My friend, Fr. Bob’s surgery turned out to be more extensive than anticipated. While the doctor did clean out the arthritis in his shoulder, he discovered a torn rotator cuff. The first couple of days after surgery the pain has been very difficult but has eased a bit today (Monday). The bad news for him is that this will extend his recovery to at least six weeks in a sling plus lots of physical therapy. That means no driving and he cannot return to his parish as soon as he thought. He is now here at the rectory and I am sure will soon be chomping at the bit!

This past winter, our business manager, Helena Siciliano, was selected by the archdiocese to take part in the first group of business managers to participate in the Archdiocesan Certification Program. This week she begins her second eight week session, travelling to Braintree each Wednesday for a full day of classes.

As the Archdiocese moves into the collaboration mode, such certifications will be required for all those working in both administrative and ministerial positions. With Helena’s upcoming training, we will be ahead of the pack!

There are no further developments on our own collaboration with the Marlboro parishes. We were delayed because Fr. Mike from Immaculate Conception was appointed pastor of the Natick Collaborative, and Fr. Marc Bishop appointed the new administrator in Marlboro. Once he is settled in, I anticipate we will resume our preliminary collaborations. However, it looks like a couple of years down the road.

Our confirmation students had their preparatory retreat last Saturday, as we get ready to celebrate the sacrament this fall. Please keep them all in your prayers.