January 8, 2012

 
Dear Parish Family and Friends. – Happy New Year to you all.

 
My friends, welcome back from your Christmas and the New Year break.  I want to present a brief discussion on where we have been in the past year and where I would like to go in 2012 with your support and collaboration.  Yes, I will be here with you.

Many blessings for the past year!  The new church was completed in May 2011 and we had a wonderful dedication, with the Archbishop on July 10.  The first wedding in the church was held in August and I have received many compliments on how beautiful the new church turned out to be, especially the chapel.  Also with the completion of the church, the new entrance to the Parish Hall was completed providing easier access for all.  Other maintenance work was necessary at both Our Lady of Victory (OLV) and St. Peter the Fisherman (SPF).  One significant improvement included the installation of new furnaces at SPF chapel and in the Parish Hall.  Thanks for your effort and support in making our improvements a reality during 2011.

In August, the youth went to the World Youth Day in Spain which was highly successful.  After returning, the youth attendees reported on their wonderful experiences.  Then in October, some of our youth participated at the National Convention for Youth in Indiana.  In November a successful retreat was held at OLV/SPF that focused on our blessed Mary and the Holy Spirit.  Our programs for RCIA, Religious Education and Youth were rescheduled for Sundays which has resulted in an increase in participation.  Our religious programs are thriving thanks to our many dedicated parishioners who volunteer their time and talents.

What is on the Pastor’s desk for 2012?  We want to update the Parish directory.  Also we will finish construction at the church with the completion of the Bell Tower.  The financing for this project was donated by one family and we thank them very much for their generosity.  Of course, we continue paying off the loan which was about $92,000 at the end of December.

I am asking for more cooperation and financial support (weekly offertory, gifts/bequests or even wills) from all friends of our Parish and family.  The parish councils and the liturgy committee, after a long reflection and discussion have advised me to adjust the winter weekend mass schedule for the good and the well being of our parish.  This will help to conserve our limited resources.  The daily and Spanish Masses will continue at the usual times.

Also as we have discussed with the councils and in my New Year’s homily, the major focus this coming year will be more on the Parish ministries and our spiritual well being.

It is time to turn our attention to renew our faith and develop greater spirituality within the parish family through our liturgies, spiritual talks and workshops. 

My friends, again, have a blessed New Year and join with me in making 2012 a wonderful, joyful and blessed year.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Father Nicholas E. Nilema, ALCP/OSS

Pastor