Dear Folks,

Two important diocesan initiatives for us:

1. Diocesan Week of Service begins TODAY! November 9-16th. We join the diocese in putting Love in Actionnthrough Service in Community.Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by the Spiritual and Corporal W orks of Mercy, our parish and ministriesare joining together to bring Christ to our neighbors by serving individuals and families who are most in need—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. From feeding the hungry and visiting the sick, to comforting the sorrowful and praying for the living and the dead, this week calls each of us to live our faith in concrete and compassionate ways.

See Bishop Burbidge’s’ message on our website!

You can be a part of the week of service at St. Mary’s in three ways! 1.Participate in the Coat Drive by donating a new or gently used coat (new mittens/hats too). 2. Feed the hungry and donate to our Thanksgiving Food Drive, (maroon bags are in the narthex and/or donate turkey (W al-Mart gift card) 3. Adopt-a Senior and visit those in area assisted living facilities/homes (program will be launched on 11/16).

All churches in the diocese will be praying together a special prayer after all Masses this week. The prayer is also included on page 14 of the bulletin. I invite you to also pray it as a family in your homes.

2. One of the diocesan long-term initiatives has been to explore the interest in a vocational school. This would be something distinct from the diocesan high schools. The vocational school, would be focused on preparation for work in the trades and of benefit to many young folks who are considering such as an alternative to the common college-bound path. The initial survey from the diocese regarding priorities showed that 94% of respondents enthusiastically supported this idea!

Now the diocese is looking for more input on the best location and model of a vocational program. It could be a post-secondary program, an independent school, or a vocational center of excellence. I believe that there are many families in our parish and region that could benefit from this type of opportunity. There is hope that we will have 200 respondents per parish, and remember that our parish is much bigger than your average bear!

Please consider filling out the survey for the good of our part of the diocese, and for the good of the young men and women who would ultimately benefit from a vocational education that will set them on a path of dignified and fulfilling work!

The survey is available in English or Spanish, here is the link and there is a QR code in the bulletin as well.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CTEVOTECH

pax,

Father John Mosimann