This past Monday, members of the parish staff went on a day long retreat. The purpose of the retreat was to pray together for each of you, the members of our parish family. At Mass and throughout the day, prayers were offered for your intentions. After lunch, we met to discuss ways in which we can better serve the spiritual needs of our parish family. Many ideas for programming were introduced to enhance the spirituality of the parish and help all answer the universal call to holiness. Over the next few weeks these programs will be brought to the Parish Pastoral Council for their input. Then they will be introduced and implemented within the parish. I must state that I was struck with the level of care and love this staff has for the people of the parish. It was evident that they were seriously praying for each of you throughout that day. We are blessed here at St. Mary’s to have such a wonderful and dedicated staff serving the needs of so many. Please keep each of the members of the parish administration in your prayers as they strive to best serve your needs. They are an extraordinary group of people, and as a pastor I could not ask for anything more!