As I begin this new ministry here at Saint Christopher Parish, my first thoughts turn to Fr. Campbell. He and I were stationed together for three years at St. Joseph’s Parish in Middletown, DE. As you can imagine, we laughed a lot and formed a lasting friendship. I was so happy when Paul was made a pastor after his time with us at St. Joseph. And I am sure you are aware how thrilled he was when he was transferred to be your pastor just a few short years ago. His death was a shock to all of us, it will take us time to absorb the impact. But I believe that, together, we can and will heal. And I am certain that he is interceding for us at the throne of God. I come to you with an open mind and open heart. I know I have much to learn about the parish, but most importantly about each of you. Naturally in a parish this large it will take time. I apologize in advance if I don’t always remember your name, but please know it is a function of an old mind, not a lack of interest. Having heard so many good things about St. Christopher, not only from Fr. Campbell but also from Fr. Jennings (with whom I have been ministering for the past seven months in Ocean City), I am certain that this vibrant faith community will be a source of inspiration for me and strengthen my faith. I can only pray that in some small way I might be able to do the same for you. Finally, I give thanks to God for having called me to serve in this Amazing Parish. I thank Him in advance for the blessings I will receive, and I pray that you will also be blessed as we continue together along the path God has placed before us. As befits a parish named for St. Christopher, may we be Christ-bearers to one another. Have a great week, everyone. May God bless you and your loved ones! Fr. Giuliano

The mandatory Confirmation Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, March 23rd from 9AM-4PM. Permission slips are due on or before February 10th. Permission slips were given out in class, and can be found online. If you have any questions please contact Katie Sukley.

Ash Wednesday—March 6 Mass at 7 :15 am, 8:30 am and 7 pm. Soup and Stations—Fridays beginning March 8 All are welcome in the Hall at 6 pm for a simple soup supper and crafts for the kids. Stations will begin at 7 pm in the Church.

Vacation Bible School Volunteer sign ups are here! If you would like to volunteer to help with VBS, please fill out this form https://goo.gl/forms/XxiIl1wLXHLtdZN62 VBS will run from June 24th - June 28th from 1-4 pm daily this year. We need volunteers to help run a group, teach stations, help with set-up/clean-up, and help with snack. If you have any questions, please ask Angela (abailey@stchristopherski.org) or JP (jbailey@stchristopherski.org). Volunteer sign up will end on March 24, 2019.

It is March already! Spring is just around the corner!  Sooo..What do YOU think about during the Offertory (an old time word)?  As you put your offering in the basket or let it pass by because you give online, why not thank God for the good that is done by St. Christopher’s Parish as a whole.  You can even carry those thoughts with you; and when you grocery shop next time, pick up an extra box of  rice or boxed potatoes for the St. Christopher’s Food Bank.  May God Bless You!  “...give, and it will be given to you...for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:38)

The Haven Ministries Homeless Shelter will remain open until the end of April 2019, with the location  inside Kent Island United Methodist Church.   Since opening the shelter in October, we have assisted 34 people (12 children and 22 adult men and women).  We are operating at capacity, and have been at capacity for most of the winter - unfortunately having to turn away people (Anytime we have to do this, we connect them to other program in other areas).  Our Case Managers continue to work tirelessly to place every guest into safe and affordable housing and connect them to area resources.  We are in need of Clorox wipes, box of plastic food gloves, sandwich bags and PILLOWS.  Contact below to donate! For questions or to volunteer, contact: Margie Reedy, MReedy@stchristopherski.org, Mary Jourdak, MJourdak@stchristopherski.org or Bridgitte Bailey, BBailey@stchristopherski.org

For the Sake of God’s Children is the safe environment program of the Diocese of Wilmington, designed to keep young people participating in ministry around the diocese free from harm. Participants include the Bishop, all priests, deacons, seminarians, religious brothers and sisters and all lay employees and volunteers. For more information, please visit www.cdow.org and click the FSGC icon.

The Knights of Columbus is an organization of Catholic men dedicated to the Church and the Community.   For information regarding Membership in the Knights please contact the Membership Director, Jim Klunk at (410) 924-2270 or Grand Knight, Mike McQuillan at (301) 655-8897.   The Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus meet the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the Hall.   For more information, contact Mary Schmitt at (410) 604-1707.

EDGE Night is changing! We will now be meeting on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month from 6:00-7:30 PM . We look forward to seeing everyone on March 10th in the Parish Offices for pizza, Family Feud, and fun! Make sure you like us on Facebook for all updates. If you haven’t filled out the Family Feud questionnaire, this is your last week. Remember, EVERYONE is invited to fill it out: https://goo.gl/forms/DURpjoSG2F7InbDy2

Our next Life Teen meeting will be on March 10th from 6-7:30 pm in the church hall.  On Monday March 4th we are going to participate in the Maryland March for Life in Annapolis. It starts with a youth rally at 4:30pm at St Mary's 109 Duke Of Gloucester St, Annapolis, MD 21401 . If you would like to participate, please let Nick Reedy know.  We are not going to be able to provide transportation so unfortunately you will have to find your own ride or carpool. If you would like to follow us up, we plan on leaving the church at 3:45pm. We are trying to get some details for parking and will let you know about that asap. We could also use some parent volunteers for this event so please let us know if any parents are able to attend. For more info on the march visit  www.marchforlife.com

Soup and Stations will begin at 6 pm on March 8.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner will be held Tuesday, March 5 from 5-7 pm.

The Parish Offices will be closed Monday, February 18, in observance of Presidents' Day.

Bishop W. Francis Malooly has made the following appointment Reverend Steven B. Giuliano has been appointed Temporary Administrator of St. Christopher’s Parish, Chester, Md., effective March 1, 2019.

Thank you to everyone who helped with Fr. Paul’s viewing and funeral, especially Walking with Purpose, Knights of Columbus, Ushers, Greeters, and many individuals who volunteered to help. The work of these groups and individuals helped to ease what was a stressful experience for family, friends, and parishioners.

Religious Ed is IN SESSION this Sunday, February 17!

The mandatory Confirmation Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, March 23rd from 9AM-4PM. Permission slips are due on or before February 10th. Permission slips were given out in class, and can be found online. If you have any questions please contact Katie Sukley.

First Reconciliation was held on Thursday, January 24th. If your child missed First Reconciliation please contact Katie for information about how to make-up this sacrament.

The First Communion Banner kits were distributed to all 2nd Grade students in their classes. Please start working on your child's banner for First Communion. If you did not receive a banner kit please stop by and pick one up from the Religious Ed Office.

The Knights of Columbus regrets to cancel the announced Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner, scheduled for 9 March 2019, due to circumstances beyond our control. We may try again next year, start earlier and involve more of the Parish in the participation survey. Thank you all for your continued support of our efforts to help the parish. We hope to see you for pancake dinner on Shrove Tuesday evening, 5 March.