A Message from Fr. Jay
Dear Friends,
I am happy to reconnect with you after nearly a month since my last letter. My 15 day visit home kept me busy and brought joy to my family. My mom sends her special greetings to all of you. As season begins, we are delighted to welcome our northern friends back to town and to our newly refreshed parish. Thanks to your prayers, support, and blessings, the renovations and improvements have made our church beautiful. I am also excited to share a few more updates that bring us joy and renewed enthusiasm.
Following the renovations, we were blessed to host the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Emilio Biosca, the third shepherd of the Diocese of Venice. More than 25 bishops from across the United States and over 125 priests joined the Mass. We also recently had the honor of hosting the funeral Mass for Bishop Emeritus Frank Dewane.
Along with the renovations, all 44 ministries undertook a renewal process supported by leadership programs, each developing a Ministry Action Plan (MAP). Changes to our liturgies begin with the Music Ministry. Please follow the wall projections, join in joyful singing, and enrich your prayer through music. More guidance will follow soon.
Beginning in March 2027, plans are underway to celebrate our parish’s 25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee. Special liturgical and socio-pastoral programs are also being planned for Advent and Christmas, followed by Lent and Easter. I encourage you to attend one of our two weekday Masses every day, take advantage of daytime confession, and visit the Blessed Sacrament in the Adoration Chapel to deepen your joy and multiply your blessings. Please consider your charisms to support and assist as a disciple to the different Ministries. The Thrift Store particularly needs your help.
In clergy news, Fr. Francis Manoj replaced Fr. Greg Dougherty on October 20th. Seminarian Lam has returned to the seminary after spending his pastoral year with us last year.
As we embrace these changes, this weekend’s readings invite us to bear fruit by multiplying the gifts God has entrusted to us. I look forward to sharing the grace and joy of our faith with all of you. Welcome back to your second home!
God Bless,
Fr. Jay Raju
- Reading 1: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
- Reading 2: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
- Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30
