I met with the Parish Leadership Team last week, and they are a wonderful group of people! Each person brings a unique perspective to the table, and they are open and respectful, as well as perceptive and discerning. I can see why Fr. Paul selected them, and I feel blessed to be part of the team as we work together to continue to help our parish move along the path God intends.
We had a discussion about the present schedule for daily Masses. Not having mass on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings meant that I use that time as my days off. What I have discovered is that there are different meetings and groups that utilize these two days, and if I am away, I do not have the opportunity to join them. Since the office is only open half day on Friday and meetings are normally not scheduled for Friday evening, we discussed changing the schedule so I would not celebrate Mass on Friday or Saturday mornings. The Leadership Team came to a consensus that, beginning this week, we will no longer have Communion Services on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but instead, daily Masses will be at 7:15 and 8:30 Monday through Thursday. Since the Rite for Distribution of Holy Communion Outside of Mass was primarily intended to be used on Sundays when a priest cannot be present, and since there are other Churches within less than a 30-minute drive, we will not schedule Communion Services on Friday or Saturday mornings. We are in conversation with the Redemptorists from St. Mary’s in Annapolis to see if one of the retired priests might be able to celebrate Mass on Fridays at 8:30, and I hope we will have that in place shortly. As I said, the primary reason for this is so that I can be more present to the different groups and programs that regularly meet on Tuesday or Wednesday (Knights of Columbus, Religious Ed, RCIA, etc). In this way I believe that I can serve the parish in a better way.
As you know, our Music Ministry is composed of different choirs and musicians. We are especially blessed to have a great group of youth who assist us in our worship. In order to help them develop their skills to a higher level, we have an opportunity for 3 of our youth (as well as our Music Director, whose supervision is required by the program) to participate in a program designed especially for young Church musicians in Collegeville, Minnesota from June 25-30. Unfortunately, the estimated $3,500 for airfare and program cost was not a budgeted expense. Since this is such a great opportunity, and because I believe you are supportive of the youth who serve our parish, I am asking you to consider donating toward the cost so that our youth can participate in the program.
 If you can help, there will be a box in the gathering space next weekend for your contributions. You may also wish to put it in an envelope and drop it off at the office, put it into the basket, or give it to me personally. Please mark the envelope “Youth Music Program” so it gets to the right place. I thank you in advance for showing our youth that you value the talents they share with our parish. 

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