I want to acknowledge and thank our Mission Trip participants who returned to us last weekend after what sounds to have been wonderful experience in Buffalo, NY.

     Here at home, in recent months the Parish Finance Committee and the Parish Council have worked to establish a parish budget for the coming year that will remain within the means provided by our income. Some time ago it was announced that the hours of staffing of the parish office, and other operational costs associated with the parish office and rectory were being trimmed significantly.

     Those same discussions led to proposals regarding our efforts as a parish in religious education and other youth ministry. The plan at which they have arrived is two-fold: the Loretto Program for our elementary age youngsters, including preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, will continue to be offered on the campus of St. Peter’s as it has been. Programming for those is junior high and high school and preparation for Confirmation will become a collaborative program with St. Patrick’s Parish in Whitinsville. Our young people, their families, other volunteers from St. Peter’s and I will work in collaboration to carry out this ministry, including program elements on both campuses as possible. The insert in today’s bulletin provides important information.

     With programming for the year, including the Mission Trip, complete, I thank Leeann Hansson sincerely for her years of service to our youngsters and their families, and to St. Peter’s Parish overall. I thank the youngsters and parents who generously have worked together. Transitions like this are not easy. I pray God will lead Leeann into a fulfilling path of ministry. I pray for us all gifts in ministry whether familiar or new!