I could not write something for the bulletin and not mention our mission. Nope, it’s absolutely im-possible to not write something about what an amazing experience it was! I met Father Gary in August of 2017, and like many of you, I was blown away by his very real and intimate relationship with our Lord. My wife and I immediately loved listening to every word he preached, and watching him celebrate Mass was an absolute blessing! I honestly prayed that we would cross paths again. Other than a few emails back and forth, I had not had the opportunity to see him in per-son, so when we started to talk about having a mission for Lent back in October of 2021, I mentioned Father Gary.

Fast forward to January 2022, and Father Gary agreed to make this happen for our parish, and I couldn’t tell who was more excited myself or him. He had already booked his flights and set his other arrangements in motion. March 14th could not come soon enough and when the day finally arrived, I couldn’t believe I was going to get to see my friend again.

Watching our parish respond the way that you all did was absolutely breathtaking, and one of the great blessings of my life. I knew the energy he would bring and seeing everyone give that uplifting energy back, left me in awe. Seriously, how many of you could feel the Holy Spirit moving through our parish??? Every time we brought the Eucharist out for Adoration my heart was pounding with joy! I certainly have a new apperception for the Grace of Holy Communion. It will go down as one of those experiences that I will never forget!

That is what is so incredible about our Catholic faith! Our rituals are life changing when we allow them to be. The sacraments are meant to change in our hearts and our lives, and bring us ever closer to our loving God! We must always remember that these gifts that Christ has given us, through His Church, are meant to be the life giving nourishment to help sustain us throughout our lives! My brothers and sisters please keep this mission going in your hearts! Life is going to throw challenges our way and we have to remember the theme of trusting in our God that He will help us through the times we face! We still have a couple more weeks of Lent, so what can each of us do to finish this Lent Strong?!? Pray about this, and re-member the silence to allow God speak!

May you all have a powerful finish to your Lenten journey, and May Holy Week be more than you could have ever imagined! God bless!!!