11/20/2022

We are a community blessed with generous people, disciples of the Lord who are invested in our parish. The rectory I live in was built by our parishioners; the playgrounds were put in place by the same. Our parking lot is repaired annually by work donated. Most ministries are covered not by paid employees, but by volunteers who are invested in this community, who care about those whom they serve. Our funerals and the dinners afterwards are planned and carried out by volunteers, as are weddings. The school requires many paid employees, but ours are dedicated to the school’s mission – such a great spirit, such a devoted team we have, strongly supported by volunteers (of course). Extraordinary Ministers take Communion to those homebound or in rest homes; sacristans, musicians, cantors, lectors, decorators (A & E and those in charge of the Gathering Space) work to create beauty; fund raisers and activities are done with time and talent and treasure – all donated. While one of our employees organizes the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, those doing most of the teaching are trained volunteers with assistants who are excited to see our children learn and grow in faith. Speaking of children, religious education and sacramental preparation (Baptism, Confirmation, First Communion) are all done well by volunteers who also help with RCIA. Money is counted and deposited, advice given in Pastoral or Financial Councils or PTO or School Advisory Board meetings. Web pages are maintained, liturgies are streamed, and liturgical aids projected on our screen by parishioners who volunteer. Our Evangelization team who organizes small groups and adult education is mostly volunteers directed by staff. Events are organized and carried out by capable volunteers, committees are served on and work planned, organized, and accomplished by people who love children, the parish, and the Lord. The needy are fed by the generosity of those who volunteer to fix and distribute meals at Manna Kitchen. Auxiliary groups like the K. of C. and our women’s Guilds do projects and raise money for various causes. The dedicated church staff coordinates all these activities and allows us to run smoothly, especially reminding me of my commitments. They also volunteer, working to get things done even outside of work hours. We even have a library which is efficiently organized by volunteers. Soon our new Directory will come out, produced by a team of volunteers with the help of our Secretary. Incredibly, we only have one employee doing maintenance who is helped by an army of volunteers. I am constantly amazed and edified by the dedication of our volunteers as well as our employees – you are all people who CARE about St. Gregory Barbarigo, its people, its neighbors, this town. You carry on the work of others who cared before you, and sacrificed so that the Lord could be praised in their time by this dedicated Catholic community.
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for blessings. All of you who pitch in and make this a vibrant place where charity is alive and well, where people are walking together to the Lord on our pilgrimage to heaven, all of you are blessings. I want to thank you all for the wonderful spirit with which you communicate, serve, create, order, and accompany. I want to thank you for the “can do,” proactive spirit with which you get things done, solve problems, encourage one another (including me), and find ways to make this a better place, whether it is a better liturgy, better signage, cleaner grounds, or happier children.
You make SGB a special place because of the loyalty, the care and concern of all of you parishioners who are engaged in making building the Kingdom of God, made special by the personal investment of time, talent, and treasure which so many bring to this place. THANK YOU, ALL OF YOU, for making this such a vibrant oasis of God’s work and love and caring concern.
As your pastor, it really is a privilege and a joy to witness the kindness, generosity, energy, and ingenuity of so many. THANK YOU FOR CARING!

Father Albert, O.S.B.