The Gospel this Sunday is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The “Beatitudes” are a reminder that we can count on God to provide for us as we live out our discipleship. In our mourning, humility, working for justice, and peacemaking we are “blessed” because we are proclaiming the Kingdom of God. We are comforted, shown mercy, and will see God. The Beatitudes challenge us to Gospel living and demonstrate that doing the will of God (which may involve suffering and sacrifice) is a life-giving joy that leads to the Kingdom of Heaven.
We had a snowy Sunday last weekend that had quite an effect on our ability to worship in church in large numbers. Saturday evening’s Mass was like Christmas Eve, but Sunday saw dwindling attendance as the storm intensified. Lots of you watched and prayed with us via the livestream. I’m so grateful to Gregg Strba and his hard-working team behind the plows and shovels. They did a great job keeping the parking lot and walkways as clear as possible. I’m hopeful we don’t have another storm like that on a Sunday! We got some great photos of snow angels and the stories of sledding and skiing balanced out our grown-up complaints about shoveling and cleaning off our cars. It always helps to look out on the freshly fallen snow and see it as a beautiful blanket given as a gift to us from God’s creative energy.
The interior work on our Education and Faith Center is well underway. At this point almost all of the wall boards are up and the next team will arrive en masse this week. I’ll have a more detailed update including photos in the weeks ahead.
Your end-of-year statements for your offertory gifts and donations to the building campaign went out on time and should arrive in the mail this week. Thank you for your faithful commitment to the financial health of our parish!
Coming soon: “Ashes to Easter” booklet that features Lenten prayer, worship, and almsgiving opportunities. Ash Wednesday is February 18 and Easter is April 5.
New this year: Women’s Retreat at Holy Family Retreat Center in West Hartford. Save the date:
May 29-31. More details forthcoming.
Stay warm!
