From Our Pastor: 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time

This last year we have accomplished a lot as we stated the last couple of weeks. It has been a remarkably smooth transition for all of us. Fr. David and I have felt so welcome here! We have been through a lot and accomplished a great deal. As we continue to repair and upgrade our campus many projects are on the horizon. We can only accomplish these endeavors with your help. We needed to redo the west parking lot. It was in terrible shape. We got a great bid for $35,000 to resurface that lot. Sadly, when that lot was put in, it didn't have a base, or if there was it wasn't much of one. Most of the asphalt was on mud or very little gravel. If we would have done the same, we would have been revisiting this project in just a few years. By doing the parking lot correctly, it should last with regular maintenance for many, many years to come. We must do this lot correctly so that this isn't a problem for years to come, and for the next generations. That being said, the project jumped to a $94,000 project to do it correctly. We don't really have much of an option. This lot is used for parking for Mass, for school, for events, our picnic, etc. This next year the teachers will begin parking there instead of behind the school. We need your support in paying for the cost of this lot! Please know that anything is greatly appreciated to help us pay for this without touching any savings. I hope you prayerfully consider how wonderful it is to have a paved lot, instead of just gravel.

This weekend we have our official welcome of Deacon Dennis and Pat Holbrook. We are so excited for their return to St. Francis. I thank the hospitality committee for putting on the reception. It will be a joyous occasion to congratulate him on his ordination and welcome him in his service to St. Francis Solanus.

Thank you to the Holy Name for their wonderful Red, White, and Blue pancake dinner last week! Tasty as always, and grateful for their continued work in our parish! They are amazing.

On a side note, I am taking a vacation this week to Minocqua, WI with some of my family. It is a family tradition of many years now. Last year didn't happen because of COVID, and I wouldn't have been able to leave the first full week I was here. I will be gone from Monday to Friday. Please have mercy on Fr. David as he holds down the fort. Also, if I don't get back to you next week that is why. This is my first vacation since before COVID. I look forward to returning to the north woods and I will be praying for you all. See you soon.

Rev. Steven Arisman