Last Sunday evening we held our second ‘Town Meeting’, sharing what information we have about the Archdiocesan ‘Planning 2012’ initiative – the proposed restructuring of how we serve our churches in the future. At this point the only update we have received from the committee is that they are compiling the responses from parishioners all over the Archdiocese and they are taking them into account as they continue their planning. Whatever new developments we receive we will keep you updated. Again the time frame for any changes is three to five years – so nothing seems immediate. [Video from that meeting is available to watch here]

As we begin the month of May, not only is it time for First Communions, but it is also traditionally the month that we honor Mary, the Mother of God. I think one of Mary’s most extraordinary characteristics was her faith and willingness to trust in God for whatever He had in store for her. I am sure she had the same questions and misgivings we all would have in her situation; yet she gave her ‘yes’ to God’s will and thus accepted her vital role in the history of salvation. Mary continues to be a model of faith and faithfulness for each of us as we journey through life, trying to live our own lives as faithfully as she did.