My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The holy Season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. We now have this solemn period to prepare ourselves for the celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are ecclesiastical fast days. This means one full and two partial meals for those who are bound to the fasting regulation and no meat. All Fridays and Ash Wednesday are also meatless.

We will have our Fish Fry Suppers this year followed by the Stations of the Cross and Benediction on the Fridays of Lent. Please come and join us for these.

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 and are in the process of getting a bid. 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. The Bishop’s approval is also necessary, 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 over Christmas, and to our overall operating expenses.

The Capital Campaign for the diocese will be launched after Easter. 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. Keep watching the bulletin for updates. Right now there is a committee in place headed by Justin Doyle and it is working with the diocese to put our plans into action.

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.

Let us go forward in this holy season of Lent preparing well for Easter and trusting Divine Providence in all things. Let us use our time wisely and give sufficient time for prayer, fasting and alms giving during these 40 days. This Lenten Season is a good time to examine your spiritual lives and your relationship with the Lord. 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