Dear Parish Family and Friends,
A certain preacher, who every time he preached, would say “We praise thee O Lord.” On this particular Sunday the weather was miserable and unseasonable cold. One of the members of the parish leaned over to a friend and said, “I wonder what he will praise God for this morning”. The preacher came out said, “We praise thee O Lord that every Sunday is not like today.” I found this quote years ago and each time I read it, it makes me laugh a little. It also reminds me of the importance of giving thanks. It reminds me to give thanks not only when things go the way I want but also to see where God is working even when things do not go the way I had hoped.
Last month we had our festival and, as all of us remember, the weather did not corporate with us as we had hoped. Yet I saw a few things that made me give thanks and reminded me how blessed we are. I saw people coming to our festival even in the rain. I saw people coming here to see our community even in bad weather. Why did they come? They came because of who you are as a community. For almost 50 years you have offered the city of Toledo hospitality, love, and great food. This reminded me that we are blessed and have much to be thankful for. It reminded me that as a community, as a family centered on Christ, there is nothing we can’t do. It reminded me of St. Paul’s words, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks”.
As we enter into another year ofministry together I am truly thankful for all of you and all the work you do for this community. There is much that we hope to accomplish. There is much we would like to do. All of it is possible ifwe remember the many ways God has blessed us and move forward as a family in Christ.
In Christ,
Father Larry
