March 5, 2006
First Sunday of Lent
Dear Parishioners,
As we begin another Lent together, I want to review with you some items of importance to us as a parish community. As I reflected with you in anticipation of Lent, this is the season when the free gift of God’s love transforms us into freely-given love.
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I begin with gratitude to someone who has been making herself a gift to our community in many ways. As I announced in an email last week, Monica Hughes and her family are planning to leave Richmond to relocate in Kansas before this summer. Monica has been serving us as Minister of Christian Formation.
Very soon, I must begin addressing our future without Monica’s presence and dedication. I’m confident that people will come forward with assistance as needs arise.
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Several weekends ago, our stewardship teams reported the results of this year’s time, talent and money efforts. I asked you then to applaud one another’s generous participation.
I want to add my affirmation of your exceptional faithfulness and loyalty to the needs of the parish. What is more, you reflect vividly to each other, to our children and our youth, to me and many others God’s reliable and unreserved love.
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During Lent, we reflect on the covenant between God and us. Through Jesus, God invites us into a partnership that reveals our common bonds with all people. Lent is a perfect time to begin looking at ways to expand our “spiritual boundaries” as a community by extending friendship to those beyond our borders.
Beginning this month, I invite you to consider embarking on a new phase in our life as a parish community. Specifically, there will be opportunities at the Feast and following the Eucharist to take steps toward a covenant relationship with the Church in the Third World. I urge each of you to take part in sharing ideas and support.
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Also, a group of parishioners has been investigating ways to offer additional assistance to those who continue to struggle in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Once a plan is firmly in place, announcements will be made on how you can take part.
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As we put our facilities to more use, the demands increase for a wide range of repairs and maintenance. This “good problem” nevertheless requires many helping hands. We now have “maintenance report forms” at the Welcoming Table. If you notice a problem (a dripping faucet, for example, or a loose hinge), please fill out a form and drop it into the mail slot at the Welcoming Table.
As always, I am grateful for the caring community that we are and are always becoming!

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