Today’s Annual Catholic Appeal is our opportunity to join with people from all over our diocese so that this local Church can continue to serve in so many ways. It is true that we can accomplish more together than separate, and nowhere is this truer than in our diocesan programs that benefit from your generosity to this appeal. Whether supporting deacons (and candidates, like our parishioner Frank Hesson) or assisting those who are in need of the Marriage Tribunal, your donations are joined with those of others in the diocese to make these diocesan ministries possible. If you were not prepared to make your pledge today, the envelopes will be available again next weekend. Please, I know that Fr. Paul was always proud that the parish reached the goal set by the diocese, and I am confident we will again this year. Thank you so much for your generous response to this important appeal.
 
Our Lenten Penance Service will be held this Thursday evening at 7:00. We will have several priests from the area assisting, and I invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Holy Week. This and next Saturday from 4:00 – 4:45 will be the last scheduled times for confessions before Easter.
 
Last weekend we received over $1,700 to help some of our youth musicians attend the summer program specially designed for them. This is about half the total cost, and I feel sure that we will be able to raise the entire amount quickly. You can put your donations in an envelope marked “Youth Music Program” and give it to me, put it in the basket or get it to the parish offices. The donation box is also on the table in the Narthex of the church. Thanks again for supporting our youth!
 
We are completing the renovation of the Chapel Sacristy. New cabinets, carpeting and other updates will make this space multi-use, for small (6-8 persons) meetings, work space, etc. Our own Joe Scharnus, who keeps our facilities in tip-top shape, did a great job in there.
 
In last week’s bulletin, the full name of our Volunteer of the Week was inadvertently omitted. She is, of course, Jeanette Meinhardt, and – though many of you immediately knew who it was, I would be remiss not to correct this omission. Once again, thank you, Jeanette, for all you do for our parish!
 

 Have a wonderful week, everyone. May God bless you and your loved ones!  Father Giuliano