December 18, 2022

Dear Parish Family:

We have reached the fourth and final week of Advent. I hope and pray that this season of joy and anticipation has been good for you. If its been a rocky, rushed, or stressful one, we still have one week left to slow down perhaps, savor the beauty, and remind ourselves that Jesus is coming. May you know His peace this week!

Thank you to all who made our first Cookie Walk Extravaganza an amazing success. All our bakers, donators, wrappers, setter-uppers, volunteers the day of the “walk” were incredible. The cookies weren’t the only thing that was sweet. The spirit and joy of the whole experience was wonderful. We sold over 180 pounds of
cookies. At $10 a pound, that’s a “lot of dough” and will be put to good use right here at Good Shepherd. Thank you so much!!!

We feel terrible about have to put our Living Nativity off until next year. We had to make a call on it earlier in the week and the predicted inclement weather at that time was going to present a challenge. Even as I type this message on Thursday late morning, the rain continues to come down hard and the front lawn is completely saturated. Our animal handlers cannot bring our furry friends if the ground is wet. So we look forward to next year. Thank you for understanding.

Thanks, too, to everyone who participated in our Parish Pastoral Council elections. We had a wonderful response. We needed to elect three members. I am happy to announce Mary Lacey, Toni Chase, and Pavanni Darsi were elected. In addition to the three elected members, the pastor appoints one member to the council. I am delighted to appoint Veronica Forbes. They will be installed at the 5:00 p.m. Mass on January 7, 2023 to begin their three year terms.

Again, may this final week of Advent be filled with every grace and blessing you need! Come, Lord Jesus!

Love, grace, and peace!

Father Neil Sullivan