The Memorial Books are now displayed in the Atrium by the Tree of Life.  Two of these books contain Memorial level dedications of rooms, stained glass windows and other Memorial items from the Continuing the Journey campaign.  The third book acknowledges participants from the Faith in Service campaign and Building Fund contributions. I want to express my thanks to all who were involved with the project; to Marijane Michalowicz for coordinating it and for all her dedication and time to bring this project to completion; Ernie Linnemann for all of his time, especially for the beautiful photographs of all our stained glass windows and other Memorials; Kathleen Green, for the guidance in choosing the Memorial books; ordering the materials needed; preparing all the custom mats for the photographs and dedications displayed in the books; and Mary Warner who assisted in the design and layout of the books.  If you have time visit the table and review the memorial books.

 I am very happy to share with you about a Fund Raising Opportunity presented by Tarantella and Femmina Restaurants.  Both are pleased to offer us an opportunity in the form of monthly donations to our parish by patronizing their restaurants through catering events or just having parishioners frequenting them for lunch or dinner.  Ten percent of the bill will be donated to us on a monthly basis.  They have left us business cards marked for Holy Eucharist.   If you dine out and frequent any of these restaurants, I invite you to visit the shelf by the bulletin board and pick up a card and take it with you; turn it in when you ask for your check.  The cards will be available on an on-going basis, make sure you have a card when you visit these restaurants. Thank you for supporting those who support us.

I want to express my thanks to Ann Marie Kelly of the Building Bridges ministry & Christine Webb of the P.A.R.E.N.T.S. ministry and all who participate in these ministries for coordinating the first gathering of the families with their children who were baptized over 2007.  It was wonderful to see a good number of parents respond to the invitation.  My thanks for the special refreshments and for the festive atmosphere you provided for those who came to Hoffman Hall after mass.  I am so grateful for this outreach to families in the parish; these and other ministries continue to strengthen our bonds as a faith community.

My thanks for all your support for the Bishop’s Annual Appeal and for the sacrifice you are making to help us meet our goal.  These are very hard times for many of us, with the gas and food prices increasing every day, families are struggling to make ends meet.  Please know that I am also truly grateful for the sacrifice you make in your weekly offering.  May the Lord bless you abundantly for your generosity.  

Have a great week!