As I write this the winds are howling and the temperature is hovering in the low thirties. As you read this, I plan to be enjoying some rest and relaxation on the warmth of a Mexican beach! After the hectic days of the Advent and Christmas season, it is good to look forward to some time to be refreshed and renewed.
Abby has been more clingy than usual with her sixth sense! She will be staying here on the property as usual with Francisco and enjoying her days in the rectory and the parish center. I am grateful that I can go away and know that she is well taken care of and will have little of her routine disrupted. I also know she will be happy to greet me when I come home.
I am also grateful to Fr. Andy Remillard who will be covering all of our Masses and funerals while I am away. Finding someone who is available is not always an easy task. Fr. Andy who is from the Worcester diocese, has generously offered and come forward over the past few years. This year was a little more difficult for him because his mother is ill and in need of more his family’s attention. Please keep them in your prayers as time goes by. I am also sure you will give him your usual warm welcome!
This past week I received in the mail a framed picture of the very first pastor of St. Michael’s, Fr. Peter McKenna. This original photograph was in the family of Mary Dusseault for many years. Mary died last March and her wish was that the picture be gifted to our parish. We will hang it alongside the pictures of other pastors in the parish center. This is truly an invaluable and generous gift which her family made sure we received. I am grateful to them and hope you admire it when you come to the parish center.