Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As I take my first extended break from the parish since I first came here a little over a year ago, there are a few things I would like to say. When I came here a little over a year ago I came with a certain amount of reluctance. I had just left a job where I had been in charge for most of nineteen years and I had asked the Bishop for a secondary role somewhere in the diocese. I did not want to be in charge. I was coming in here as an older guy, taking over from a young man with lots of energy. I was not sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the welcome. Again I began to realize there was a lot of talent and energy around along with an abundance of humor. The lead up to Christmas made me realize that you were open to a challenge, but in fulfilling the dream of a Christmas outdoor Nativity scene we could also have fun. The sheep have become not just well known in the parish, but also outside of it. Along with the soup and sandwiches and the fish fries, the sheep have helped create community and allowed and encouraged people to get involved. I threw out the idea of a dinner dance hoping that it would cover its cost and provide a stepping stone for the future. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect the response I got, from the numerous donations to the time and involvement of people and then that glorious evening of fun laughter and community building. The follow up May raffle was also a success. Thank you for that and hopefully we can repeat a similar experience next year in the fall. I have a great sense of thankfulness for the year that is past and a great sense of gratitude for the volunteers who help make this parish the great community it is. We do not always get it right but we never give up trying. Thank you for a great year of fun and laughter but above all of Faith and Prayer. The next few weeks Bulletin letters will be from Ireland. I hope to send a few photos to Tom Jensen for the website and I will post some on Facebook. Keep me in your prayers as I will keep you in mine, Fr Karl