Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Our parish will soon be experiencing the Implementation Phase of our collaboration between St. Patrick and St. Malachi. As we move into this phase, parishioners will be asked to participate in a couple of ways. First, we are establishing Implementation Teams and are reaching out to individuals who have some experience in those areas described in the recommendations made last August. These individuals are being asked to serve on various teams because of their prior interest and leadership. Second, we are looking for all parishioners to offer critical input as we examine some of these key areas impacting parish life. Some of these areas include our weekend and weekday liturgical schedule, our current and future use of some of our buildings on both parish campuses, and the programs that touch upon faith formation, spiritual life, and ministries of charity. We will also need to address the topic of a parish census which has not occurred in many years at either parish. We also want to invite every parishioner to join us for a reflection and study series, beginning in January, based on the book, Divine Renovation: Bringing Your Parish from Maintenance to Mission. Every participant will receive a copy of the book and weekly conversations will focus on each of the chapters. Small groups will be scheduled each week with the aid of a facilitator to lead the conversation. These facilitators will be available at various times each week, some in person and others via Zoom, for the convenience of everyone. More details are coming soon but please keep the evening of Wednesday, January 15, available for our “big kick off”. The evening will begin with a light supper after the 5:30pm Mass and then continue with an orientation for the series. Please mark your calendars! As we continue with this holy season of Advent may our hearts continue to be filled with joyful expectation. May you and your loved ones experience the grace God so eagerly desires for every one of us. Come Lord Jesus,

Fr. Gurnick

Dear Friends and Parishioners,

This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ Our Sovereign King, the last Sunday of the 2024 liturgical year.  Next Sunday (December 1) ushers in our new year as we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent. Here are a few considerations as we approach the new liturgical year:Our Sunday readings will be Year C with an emphasis on the Gospel of Like and our weekday readings will be Cycle I.  Christmas will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 25 and the Baptism of the Lord is on January 19.  Ash Wednesday is observed on March 5 and Easter Sunday is on April 20.  Pentecost Sunday is on June 8.  Pope Francis has declared 2025 to be the Jubilee of Hope as we celebrate a jubilee year every 25 years, the last one at the turn of this present Millennium.  A special observance at the Vatican will open the Jubilee Doors on December 24. Celebrations require preparation.  Are we prepared to greet this new liturgical year which also happens to be a year of special jubilee?  As we prepare for this New Year, what are some resolutions I can make to make me more aware of God’s presence in my life and my call to love others?   As our nation gives thanks this week let us begin with offering gratitude to Almighty God for all the blessings and graces received.  Wherever you find yourself for Thanksgiving, may you and your loved ones enjoy safe travel and the blessings of family and friendships.

Thanks be to God!

Fr. Gurnick