My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We have now entered into Ordinary Time. Parish life is basically back to normal and so we have much to be grateful to the Lord for.

Parish meetings may take place now. Please make sure that all is scheduled through the parish office. Bishop Joensen has decreed that the mask mandate is now lifted for Mass. Those who feel more comfortable using one may still find them at the entrances of the Basilica. Just remember to stay home if you feel sick in any way. That being said, although there is still no mandate to attend Mass, there isn’t much of a reason to stay away from the Sunday Masses any longer, except for illness or those who many feel vulnerable. The Kiss of Peace and use of the chalices will continue to be suspended until further notice.

We are blessed to have Deacon Nick Smith with us for the summer. He was ordained a transitional deacon on June 11th along with another young man. God willing, he will be ordained to the Sacred Priesthood next summer. Please welcome him with open arms and make him feel that he is one of us during his time here. Later this month five other deacons will be ordained priests for the diocese. This is the largest number in many years.

Please remember to make your pledge to the 2021 ADA if you have not already done so. Envelopes are provided at the doors in a special holder. We need to make our goal for 2021. We still must raise some $50,000.00.

Just to give you a heads up on something. Our heating system has reached the point where we must seriously consider a major overhaul. The pipes are 100 years old and are leaking underground somewhere. We are exploring the possibility of updating in another way. When we have a plan, we will have to confer with the diocese and will then inform the parish with what needs to be done. We may be looking at an amount between $100,000.00 to $200,000.00 dollars to complete this renovation. It is something that we cannot put off any longer. The old boiler will continue to be used for the school building only once this project is completed.

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. Have a blessed and restful summer. May all the Lord’s blessings and graces be yours!

Devotedly yours in the Lord,

(The Very Reverend) Aquinas M. Nichols

Pastor