I hope many of you will be able to join us for the Parish Picnic this weekend! As I look at the long range weather forecast, the prediction is for a beautiful day on Sunday. We look forward to a great gathering for all!

This, our last weekend in August, is farewell time to Fr. Chris who has been here for the last two months. Where does time go? I feel a real sense of loss as he prepares to return to Nigeria and his own parish ministry. I will miss his companionship, his energy, and his willingness to enter into St. Michael’s community. I know that Abby will miss her daily walk excursions with him.

He has had a busy summer which so many of you have made possible by inviting him into your homes and out on various trips around the area. He is grateful for all your generosity to him and returns to Africa with wonderful memories. He is also grateful for your generosity in the collection for the SMA Fathers which amounted to $1,623.

On Monday, we plan a staff farewell party for him and then he will be off for his very long flights back home.

When I returned from vacation I was pleased to see the progress that has been made in painting the church. But, I wasn’t as pleased when I saw the lack of progress in completing our parking lot! That huge pile of dirt continues to sit where our parking should be at this point. I think we’ll need one of those large front end loaders to move progress along!

As we enter into September, another school year begins and religious education will likewise resume. Let us pray for a year filled with God’s presence and blessings for all!