A Heartfelt Thank You: I wish to express a heartfelt thank you to all who worked so diligently to make our Christmas celebration so beautiful. I extend my thanks to the altar servers, lectors, and Eucharistic ministers who enhanced our worship by the care and devotion with which they served in the sanctuary. I extend my thanks to Gena Sullivan and Patty Lepak who prepared our choirs to sing so beautifully, thereby raising our minds and hearts in prayer to God. I extend my thanks to Joanne Russell and her team of parishioners who worked to decorate our church in a way that lifts up our minds and hearts to God during this Christmas season. I extend my thanks to the collectors and ushers, and those who count the collection, without whom I would not know what to do. I extend my thanks to Bill Heiden and the entire Parish Staff who work behind the scenes, both those in the office and all those who clean and set up the church and parish center, thereby making our worship possible. I extend my thanks to the faculty and students of St. Mary’s School for their uplifting presentation of Lessons and Carols. I extend my thanks to Bishop Rosazza for assisting us at Christmas and to Deacon Art for his assistance throughout the year. Finally, I extend my thanks to each of you for your devotion and commitment to St. Mary’s Church. It is you who are the parish. It is you who are the church. Without you we do not exist. Thank you for making my first Christmas at St. Mary’s a memorable one.
- Fr. Frank Matera