Fr. Don’s Weekly Letter ~ 16 February 2025

Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,

We have a few topics to consider this week.

1) First of all, I want to express my profound gratitude not only to the many volunteers who continue to serve our parish ministries where our parish finds its mission and purpose. Education, both in the school and religious education programs, provides a foundation for the future of our children. Our youth prograns, our adult formation programs, outreach to the poor -- all are necessary for our parish family to live into the Gospel which is so fulfilling not only for those we serve, but for ourselves, too.

All those who volunteer to enhance the quality and authenticity of our worship: musicians, choirs, altar servers, ministers of Holy Communion and lectors who deliver the Word of God whenever we gather. Just imagine what it would be like without you!

All those who serve on committees and councils -- you help us in our pastoral ministries to make the right decisions in seeking the will of God in our service.

Last weekend we had a wonderful celebration for you, but I also must express my gratitude to those who made it happen. Parish Staff all turned out to thank you for supporting our vocations and careers. Dr. Burgess and some teachers from the school came to serve our volunteers, reversing the roles at least in this hope that we can bring you joy with our Night of Gratitude celebration. We can’t do our jobs without your help. A few photos from our Night of Gratitude can be found on pp. 10-11.

2) I have the happy role of reporting in on the success of our Parish Center. We have met with the architects and our schematic drawings are underway. Design drawings will follow that will need to be finalized before they are given to engineers who will figure out how to make the building happen, that careful balance between watching the budget and ensuring we receive what we need. Once that step is done and, with the next okay from the Diocese, we begin to secure our GC, the bid process, construction drawings followed by applying for permits. This is one of those steps that you can never guess how long the process will take. The construction drawings scope can run over 100 pages which detail every wall, doorknob, technology and fixture. But with drawings we know will work, we can look forward to determining an estimated start of construction. There are probably steps I’ve left out, but you have the idea. The great news is we have begun!

3) Our country has joined the rest of the world’s problems in earnest now, and there is a great deal of uncertainty many of you have about employment, economy, security and our republic. I have spoken with many of you who speak about you or your friends experiencing a downward spiral of anxiety and stress.

We have decided to have a prayer service a week from this Monday, February 24, an Evening Prayer for Healing and Hope. It is an evening prayer, so families with members observing different Christian traditions can come together and truly pray together. It will include Scripture and prayers based on the Liturgy of the Hours, but will include additional reflections, as well as a talk by our own Fr. Cedric Wilson who has a PhD in psychology and has practiced as a therapist, “Anxiety: a Spiritual Roadmap Forward.” Many don’t know about Fr. Cedric’s professional life which he as served as an Augustinian priest.

This prayer service is intended for everyone, especially our many members who are employed by the federal government and its many agencies as well as those in the military who are facing uncertainty at this time. Please pass the word about this prayer service as you are able, it is intended to provide pastoral help to all of us who are wondering what is coming next. Please see p. 9 for details.

No matter what, know that you are loved and your first vocation as a follower of Jesus is, as Saint John of the Cross said, “Where there is no love, let me put love. Then, there I will find love.”

The Lord be with you.