As you know I am fascinated by beginnings, endings, turning points, and the stories shaped by these events. One thing I have been noticing of late is how many long term parish families are moving away. Two examples are Jim and Barbara Alvord and Ralph and Terri Fredericks. Some people become part of the fabric that is the parish and thus it is for both couples. They have helped and blessed the parish with their talents, faith, and devotion. Ralph and Terri have moved to Florida and Jim and Barbara are going up state. Their departure is a loss for us, but because we are all part of the Body of Christ they will still be tied to us by deep and significant bonds. Our thanks to them for all they have and continue to mean for us.
I am happy to announce that last Sunday, we had 100 people at the 6pm Mass! I have been worrying about the health of that Mass. If that number can be sustained this summer we may be okay in the Fall. For us to be a successful parish, we need average attendance of about 170 at the Saturday Vigil; 100 at the Sunday 8am; 260 at the 9:15am;110 at the 11am and 200 at the 6pm, for a Sunday average of 840. I am hoping for that level of attendance come the Fall.
Lastly, something beautiful happened at the 9:15am Mass two weeks ago. A new altar server was being commissioned (Ava Oustafine). With her that day was a veteran server, Stone Bidlack. He was so kind to Ava at her first Mass as a server. At one point Stone had to leave, and so he got his brother Keegan, another server, to come out of the pew to care for Ava until he got back. Now that is ministry. How blessed are we in this parish!!
