioners to support the parish. Many young people are very comfortable paying bills or making contributions on line. As strange as it sounds to “us older people,” some don’t even have check books. We have coupled with Our Sunday Visitor to offer On-Line Giving as an option to our parish. More information will follow. Don’t worry we are not going to do away with the envelopes…
May the Lord bless you and your beautiful families this year and may 2012 be a year of grace, happiness and holiness for you and all those you love.
Peace and Prayers,
Fr. Robert
PS.....
I can’t believe this, but as I type my New Year message to you on December 22nd, the kids from our school are out on the playground running around yelling and screaming like they always do... Music to my ears! However, today for some reason there is also a group of Kindergarteners who are singing out yelling Immaculate Mary, at the top of their lungs...Beautiful.