3/12/2023

Our giving has been up, and it has taken some financial pressure off with regards to making ends meet, but also allows us to think in terms of offering a raise to our employees for the 2023-24 fiscal year. We could not afford to the 2022- 23 fiscal year given how tight things were, but with inflation higher and the cost of living rising, we need to do something more for all. I thank you for making this possible. We have dedicated staff and teachers who sacrifice to be here, and we want to help them as much as possible. So many thanks to you who make this community possible.
Beginning last month and lasting into July, the diocese is developing a Pastoral Plan for the rural part of NW Missouri (minus St. Joseph), a region that includes Cameron, Chillicothe, Trenton, and Princeton to the East, and goes to Tarkio on the West, including Savannah and Forest City, bounded roughly by Hwy 36 on the South and the Iowa line to the North. The idea is to insure that we are using our resources efficiently to develop vibrant, stable communities to the best of our ability. As Dean of Deanery X, I serve on the Diocesan Leadership Team along the Dean from Deanery IX, the representative of the firm (Meitler) doing the study, a secretary, the Vicar General Fr. Charles Rowe, and Bishop Johnston. There is also a Deanery Planning Committee consisting of two representatives from every parish that meets separately. Sheila Smail and Russ Schuster have graciously consented to be on this committee representing us. Any questions about what is going on or suggestions about what should happen can be directed to them. They will be meeting about once a month on Saturday mornings in Cameron to do their work. I want to thank them for agreeing to represent us – I think that they are well qualified. In the words of Russ, “The process will include publication of 1) Site Visits 2) Key Findings and Observations and 3) Deanery Plan. The plan will be completed by the end of June.” St. Gregory will meet as a parish to give our input into the strategies that are developed and be informed of the results. It seems that coming up with a plan over the Spring Lent – Easter time-frame stretches us, but in reality there is no good time to do this sort of thing, as we are always busy. Please pray for a good plan for our part of the diocese, and look for future developments in the bulletin.
The first two fish fries were resounding successes. Thanks to the Knights of Columbus for putting them on. I see these as opportunities to invite others to come to our church to worship with us – don’t hesitate to welcome them or encourage people to come back if they have been gone.
Let us continue to prepare for Easter together. May this be a memorable and blessed Lent!
It is a joy to be your pastor!

Father Albert, O.S.B