Dear Friends in Christ,
The weeks ahead will be filled with excitement as we begin a new academic year! Many of our college students will soon be heading back to school. I hope that you will check out the Catholic Campus Ministry on your local campus and be faithful to attending Mass and getting involved in the life of the Church at your school. Our local elementary, middle and high schools also are beginning in the upcoming weeks. I pray that teachers and administrators are inspired to share wisdom and good moral values with our young people. Thank you for your dedication to forming the next generation. I pray that our students are open to all that God has in store for them as a new year starts. It is a new beginning to embrace a new schedule, new classes and new friendships. I pray that parents are gifted with patience, especially in the their relationships with their children. I pray for safety on our roads, especially in the morning hours as the sun is coming up. Please be careful and be aware of distractions while driving.
I look forward to greeting the students of Annunciation Catholic Academy on Tuesday, August 13 and also to welcome our new Principal, Mrs. Patricia Kahle, and Vice Principal, Mr. Nathan Nadeau, as they begin a new chapter in the history of our parish school. I also am excited about a new year of Faith Formation for Children and Youth which will begin in early September.
We will celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption on Thursday, August 15. Please note that this day is a Holy Day of Obligation and Masses will be offered on Wednesday (Vigil) and Thursday (see the front of the bulletin for more details). Thank you for your presence on the holy days and for helping to preserve the beauty of our Catholic culture.
When you come before the Lord this week please pray for our Priests, Religious Sisters and Staff. Ask the Lord to bless us with His grace as we serve the Church and share the Good News. Know that we will pray for you, your loved ones and your intentions. We may not see each other each day, but may we meet each day in our prayers!
In Christ,
Very Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, V.F.
Pastor