Poland and Lithuania Pilgrimage! This weeks bulletin includes a small notice for the pilgrimage I shared last week, for this summer! You can also access the info and even register online at 81tours.com/polandfrmosimann

What is a Pilgrimage? One parishioner asked me this, so here is my definition: ‘undertaking a physical journey in order to accomplish a spiritual one.’ Practically speaking, this means we will visit sites of importance to the faith, celebrate daily Mass, and pray a daily rosary together on the bus. To be a pilgrim, is to be more than a tourist. It is what impressed me so much about Poland in 2016, that the churches were not museums, but full of Polish people praying! Yes, the itinerary includes tours, museums, and good food too (look at me, do you doubt that? haha!!).

There is one friend who comes on these trips who is not baptized. She prays with us, attends the Masses, and said to me, “your trips are very special to me!” I keep telling her, “I am going to baptize you on one of these pilgrimages!” So don’t be afraid of wherever you may be in your faith journey. Just be ready to embrace the special joy of traveling with a group, and sharing the experience with new friends and pew neighbors.

Annunciation over my shoulder?

If you have been in the church since Wednesday, you have likely been surprised by the appearance of the Archangel Gabriel and the BVM next to the priest in the sanctuary! Our stained glass windows for the new HCA chapel are here, and since the new chapel isn’t ready yet, I thought “why don’t we enjoy them for a time in church and school!’ The annunciation window is currently in the church, and the St. Joseph window is in HCA.

Groundbreaking in April?

And this also means we look to be on target to break ground for the expansion at the end of April!! We will have more info soon, but a construction meeting this week drove home that our timing looks solid! It is too soon to tell you when we will be done, when the HCA cafeteria, expansion and chapel will be ready, but I am pleasantly surprised already at the first draft of the actual construction schedule!

A blessed Lent to you and all of your loved ones.

pax,

Father John Mosimann