My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The summer has basically come to an end. School has begun and the regular parish activities have picked up. Since we are basically back to normal and regular meetings are taking place, please make sure that all meetings and activities are scheduled through the parish office.

Our Foundation Dinner will be held downtown at the Tea Room on Sunday 12 September. Tickets are available through the parish office or online. This is always a very delightful evening. Come and join us!

Our regular Religious Education classes and RCIA will be held this year. Please make sure that the children are registered so they may receive the Sacraments.

His Excellency Bishop Joensen has decreed that the mask mandate is now lifted for Mass. He recommends that they be used for the time being. Those who feel more comfortable using one may still find them at the entrances of the Basilica. There are also bottles of hand sanitizer around the entrances. There has been no outbreak of the virus in the parish. Just remember to stay home if you feel sick in any way. His Excellency Bishop Joensen has also re-instated the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation. Everyone is now required to attend Mass to fulfill the Sunday obligation and holydays except for those who may be elderly or vulnerable in some way. Permission from the pastor is necessary to be excused from the obligation to attend Mass.

Our highlight last month was the 60th Jubilee of ordination to the Sacred Priesthood of Monsignor Larry Beeson on 28 August. This faithful and holy priest has served the Church generously for so many years, and continues to do so, even here at the Basilica. We wish him all the best in the years ahead. My thanks to all of the parishioners who worked to make this such a wonderful event. We are also grateful to His Excellency Bishop Joensen for being present for the Mass and supper.

Deacon Nick Smith has returned to the seminary for his final year. He enjoyed his time with us very much this summer and we look forward to his ordination to the Sacred Priesthood this coming 24 June, and his first Mass here on 03 July.

Please remember to make your pledge to the 2021 ADA if you have not already done so. Envelopes are provided at the doors of the Basilica in a special holder. We need to make our goal for 2021. Please watch the bulletin to keep current with where we stand, both with the ADA and needed sacrificial giving to keep up with the budget.

If you receive an E-Mail or text from me requesting money or gift cards, please DO NOT RESPOND. I 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.

Let us go forward, trusting Divine Providence in all things. Let us use our time wisely and give sufficient time for prayer. Increase your devotion to St. Joseph during this year dedicated to him. May all the Lord’s blessings and graces be yours!

Devotedly yours in the Lord,
 

(The Very Reverend) Aquinas M. Nichols

Pastor