November 12, 2023

Dear Parish Family,

November is the month of giving thanks. Thanksgiving is an important opportunity for all of us to stop and remember all that we have to be thankful for – all the blessings that God has gifted us with. I am thankful each and every day to be your pastor. I am constantly inspired by your generosity and the giving of your time, talent, and treasure throughout the year. But there is so much more than that – your goodness, holiness, kindness, graciousness, patience, and understanding are a true gift to me.

I am grateful to all of you for your generous giving of your time and talents with the many parish events we’ve hosted over this fall. Thank you to all those who volunteered at our Oktoberfest, and for those who donated raffle baskets and desserts. Thank you to those who helped to make our Women’s and Men’s Retreats a success. Thank you to our ministry groups who have been serving as greeters before our 9:30 a.m. Masses and for providing coffee and donuts after Mass. Thank you to the parents and families who created trunks for our Trunk or Treat, and remained flexible when our event had to be moved inside.

In that same spirit of giving, we have a few opportunities over the month of November to share our generosity with those in our parish, and in the community at large. Our Thanksgiving Grocery Gift Card campaign continues through Friday, November 17th. Please drops cards off at the parish office so that families in need can shop for their Thanksgiving Dinner. Next weekend is our Knights of Columbus Pack the Pick-Up drive, which begins on Saturday, November 18th from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, November 19th from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Monday, November 20th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Canned and food staples can be dropped off at the pickup that will be in parking lot on the West Lawn. The Knights will bring the “harvest” to New Hope Ministries Food Bank in Mechanicsburg. 

You never cease to amaze, humble, and inspire me. I have so much to be grateful for because of you. As we pause this month to offer thanks as a nation for all of God’s many blessings, know that I am so thankful for you and to you, and for the blessing you and this wonderful parish are in my life. 

Grace and peace,

Father Neil Sullivan