We have entered the beautiful season of Advent as we now prepare for the great celebration of the Lord’s birth. Advent is a time of waiting and expectation. We should use these weeks to prepare our minds and our heart to receive the Lord. Let us try not to be too distracted by Christmas preparations and celebrations, remembering that there is a proper season of Christmas after the 25th of December.
If you have not already received it, you will soon be receiving my annual Christmas Appeal. We are in fairly good shape, but we must also plan ahead for a number of projects in the coming year. I ask that you respond as generously as possible to this annual appeal so that the parish may meet its financial obligations until the end of June and the fiscal year.
The Capital Campaign for the diocese continues at a slow pace. Our goal has been set at $730,000.00. So far about $200,000.00 has been pledged. Pledges can be made over a 3-5 year period. Our hope is to reach our goal in three years. If we make this goal, we will get about $150,000.00 back for the parish. This will go towards our new heating system for the Basilica. Please seriously consider a pledge to help us make this goal. We need the help of everyone to attain our goal. A suggested guide is posted on the bulletin board in the vestibule. There is a committee in place headed by Justin Doyle to monitor our progress. Please watch the thermometer in the vestibule and parish hall to keep track of our progress for this campaign. Pledge cards and envelopes can be found at the doors of the Basilica and there will be a bulletin insert each month as well.
I pray that all of you may be blessed during this holy season and through Christmas and beyond into the New Year of 2023. Let us be grateful and thankful for all that the Lord has done for us personally and for our parish. Every best wish for a joyous Christmas and a New Year full of God’s peace! May the Lord continue to bless you all!