Dear Parishioners of St. Michael's,

January 10, 2023

Greetings Fellow Parishioners,

January 1, 2023 was the start of our new calendar year. Our liturgical year started with the 1^st week of Advent. The four weeks of Advent culminated with the celebration of the birth of Jesus, our Saviour.

With Christmas and New Years behind us, it is time for some reflection. A time to take stock in regards to our personal and spiritual life. Our church family has weathered two plus years of restrictions. Our “new” normal is here.

So what does or should our “new” normal look like?

• Attending mass in person is strongly encouraged. The live stream met its’ purpose in keeping us connected to our faith and God. It is still here, but now the purpose of viewing the live stream mass is if one is unable be at church for Sunday mass – whether it is work commitments, health issues or away.
• Sunday School has started. Classes are held in person every two weeks and we have a full complement of teachers with over 30 students! New students are always welcomed.
• Altar Servers are once again present at mass, generally on Sunday School Sundays. It would be great to see the children serve every Sunday.
• The various social activities of St. Michael’s are being resumed or have already started up - Fellowship Sundays, St. Michael’s Day, Heritage Days, the Spaghetti Supper and our Seniors’ Supper. Come out – enjoy the delicious food, visit with friends, family and neighbours during these events or volunteer. Help is always appreciated!
• Our Food Bank is a great asset to our community who are in need. Please continue to bring in non-perishable food items.
• Volunteer! There are activities that require a great deal of commitment – being a member of the Board or Parish Pastoral Council (this includes liturgy, Sunday school, etc.) or executive of the CWL, organizing the events, tending to the flowers, the bulletin, reading on Sundays are but a few. But, there are many one-time volunteer opportunities – helping with one of our special projects, supporting our fundraisers either through attendance, selling/buying tickets or helping at the event.

Volunteers are the biggest support of any organization. St. Michael’s is very fortunate to have a solid base of volunteers, but there is always room for more. Generally, volunteer sign-up sheets are at the back of the church and notices about upcoming events are in the bulletin, at the back of the church or on or website. Check them out. Don’t hesitate or wait for a phone call to let the organizers know you are willing to help.

More “work” needs to be done. How can we strengthen our Christian community? Are there some activities that you are supporting or contemplating supporting that we should know about? Are there any programs or services you would like see offered at St. Michael’s that would enhance your spiritual journey i.e. living the Eucharist? Take action! Let a member of any of our committees know your thoughts and ideas. There is also a Suggestion Box at the back of the church. Be proactive and take the initiative to start these programs/activities. The support will be there. Persons you may contact to help steer you in the right direction:

• Fr. Sylvanus
• Frank Simard – Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council
• Dorene Rosmus – Chair of the Administration Board

At this time, a huge thank you to all our St. Michael’s Family. You have been and are the core of St. Michael’s. Without you we would be a shell.

Wishing you and your family a very healthy and blessed 2023!

Sincerely,

Fr. Sylvanus, Parish Pastoral Council and the Administration Board