Happy New Year!

Because all the holidays, I have had very short deadlines to prepare my ponderings…In fact I am writing this one on the day before I leave for some much-needed time off. So, I will be brief.
As you may have heard mentioned the Church in the United States and in Maine is making the renewal of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist a priority for the next three years. We too will be finding ways to remind each of us that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist that we receive at every Mass. With this in mind, may I invite you to perhaps make spending time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament one of your resolutions for 2023. Whether it is 10 minutes on the way to work or for an hour in the evening, spending time at adoration is responding yes to Jesus’s invitation to come away and pray with him for a while…I am willing to bet that this will be the best part of your day…
            One of the ways in which we can restore the awareness of the presence of Jesus in Eucharist is to restore the mystery that was so much a part of the traditional church. Ensuring that we are genuflecting in front of the tabernacle, refraining from using the sanctuary as a passageway to the sacristy, and respectful conversation while in church, are all ways we can heighten our awareness of the sacredness of the Eucharist and the church in which we receive this lifegiving food.

            On a completely different topic, it is time for us to start building our future. With our properties near being sold, we now need to turn our attention to what is next. We have a building planned, we have part of the money to pay for it, but there is still much to do. Soon we will be kicking off a capital campaign to augment what we have earned from the sale of our properties. This will be a significant campaign and most likely will seek a multiyear commitment. We will also need input on finishes and furnishing and this will allow for parishioners to serve on planning committees that will make recommendations to the building committee. I am very excited about this project and what it will offer our parish. I am also aware that this new adventure is going to require sacrifice from all of us. But just as the generations that came before us have left us our beautiful church to worship in, so may we be as generous to the next generations building them a place in which they can learn, celebrate, and grow our community.