Padre’s Ponderings 1/17/16

We will continue the parish tradition of the CARITAS collection. A letter with the details of the collection and an introduction to opportunities for Lent will be mailed out this month. (Yes, I did say Lent. Ash Wednesday is February 10, so you might as well get ready!)

If you are looking for a spiritual challenge for Lent this year, consider picking up one of the FREE books, Rediscover Jesus. The books may be found in all of our parishes and are yours for the taking. The book is easy to read and has reflective questions that may prompt some personal spiritual exploration. You might also consider scheduling time to participate at any of the Lenten devotions or extra Masses that will be offered during this penitential season. I am also considering Lenten Vespers and Benediction on Sunday evenings at St. Joe’s if anyone would be interested.

I do want to express my gratitude for all of you who serve as liturgical ministers. Your selfless commitment is greatly appreciated. I know that many of you have asked about the next liturgical schedule, because our current schedule will soon come to an end. We are in the process of exploring a new scheduling program which has delayed the publication of the next schedule. We appreciate your patience in this matter as we move forward.

Thanks again to all who contributed to the beauty of our worship spaces at Christmas through the gifts of the poinsettias. If you would like to take one of these living memorials home, please feel free to do so!

Please be advised that Catholic Schools Week will be celebrated from January 31 to February 6. While more details will be published in future editions of the bulletin, I did want you to be aware that the celebration this year is one week later than normal.

For those families interested in applying for our Family Tuition Assistance grants to help defray the cost of tuition at

Guardian Angels Central Catholic, please know that an expectation of the program is that you first apply for scholarship money from the Children’s Scholarship Fund (grade school students) and/or OAEF (high school students). We have already received scholarship applications from OAEF, so it is never too early to start the process. If you have any questions regarding Family Tuition Assistance, CSF or OAEF please contact me. If I don’t have the answers to help I know people smarter than I am that cananswer your questions.

I would love to be able to have an Adult Ed session in the near future but the first free Wednesday I have is March 9! If there are any other nights that might work please let me know. Maybe Mondays?!?

If anyone has lapsed in their Safe Environment training, or if you would like to be trained to be able to volunteer with the youth of faith communities, PLEASE consider signing up for the training session here in West Point on Saturday, 23 January. Details may be found in the bulletin.

Just a “heads-up” that Confirmation will be celebrated at St. Mary on Wednesday, 2 March. Yes, this is earlier than “normal” but it is the best date that we could get this year.

+ In hoc signo vinces + Fr. Steve