Two weeks ago, we received a video from Amigos for Christ showing the opening of the school in Nicaragua that our Parish helped to build.  It was heartwarming to see the students finally able to have a place they could call their school.

As I watched the video, it made me more proud to be a part of this Spirit-filled community.  Our faith is not only professed in words, but also put into action.  Helping our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua is a testimony of our willingness to bring the message of Christ specially to those in need.  Through our ministry with Amigos for Christ, the people are able to experience the love and compassion of Christ.  We have become the feet, hands, eyes, ears, and yes, the heart of Christ.

It is evident that our community is willing to be like Jesus always allowing the Spirit to lead us to do what God wants, when God wants, and as God wants.  And we don’t waste time.  We continue to pay attention to the Spirit and we do what the Spirit directs us to do.

I realize there are many people who have made our Nicaragua mission possible.  I am indebted to Fr. Brendan, Penny Warne, Mike Ferrero, Rebecca Cullen, Carin and Cliff Santikul, the many volunteers, and all those who took time to join the mission trip.  I have heard and seen videos of the wonderful work our community has done in Nicaragua. I would also like to thank the Amigos for Christ for making the mission possible.  And to all of you, though many of you did not have the opportunity to travel to Nicaragua, you helped support the mission through your prayers and financial assistance. Thank you!

I am praying and hoping that the Good Lord put an end to this pandemic so that we can continue the missionary work that has been started for us.  There is still much to do.  The building of the school is just the beginning.  Christ continues to invite us to reach out to our brothers and sisters who are in need.

While we are unable to travel to Nicaragua at this time, I encourage you to continue to pray and support them in any way you can. I am sure they will appreciate it very much.

On another note, a few weeks ago, Mike Ferrero shared his plans of retiring by the end of this fiscal year.  Although with a heavy heart I accepted his request, I’d like to congratulate Mike for this much deserved retirement.  I’d also like to thank him for his leadership and his work in social ministry. We will surely miss him.  I have asked John McCarthy and Maria Pecota to serve as leaders of our social ministry programs during the transition.  I like to thank them both as well for their willingness to help us in this very important ministry.

As we continue with the Lenten season, I’d like to assure you again of my prayers that you’ll continue to stay healthy and safe!

Watch the video here