Thank You Maura.

Next Sunday our new Director of Music and Liturgy, Mr. Jeff Batter, will begin work. I become more impressed with him every time we interact. He is kind and conscientious and a prayerful man. He has lots of dreams for the music program here at St. Paul Church and I look forward to having him involved in the life of the parish.

As we say hello to Jeff, this whole parish owes a huge debt of gratitude to Maura Liegeot. When I learned that Adrian was leaving, she was the first one I called. I was in a panic. In her usual friendly manner, her words were simple and to the point, “Don't worry Fr. Robert, I'll take care of it,” and take care of it she has. Since Adrian left, Maura has been extremely generous with her time and her talents. I have not had to worry at all about the music at Mass. She has taken care of everything. Those of you with a more discerning ear than me also might have noticed that sometimes it sounds like we have two cantors. When I asked about it, I found out that Maura was singing harmony with the cantors as she played the organ and piano. Maura, I hope you read this, and I hope you know how much the whole parish and I appreciate your willingness to pitch in and help us out. Thank you so much for your gentle and generous heart.

Washington Comes to Kensington.
From March 5^thto March 12^th, five young adults from The Catholic University of America will be coming to our parish to help with our Confirmation Retreats and speak with different segments of our parish community. I am very excited about this visit. The young adults who are coming are wonderful kids, and I believe they will have a lot to offer our high school students, our parents, our homebound, and our seniors. These students from CUA are giving up their Spring Break to spend it with us, rather than Cancun or Panama City Florida. They will be assisted by some great local kids, who were nominated by our parish to put on the Confirmation Retreats. Please see the flyer in the bulletin for more information.

Meetings Meetings Meetings...

We Care About Our Senior Citizens
This week our committee for the Pastoral Care of our Seniors met in the Parish Center. Their goal is to develop a pastoral plan to care for our Seniors, the homebound, and those who were just released from the hospital. First we have to find them and determine how we can be of assistance. Then we have to make sure that we can have a presence in their lives as much as possible. I am excited about the beginning of this very important ministry. Many of the people we will serve have made significant contributions to our parish. They, and all those in need, deserve our attention and support.

Parish Council
Oops! Here we call it the Pastoral Council. I reviewed the annual report of the parish for the second time and, once again, received their suggestions. I am grateful to the Pastoral Council, and they are able to provide me with a great historical perspective. They also know the parish like a book and know many of the personalities involved. The annual report, which you now hold in your hands, represents both the work and input of the Pastoral Council and the Finance Committee.

Finance Committee
Last week I met with the Finance Committee. They reviewed all of our books and reports. They asked lots of great questions. They advised me on the few investments we have and they suggested a few tweaks to the budget for 2011, which we made accordingly. I have complete confidence in our Finance Committee. Their only agenda in their meetings is to serve and safeguard the needs of the Parish. At the end of the meeting, all the members of the Committee signed a document, which we need to send to the Archdiocese, in which they attest to being satisfied with the information and reports they have received and reviewed. God Bless!
Fr. Robert