My Dear Parishioners,

I am writing this column in 100 degree weather and so I won't be long-winded!  Last Sunday's picnic was a wonderful event and, by the grace of God, it was rather successful!  Many people helped with the setting up and the cooking and the serving and the cleaning - too numerous for me to name.  I am afraid there are several volunteers whose names have escaped me at this moment!  The singing of the National Anthem was profoundly moving for me!  I think that it will be a fixed feature for our annual Fourth of July picnic from now on!  What I had desired most came to pass: people came to the picnic to be with each other, to share fellowship, to break bread with each other, to learn about each other. It was truly wonderful.

I am also very glad, even now, that many of you at the 10 AM Mass on Sunday took advantage of Father Waddill's availability and went to confession with him.  It is so gratifying to see my people are returning to the magnificent and life-giving Sacrament of Confession.  If you make it to Confession three or four times a year, you have already exceeded the average!

May the good Lord keep you healthy and happy in these dog days of Summer!

Padre Luigi (AKA Luan)