Beloved of God,
The Representative from the bulletin company has called the Parish Administrator, Gina Mastrangelo, at least three times this week, not counting emails. In one of the conversations she had with Ms Mastrangelo, she commented that she did not understand why I was so upset with her. Really?? Well, the bulletins arrived Monday morning about 11:00AM. Ironically, the box said in huge block letters… DELIVER BEFORE SUNDAY. Now, let’s just think about this for a minute. BEFORE SUNDAY means any time Saturday. So if it is delivered late Saturday evening, then the company has fulfilled its obligations. There is an obvious and inherent flaw in how this company is doing business. The company has already been informed that their contract with us has been canceled. We will still have the same company supplying our bulletin for the next six months due to contractual obligations. We have already contracted with another company so that there will not be any interruption of services.

Regarding the Burglary and Vandalism in the school…

• There have been some developments… and because there is an ongoing investigation, I’m sorry but I cannot comment further. I again am asking that you all please continue to pray for those involved… that they may be healed and converted through God’s grace and our prayers.
• Service Master, the company called by the Archdiocesan Insurance Division, did a wonderful job cleaning the gym and its environs. The gym has been cleared for all activities.
• The school and church building is being rekeyed. This is normal operating procedure after the events which occurred. This is going to cause many inconvenience as there will be process of determining who has keys and whether or not they should? Some may be upset because procedural changes, but the safety of those attending and working the school or church during the day or evening as well as the security of the plant is paramount.
• Finally, An Act of Kindness. Sunday evening, after I had spoken at all the Holy Masses, except the 6:00PM, a phone was made to the Priest’s Residence from a parishioner. They were so very concerned about the burglary in the school. We had a wonderful conversation and it was delightful speaking with them. A part of our conversation was about the costs incurred by the parish. Your fellow parishioner wanted to assist in helping to defer the costs and offered to donate $1,000. I was very much taken aback with their kindness. They said I would see them the next day at the Parish Offices. They did stop by later in the day and its wonderful putting a face to a voice. Ms Mastrangelo and I spoke with them for about a half hour. What a joy to meet them. What a joy to have our conversation. What a joy to receive their kindness towards our parish. On behalf of the parish, we thank them so very much. Please keep them very much in your prayers. May God bless them.

This column is unusual for me to write in the bulletin. As the Parish Administrator, Ms Gina Mastrangelo, will be having her own column addressing the business of the parish as well as over items of interest or of a spiritual nature. My columns will almost always be meditative or spiritual. “From the Pastor’s Desk” is another opportunity for me as the Shepherd of the Parish to spiritually guide you closer to Almighty God. Please continue to pray for your priests, parish administrator and staff as we with God’s grace work together to grow in faith.

God love you… Father Fernan