Since July 1 marks the beginning of a new fiscal year for the parish I wanted to take this opportunity to give a brief update on our parish, sort of a state of the parish address.

A necessary place to start is the actual financial status of the parish. To say that expenses have increased is obvious. We are all aware of how energy costs have increased as has the cost of everything that we purchase. Because of your generosity we have been able to meet these expenses, but we have had to tap into savings from time to time. To help us to keep up, I am asking if we could each consider increasing our weekly tithe to the parish. Using online giving is a way of ensuring that your support of the parish never skips a week.   

With the sale of our properties the reality of a new parish center is becoming more and more a reality. We continue to be in the design stage which involves a lot of what is called value engineering. We are looking to design the best building possible, the most useful building we can afford.  This is a slow process but taking time now means that we are making good decisions for the future of the parish. While the sale of property has generated some significant resources, there will need to be significant fundraising. I have already applied to the diocese to conduct a capital campaign that will allow for one-time gifts and five-year pledges. Already we have received one gift of one hundred thousand dollars, and I have been told another gift of twenty-five thousand dollars is on the way. More details will be coming soon but for this project to be successful we will all need to do our part.

Besides the cost of this project, I am very excited about what it means for our parish. A place to gather, to learn, to celebrate. Having a parish center attached to the church means we can move from the table of the Eucharist to the table of fellowship with having to leave the building. This is indeed a good thing, and signals to the community at large that Church in Sanford is here for the long haul.

I have noticed many more young families at Mass over the last for weeks. I think one of the most important things a family can do together is pray. I also think it speaks volumes to little one’s when mom and dad (and studies show especially dad) make attending Mass and  the practice of faith a priority. As the first teachers of the faith, parents have a huge response to ensure that their children know what they need to know to have a relationship with Jesus. Our parish is willing and able to help parents achieve these goals by having a strong and active religious education program. St. Thomas School also is a gem of a school. Not only are children challenged intellectually they are also encouraged to grow their faith. Often students from St. Thomas school are in the top ten of their high school graduating classes. If you haven’t yet checked it out, I encourage you to do so.

Over the last couple of months, I have had two opportunities to travel. Both times the airports and the airplanes were crowded. Very few of the people who were traveling were wearing masks. This leads me to believe that much of the fear around COVID has begun to dissipate. I still believe we need to be cautious about spreading all kinds of viruses and illness, but I do not think we can continue to use COVID as an excuse to miss Mass. Put into a more positive light, it is time to come back to in person Mass. You can still wear your mask to church, and there is still the opportunity to maintain some social distancing. Given that one of the long-term effects of COVID has been an increase in loneliness, attending Mass is a wonderful way to reconnect with friends and most especially with our best friend, Jesus Christ.

Finally let me say how much of a privilege it is to be your pastor. I am so grateful for your kindness and patience with me. I appreciate how you express your concern and care for me when I am afflicted with my man colds. I pray that with all of us being generous with our time, talent, and treasure St. Therese of Lisieux parish will continue to be a shining light and a beacon of hope in a world that desperately needs these very things.