A couple of weeks ago our Portuguese parishioners once again sold Malassadas after all the Sunday Masses and raised over $700 dollars for our parish. We are grateful to them for all their work. Early on that morning, when I took Abby out for her walk, we stopped in the kitchen of the parish center. Abby received her very own, specially made Malassada which of course she woofed down with one bite. Then to try to get her to leave........
   Each week I usually get an email from Fr. Chris in Africa.  A number of you I know are friends with him on Facebook, but I stick to email. A few weeks back he sent me a note and a picture of his new puppy! He was determined to buy himself a pet like Abby when he returned to Africa. I haven’t heard any puppy stories but I thought you’d be interested to find out he named his new dog Hudson!!
   This past week he sent me some pictures of his refurbished parish center where religious education classes are held. When he was here he told me it was uninhabitable because of roof leaks and rotting wood. He said he wanted you all to know that the money you donated to the SMA Fathers was used to make that space available this year. And he is extremely grateful.
   Gratitude is the theme this week as we head toward Thanksgiving Day. Once again we will celebrate that special Mass Thanksgiving Morning at 8 a.m. We invite you all to come and to give thanks to God for all He has done for us.
  Finally next Sunday begins our Advent Season and the start of the new liturgical year. We are looking for people to carry our Advent candles in procession again this year. I look forward to another wonderful season.