Together in Spirit

Browsing From the Desk of Fr. Mike

Holiday Season Passes On

As the holiday season passes on and I begin to get my tax information to prepare this year’s income forms I find myself pausing in thanksgiving for all the kindnesses I received over these past months. I received many Christmas greetings from parishioners as well as old friends from the many years of my ministry. I enjoy seeing the family pictures that many included; though for the first year it struck me how old some of these folks are getting! There are several couples whom I married thirty or more years past and their pictures now include both the grown children with their grandchildren. (I suspect I have noticed this previously, though as I attempt to stave off the reality of aging, I put it in the back of my mind.)

I enjoyed the Christmas/New Year’s holidays watching our church transformed for the feasts; participating with our youngsters as they related the arrival of the Magi in the Nativity story during Mass; listening to the gorgeous music produced by our multi-talented music ministry. We have so many occasions of blessings here at St. Joe’s it always amazes me that there are still those who can find things to complain about.

The Archdiocesan synod process continues its consultation with a parish synod leadership meeting toward the end of February. I have asked several parishioners who attended most of the synod meetings this Fall to join me in this next phase of the consultation. This is all in anticipation of the actual synod taking place over Pentecost weekend. Once this takes place the Archbishop will publish a pastoral letter in which he will be giving the direction of the archdiocese for the next several years. We continue to pray for the success of the Synod at Mass, and I am asking you to keep our parish synod leadership team and the synod in your personal prayers. Pray especially for the Holy Spirit to guide this time of consultation.

 

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