An environment where fresh ideas can emerge - Sept 18, 2010

The challenge of being a pastor is to create an environment where fresh ideas can emerge. You can go to the well too many times with the tried and true. New endeavors keep everybody engaged. Years ago Father David Gaffney was the engine behind our parish auction. We have done several of them on an every other year basis. The committee thought this year we ought to try something different. On October 23rd from 7 to 11 p.m. we are presenting “Casino Royale” in the gym. Along with drinks and hors d’oeuvres there will be wheels, cards, raffles and, yes, even a live auction with one of my dinners for sale. Keeping it local might be a nice way to engage more people. Over the next few weeks there will be several announcements asking for your support. The funds realized from this event will go to ongoing capital improvements for the parish (roof on school and pre-school, school parking lot, church interior painting, sidewalks and curbs).

This past weekend I celebrated my 35th Anniversary of ordination. I traveled to Newport with two of my closest priest friends to celebrate. While away I missed the lead in to our annual school collection. A big thank you to Sue Moran for organizing our appeal this year. These are challenging times for Catholic Schools as we seek to teach as Jesus taught. Please be as generous as your financial situation allows.

Fr. Bob Hawkins