Beginning in September, the four o’clock Mass will be designated our monthly “Youth Mass”. On the fourth Saturday of each month, members of our youth ministry will fill the various ministerial roles at this Mass. Lectoring, Eucharistic Ministry etc. will be done by young people who have received their confirmation and therefore are full members of our faith community.

For a long time we have been trying to work out a youth Mass in our parish without adding an additional Mass and without needing additional priests. Andrew our youth minister, along with members of the youth group, have come up with this viable alternative.

The youth of our parish are obviously the future of our church and it is so important to encourage their participation. This is one way in which we can do this and I am sure all of you will give them the support they need.

On another subject, last week I went to a planning board meeting about the sale of our school buildings. I have not mentioned this before publicly because the archdiocese told me not to say anything until the sale was complete. But since it has been public through the town and the newspaper, I just want to confirm that we are in negotiations to sell both properties. The main street property (Hudson Catholic) will be developed into retail space; the High Street property (St. Michael’s) will be raised and additional parking will be provided.

Yes it is sad to see these buildings go and change; but realistically we have over a million dollars in debt from the schools and this sale will go a long way in reducing that debt.

I will keep you informed as I am informed.