Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This Sunday we have our First Communion Mass. It is always a joy to see the excitement and happiness on the faces of our children as they receive the body and blood of Jesus for the first time. A special thank you also goes to Kathy Hejna, Youth & Family Faith Formation Coordinator, and all the catechists for their hard work in preparing our children.

You will once again be seeing a familiar face here at Our Lady of the Lake. Beginning May 5, Father Peter Hughes, whom many of you got to know when he served here before his ordination to the Priesthood, will be joining me in residence at the parish rectory. Father was previously assigned to Saint Joseph in West Saint Paul and is coming to live here following recent struggles with alcohol use that resulted in two DWIs in the past year. He just completed an extensive treatment program and is committed to continuing with ongoing assistance. Father Peter is a friend and fellow member of the Companions of Christ. The Archbishop, other leaders at the Archdiocese, and Father Peter, along with his counselors, all believe this will be a positive place for him on his road to sobriety – a place where he can receive the fraternal support and guidance he needs. Father can celebrate Mass, hear confessions and assist as needed, so you will likely see him around the parish and the school. Please welcome him back to Our Lady of the Lake and keep him in your prayers.

God bless,
Fr. Tony