January 12, 2024
Happy New Year! Thank you for your prayers, kind words, gifts, service, and faith during the Advent and Christmas season. On behalf of the parish staff and priests-they were greatly appreciated! About 3,500 people visited Holy Family during our seven Christmas Masses. A great sign of an increase in faith in our local area.
For those who might like more information regarding Pope Francis’ “Declaration on the pastoral meaning of blessings” please click here to read the document and pray over this pastoral letter. Also, if desired, you can also revisit my homily from last weekend by watching the Mass recording on our YouTube channel, which explains more about the nuances of how we can be faithful and pastoral. Thank you for your prayers, support, and faith.
During Lent we will offer a follow-up to Fr. John Riccardo’s well-attended visit by exploring his new eight-week program called “The Rescue Project”. This will be our Lenten enrichment and I encourage you to attend, as you are able, starting in early February. Feel free to invite someone you know to attend who could benefit from hearing the good news of the Gospel message. See parish media for more information about how you can pray and participate.
There are several upcoming events, including weekend baptisms, Catholic Schools Week, the Knights of Columbus Crab Feed, and the Mardi Gras Soiree to support New Bethlehem Programs. More information can be found in the newsletter and bulletin for all these events. More information regarding final parish families for Partners in the Gospel is expected in February. And before you know it, we are into Lent with Ash Wednesday on Valentine’s Day this year!
Please keep the work of the Priest Personnel Board in your prayers, as we continue the discerning process during a two-day retreat in early February.
Lastly, on a personal note, I am hoping to finish my thesis for my doctorate before Lent starts and then defend and graduate in the spring. Thank you, and our staff for all your support.
Your Servant in the Risen Christ
Fr. Bryan Dolejsi
Pastor