Dear Parishioners, 

As you can see from the cover of the bulletin, we are saying another goodbye next weekend.  The Presentation of Mary Sisters have had a long and important history here in Lewiston, and I believe that almost all Catholics in this area have been touched by their ministry.  It is now time to say goodbye to Sister Cecile Mondor, PM, and Sister Marie May Lausier, PM.  Their commitment to our parish and the school community is praiseworthy.  Beyond their ministry in our midst, it is their witness to Christ that is the greatest gift they gave us.  Consecrated life reminds the rest of us of our call to be single-hearted and to keep our eyes on eternal life.  The earthly life we are living is a gift from God but here is not our final destination.  We hope in eternal life, which consecrated sisters have started to live now and are sacramental signs of this final calling.  Saying goodbye to Sister Christianna last week and now next week to more departures of sisters, we are grateful and sad at the same time. Thank you, Sisters, for your presence in our midst.

Change seems to be the constant message this year.   I know that the Catholic Community here continues to experience so much change, and most of them call for letting go of significant elements of Catholicism in our area that helped shape who we are.  Most of this change is out of our control and it calls for us to trust in Divine Providence and that things work to the good of those who belong to God and try to do His will.  I bring it up only to acknowledge it and the feelings that come along with it.  I also want to express my appreciation and gratitude for your faithfulness to your faith and your commitment to the Sacraments for strength.  Even as we cannot see clearly the future, it is important to care for one another, to assume the best in each other first and foremost, and to give each other a pass every once in a while. A retired priest once gave me that advice while dealing with the Church, and it has served me well through so much change.  I also see so many parishioners are doing that, and it is really a great witness to their faith.

Finally, I want to thank everyone who helped us get “to the top of the tower” fundraising task.  Thank you so much because it is one of the activities happening that I do not need to worry about.  When I first got the information and the price of the tower repair, I felt a heavy burden on my shoulders to make it happen for the good of the building and the parish.  With your help, we got it done.  Now we have to wait a year before it is finally finished.  Pope Francis spoke about synodality as an important way to live our faith, the Church, and people walking together.  Certainly, working with the people who are involved and affected by the decisions that need to be made helps for lifting the burden.  The tower repair proved that to be true.  Thanks again for putting that to rest.

           - Fr. Daniel Greenleaf