I describe our parish as a “Family of Families” for some reasons. Family life is usually very active, as its members go from activity to activity each week. A quick glance at the parish calendar shows that we have many activities here, and our members go from activity to activity each week. Family life is marked by changes from time to time, as some members leave home after high school and college graduation, and transitions result for the family as a whole. As Sister Diane has been an ABVM Parish family member for many years, her leaving for another kind of ministry means transitions for our parish family as a whole, and I am confident that Deacon Eric will use his talents and gifts as the Parish Services Director for the good of our parish, as Sister Diane had for almost 25 years. Family life is marked by a growing awareness of the unique goodness of each member. I firmly believe our Pastoral Council members, your representatives who want to know your ideas and suggestions, are uniquely good and have new ideas to foster more of the “family feel” of our parish, especially in the area of faith sharing.

I am blessed to be your “spiritual father,” and love my “Family of Families”!

Peace and blessings,

Father Mike