I really enjoyed our parish school play last week. The kids performed "The Little Mermaid" – and did a really nice job. I attended the performances on both Thursday and Friday evenings and enjoyed it both times. As you can probably imagine, it takes a lot to get me to sit still for an entire play – and our students pulled it off! Special thanks also go to Mr. Yesenosky (our music teacher and regular organist) and Mrs. Ciccalese (our gym teacher) who put in quite a lot of time with the students. All those who helped with the sets, refreshments, costumes and all the other details also have my gratitude, as do the students themselves.
I hope everyone who heard Greg Zannetti, the seminarian who spoke at the 4:30 PM Mass last Saturday and the 7, 9, and 11 AM Masses last Sunday, enjoyed his words as much as I did. His talk was uplifting and inspiring, and clearly came from his heart. Seeing young men like him prepare for the priesthood gives me a lot of hope for the future!
Remember that our parish carnival begins this Wednesday. Several people told me they are praying for good weather – and I am extremely grateful. I would ask that we all join them in praying that God will grant us fair weather for this year's carnival.
As most of you know, the carnival serves many purposes for our parish. It is a good time for many families and especially for the children. It is a place where people can meet and have a good time and enjoy some good old carnival food. Finally, it is an important fund raiser! People often ask me what I like most about the carnival. In response, I would say that – most of all – I enjoy watching the kids have a good time. I also enjoy talking with so many parishioners during carnival week. Of course, I also like the food – which I hope to enjoy with many of you at the carnival.
Our parish website has recently undergone a major renovation. It now contains little biographies of our priests and most of our deacons, as well as recent pictures from Holy Week and Easter. Information about things like CCD and Vacation Bible School – and yes, the carnival – are also there. You can even get information about getting married or having a child baptized. These updates will be ongoing, with the goal of providing those who use it with a good and helpful site.
Please remember to pray for the children who will be receiving their First Holy Communion in our Church this and next weekend. First Communion is one of my fondest childhood memories – and I hope it will be for these children, too. I also hope that their First Communion will help our parish children build a lifelong friendship with the Lord Jesus.
Please say a prayer for me today and every day – at least one Hail Mary. Know that I pray for you daily. Let's also pray for an end to violence and hate, and an increase in Christian charity around the globe. Let's also be sure to do our part to make that happen.
Have a great week!
Fr. John