Pastor's Column

     Congratulations to Timothy & Rebecca Lamont on the baptism of their daughter Caroline during the Noon Mass last weekend and to Rudy & Cora Dejelo who are celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary this Saturday during the 4pm Mass. We welcome Father Michael Gurnick, a former Parochial Vicar at St. Leo’s, who was willing to celebrate this Mass on their special occasion. God’s blessings on them all. 
    In recent weeks, the music at the 8am Mass has been played using the piano only. While the piano adds a wonderful sound to liturgical singing, the organ has taken a special place among all musical instruments in our Catholic tradition and we don’t want to deprive those who attend the 8am Mass from hearing the organ during our liturgies. However the current temporary musician only plays the piano, not the organ, and is only available for the 8am Mass on Sunday. We are in the process of interviewing musicians for the role of Associate Musician (which is the position Mickey Still had before becoming the Music Director). This person would play at a couple of our weekend Masses as well as direct the choir while Mickey while Mickey plays the organ or piano. Thanks for your patience as we get it all sorted out but liturgical music is something that takes time as we look for the right fit for our parish. Our goal is to have the best possible music that will help raise our hearts to God in prayerful song. 
    You’ll see a letter from myself along with the Finance Report for this past fiscal year in this bulletin. We are holding steady despite the many repairs and updates that keep our parish presentable and in good repair. I’m grateful to those members of the Parish Staff who help to make all this possible, especially Ryan Drop, Brenda Basalla & Sister Erin. And thanks to all of you for your weekly contributions which allow us to provide so much to your fellow parishioners. 
    Priests are expected to make a retreat every year. I welcome that opportunity not only for my own sake but for yours as well. So I will be away from Sunday evening until Thursday afternoon this week for a priests retreat at the Jesuit Retreat House in Parma, about 5 minutes from us. A Capuchin Franciscan will be leading the retreat & the topic is Living Out the Joy of Priesthood. I think I already have much joy in serving you but I look forward to more time for prayer & for the wisdom that will be shared. Please pray for me as I ask the Lord’s blessing for myself & for the parish