Once again, it is time for our parish Grand Annual Appeal. During any annual Presidential State of the Union Address, each president takes great pride and honor in saying seven simple words ~ “The state of our Union is strong!” This is not a presidential address; however, I must say without hesitation that: the state of our Parish is strong! St. Mary’s stands on a strong spiritual and financial foundation that allows existing programs to grow and new programs to develop. One program that has continued to grow is our Life Teen Program, which celebrates its Silver Anniversary. For twenty-five years, St. Mary’s Life Teen has led and continues to lead countless teens closer to Christ. This past year, St. Mary’s hosted two First Masses of former members of Life Teen ~ Fr. Patrick O’Connor and Fr. Nicholas Stano. This upcoming May another member of the program, Deacon Peter Schirripa, will be ordained a priest and celebrate his First Mass here. Not only priestly vocations but Marriages have been abundant. Our current director, who is expecting a child this January, met her husband through the program. You can see how much this program has impacted the parish and the Archdiocese of Boston in such a dynamic way.

One program to highlight is our new ministry to newly married couples and young families. This would provide new families with an opportunity to support and pray together.

Maintaining the great work that is being done, I would like to announce that the Parish Grand Annual Appeal will take place on Saturday, October 15th and Sunday, October 16th. In keeping with past years, I would like to keep our goal at $100,000 (aware that the needs exceed the goal) for the following needs:

1). Asbestos removal in the Church Boiler Room.  The estimated cost is $20,000.

2). Replacement of Heating/Cooling pumps in the Parish Center. The estimated cost is $13,000.

3). Replacement of the boiler in the Church.  The estimated cost is $80,000.

As always, I ask you to give what your means allow, and be mindful that 100% of your Grand Annual gift stays in the parish. With prayerful best wishes, I remain

Faithfully Yours in Christ,
Fr. Wayne