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Fifth Sunday of Easter
2 May 2010
Dear Friends in Christ,
Several items for your attention:
1. The restoration work on our stained glass windows is proceeding apace, and you can now see the results on the west side of the church. One of the uncertainties in a project of this sort is that until a crew actually pulls off the old protective covering and is able to inspect the wood frame and lead joints of each window, there is no way to be certain how extensive the needed repairs will be. So far, however, the news has been very good: we have had to remove and ship away for rebuilding only two windows — the large window in the choir loft and a small window in the west vestibule. All of the other windows which have already been restored, cleaned, and covered with protective glass were in sufficiently good condition that all needed work was accomplished on site. Our restoration crew will be back in Iowa next week but will return the week after to continue the work on the east side of the church, including the windows in the bell tower.
2. With the approach of summer, I need to remind every household in the parish of two things. First, even when we are traveling away from home, we are still bound by the obligation to attend Mass each Sunday because there is no vacation from the Commandments. A little effort before a trip begins (e.g. an internet search for local parishes and Mass times) will make it very easy to join in the Sunday celebration of the Most Holy Eucharist even while we’re away. Second, while we hope everyone has the chance to take a break from routine and travel to see family, friends, or new places, please remember that while you’re gone we are still here and so are our bills. If your plan of stewardship is carefully considered, then it will be easy to continue to do your part for the parish family even while you’re away. Two of the simplest ways of doing this are electronic transfer of your offertory contributions or sending your weekly envelopes to us through the mail. In either case, thank you for your commitment to St. Mary’s.
3. In news from the school: We still have a few openings for next academic year in our K-4 program and in grades six, seven, and eight. If you would like more information about our outstanding pre-school experience or any other part of our award-winning school, please visit the website or call the school for more information. Please also share the good news about our Blue Ribbon school with friends who are not parishioners here; when space is available, we are always pleased to welcome children from outside the parish to St. Mary’s Catholic School. Also, please remember that the best way to guarantee a spot in the lower school grades, where the number of students is always largest, is to place your child in our preschool and kindergarten classes.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.
Father Newman