August 28, 2020

My dear sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus,
I am happy indeed, once again, to reach out to you through this letter. On a positive note, the increase in the number of participants for the weekday and weekend masses has been so encouraging and rewarding. The brief conversations after the mass have given me personally a chance to get to know you; the invitation for dinners at homes has served me another opportunity to be in touch with you. They have been faith-sharing, fellowship and fun moments.
In response to my previous letter, and in tune with the charism and culture of our parish family, we have seen more volunteers showing up for the councils (pastoral, finance and liturgy). The sanctuary area and the church premises look so refreshing. Thanks to those noble hearts! We would still welcome more members (women for pastoral and finance councils, men for liturgy committee) More Volunteers -> more participation -> more energy and vibrance. That is the goal!
Liturgy: In view of helping the congregation enter into the ‘sacred silence’, we will have an opening prayer/prelude, based on the gospel theme of the day, five minutes before all the weekend masses. So please, plan on being here early! 
Faith Formation: The program that we offer is a service to all the members of our parish family (children, youth and adults). In the pursuit of making the program more feasible and accessible to all the families, we will offer them free of cost. The endowment that we are envisioning, in honor of Fr. Tom McCarthy, will be ear-marked for this program.  
Finance: In order to create trust, transparency is the key. There was a positive feedback when the quarterly financial report was given out to you last month. There will be an annual statement for the last fiscal year, coming out to you soon and if you have any questions, please get back to the office/finance council. We WILL respond.
Property: After a serious consideration on the condition of the 50+ years-old rectory, the archdiocese and the finance council have decided to sell it and build one in our parish property. I may stay in an apartment until we get this project done. (or, if possible we will buy a house at an affordable price). Please stay tuned for further information.
Personal: Thank you for all the welcoming emails and phone calls, showing the warmth of love and expressing your solidarity to work/serve together. May we make good strides to augur well for our parish family!
May God bless all of us through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and our beloved Patron!
Fr. Amal