As I mentioned at Mass last weekend, there has been a tremendous response on your part to the campaign to raise money for the painting and repair of the church. After last weekend, the total amount raised in cash and pledges is $65,761. I can’t begin to tell you how gratifying this is. We are well on our way to our $150,000 goal. We continue to put pledge cards at the doors of the church and hope that we will reach this goal sooner rather than later!

I also mentioned at Mass that our main parking lots will be fenced off for the foreseeable future. As the school buildings are torn down, the ultimate concern is safety of everyone and keeping those parking lots clear is paramount. I would suggest that neighbors car pool to minimize the number of automobiles that will need parking spots. The three lots on Manning Street will remain open but that certainly is a limited number of parking places. I thank you for your understanding and your patience.

This weekend we celebrate the first of three First Communions! These children have been preparing all year for this special day. Most of us, I am sure, can remember our own first communion for they leave a deep impression on us. Let us pray that this day is the beginning of their devotion to God in the Eucharist and that as the years pass they will grow in their faith life and God will continue to feed and nourish them with all they need.

This month of May is also traditionally the month when we honor Mary the Mother of God. May we follow her example and respond wholeheartedly to God in our own lives and repeat her words: Thy will be done!