The bulletin this weekend is one of our special bi-annual issues known as the “Good News Bulletin.” It is dubbed as “Good News” because it gives us a cursory glance on how we have built up the Kingdom of God on this side of the world during the recently concluded fiscal year, July 2016 through June 2017. As most of you know, the Archdiocese of Portland (which includes the parishes) reports with a fiscal versus calendar year. In the bulletin, you will find a summary of the important and highlighted events of the various ministries of our faith family. As you can see, we had a very busy, productive and Spirit-filled year. It would not be a fruitful year without the collaboration of so many of you, who continue to till and nurture this fertile vineyard of God. The “fruits” of our tilling are seen through our ministries and apostolates, without forgetting the important truth that all the work that we do comes and finds its meaning from the Eucharist.
Aside from our very dedicated parish and school staff, I would like to express my profoundest gratitude to the members of the Pastoral Council, Finance Council and the School Advisory Council that continue to provide the necessary “checks and balances” in our pastoral and administrative works. Their wise counsel and suggestions have made my “pastoring” so much easier and mission-focused. Special thanks to Kevin Hassett, the Pastoral Council Chair, Diane Punchocar, the Finance Council Chair, and Andy Van Pelt, the School Advisory Council Chair, for leading these vital advisory groups.
The new fiscal year has begun, and we continue to remain focused on our primary mission of the proclamation of the Gospel through our ministries, centered on the Eucharistic banquet. There’s a lot of things to be done, but through God’s grace and the Spirit’s lead, everything will be accomplished according to God’s will. May the good Lord, who has begun the work in us, bring it to completion. – Fr. Cary