Dear brothers and sisters,
A week ago, we were celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, this Sunday we celebrate his Mother. This is such a joyous occasion!
Today we welcome back the FOCUS missionaries that have been with their families for the Christmas break. Tomorrow, early in the morning, we are all departing for St. Louis, MO, for the SEEK conference. The missionaries will be driving the students in vans. I ask you to pray for a safe trip and a deep spiritual experience for all the conference participants.
Step by step, Fr. John and I are getting settled on the second floor of the friary. After buying sheets, pillows and towels, we have now moved on to the kitchen. We are getting some pots and pans, silverware and some small appliances. Also, we are really enjoying our Chapel on the second floor for morning prayers and holy hour. The altar and the stained glass window are breathtaking!
Thank God, and the Blessed Mother’s intercession, the boiler is holding up. We are working on a long term solution for our heating situation. Our deepest gratitude for all those who helped us out with it!
On January 27-29 I will be preaching the Spiritual Exercises for Women. This silent retreat will take place at the Hideaway Retreat Center in Colorado Springs, CO. You can find more information about this wonderful retreat in the back of this bulletin.
Finally, a friend of ours has prepared a bag with patron saints for 2023. You are welcome to pick one at random and get to know a new saint over the year.
May our Lady of Guadalupe “mother” you real well you this new year!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Richard, MC