First off, I would like to say thank you to Fr. John
Murphy, FMSI (Sons of Mary) and to Fr. Adriano
Castro. Fr. Tony was away last week and this
weekend attending a meeting of the Xaverian Fathers.
Fr. John and Fr. Adriano have been covering his
Masses for us. When Fr. Tony returns he may be
surprised it took two priests to do what he does! I,
however, am not surprised! We are indeed fortunate
to have Fr. Tony with us every week. His faithfulness
and pastoral sense brings a welcome presence to our
parish community.

Also, an update on our parish nurse, Mary Ellen; her
surgery was successful and she is now in rehab, doing
her exercises and of course creating a stir wherever
she goes. We continue our prayers for her.

I was struck this past weekend how many people came
to me asking for prayers as they were about to undergo
surgery. Perhaps it is a good reminder to us all to keep
praying for those who are ill and undergoing surgery
every single day. Jesus spent much of his time and
energy with the sick and asks us to do the same.

On this same note, it is appropriate to recognize the
many, many people in our own parish who visit and
bring communion to the large number of homebound
who live here. These ministers faithfully make these
visits every week – to homes, hospitals, and nursing
homes. For some, this is the only visit they receive.
And how appropriate that they are meeting the Lord
where they are.