I have just returned from my annual vacation in the warmth of Mexico, south of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula. The weather at this time of year is always guaranteed and the change is more than refreshing. The culture of Mexico is fascinating: in many ways more primitive than ours and yet rich in history and tradition. Their churches are more reminiscent of ours in the 1950’s except it’s not unusual to find a goat or some other animal roaming among the pews! We find the people warm and friendly. Mexico has drawn Fr. Bob and I back many many times over the years and I suspect in the years to come.

Abby and Honey of course were also on vacation with their dog sitters. We are more than grateful to them for providing such loving care for our dogs who greet us with wild enthusiasm when we return. It is nice to be missed so much!

Now back to the reality of cold and snow and all the winter activities of the parish. Usually at this time Lent is almost upon us. This year however it is late and does not arrive until March 5! Nevertheless remote preparations are already being made.

Our parish nurse, Mary Ellen Bartlett is having knee surgery this coming week. Please keep her in your prayers for a full recovery. She will be out for the parish for several weeks in recuperation.

One of the gifts I received for Christmas is a beautiful ceramic Holy Water Vessel to replace the rusted aluminum one. It was especially designed for our parish church and I plan to have a sturdy shelf made to display it in our present upstairs baptistry.