My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It seems that the New Year is off to a fast start. We are already in the second month and are making our way toward the holy Season of Lent, which will begin with Ash Wednesday on 02 March.

During this winter season please continue to be cautious about the spread of germs. There presently is no mandate in the church for wearing masks, but they are provided at the entrances to the church. Bishop Joensen still recommends using masks. There are also bottles of hand sanitizer around the entrances. There has been no major outbreak of the virus or the flu in the parish. Just remember to stay home if you feel sick in any way and remember to wash your hands frequently.

As I mentioned in my last letter, we have some major repair projects coming up in the new year: New sidewalks in front of the Basilica and on 19th Street, tuckpointing, and a new heating system for the church and hall. We recently had a company in to take a look at our sound system. We are well aware that there have been problems and when we have a solution it will be a good one. This may not get completed until next Fall because of the difficulty of getting needed materials but be assured we are looking into improving the sound system. We have been working to build up the Building Fund to help cover these projects. Your donations there will help us see that there are sufficient funds to tackle these repairs. I thank all those who contributed extra to the Building Fund during these days, and to our overall operating expenses.

The Capital Campaign for the diocese will be launched in the new year. We are in the first phase of parishes that will be starting. Our goal has been set at $730,000.00. If we make that we will get about $150,000.00 back for the parish. There will be more on this as the time gets closer and the details are worked out. We are scheduled to begin after Easter. Right now there is a committee working with the diocese to put our plans into action. Justin Doyle has graciously agreed to chair this campaign for us.

If you receive an E-Mail or text from me or from Bishop Joensen, or from any priest, requesting money or gift cards, please DO NOT RESPOND. WE WOULD NEVER ASK YOU FOR FINANCIAL HELP IN THIS WAY. Just delete it and try to block the person. This has been happening to a lot of priests and to Bishop Joensen as well.

I enjoyed my time away for part of last month for my post-Christmas break. Father Gross and Msgr. Beeson graciously covered for me. Please keep these good priests in your prayers.

Let us go forward, trusting Divine Providence in all things. Let us use our time wisely and give sufficient time for prayer. The upcoming Lenten Season is a good time to examine your spiritual lives and your relationship with the Lord. We are planning to have our Fish Fry Suppers followed by the Stations of the Cross and Benediction on the Fridays of Lent this year. Again, my sincere thanks for your generosity and all you do for the parish.

Devotedly yours in the Lord,

(The Very Reverend) Aquinas M. Nichols

Pastor