Now that we are beginning to get the word out about our new website, it is my goal to offer a weekly message for visitors.  The message I offer may take different forms and focus on different topics from reflections on different aspects of our Catholic heritage to parish news that I want to share.  This week there are several different topics that I'd like to briefly touch upon:

HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION: THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY INTO HEAVEN

This Friday, August 15th, marks the Universal Church's observation of Mary's Assumption into heaven.  This celebration calls to mind the great favor that God showedMary by preserving her body from natural decay after her death.  Since it was from the flesh of her own body that Christ, our Savior, "became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (Jn 1:14), Mary's body was taken directly to heaven at the end of her earthly life.  Mary's Assumption, like Christ's Ascension, foreshadows each of our own bodily resurrection at the end of time and our reunion with God in heaven.

THE LATEST NEWS ON OUR PARISH EXPANSION

Our parish Finance Council has submitted a ten year financial projection to Mr. Bryan Coulter, Diocesan Finance Director.  The projection offers an estimate of our income and expenditures over the next decade to determine the amount of a loan from the diocese that we could responsibly manage along with regular operating costs.  I spoke with Bryan on Tuesday, August 12, and he shared that he hoped to have a response for us by the end of the week or early next week.  His recommendation and the bishop's final decision will determine the total amount we will be able to borrow and, thus, the scope of the expansion that we will be able to undertake.  Continue to keep our expansion project in your prayers.

 A NEW SCHOOL YEAR!

It seems like every summer shoots right by, and this one was no exception.  Classes resume at St. Joseph's Grade School on Monday, August 18.  Enrollment at SJS has continued to increase every year since 2001.  This year, current enrollment is 104 students, K - 6th grade and 141 students including Pre-School and Pre-Kindgergarten (our Angel Depot students).  We welcome back our students and look forward to another year of growth in our Catholic faith and in our knowledge of God's creation.