To the “Flock” from the “Administrator”

Lent has begun and I pray you find life-giving water as you travel through the desert of Lent!

[1] Please welcome Joyce Gaston, our new parish Office Manager!  Joyce, an Army Veteran, understands the chain of command!  She is a devoted Catholic, educated, passionate, and detail-oriented with a proven track record of building and maintaining effective relationships with staff and clients.  As your Parish Administrator, I will rely on her to help identify the complex needs of our parish and to provide recommendations on parish-focused solutions.  Joyce will begin part-time until mid-March when she will assume more full-time duties.  Take the time whenever you stop by the parish office to meet and welcome Joyce.  

[2] Last call for today’s FISH FRY starting at 4:30 pm!  If you happen to be one of those who were unable to pre-order, then you can still drop by and visit our busy kitchen staff to purchase a sit-down meal or carryout while food supplies last.  Our Knights of Columbus Council has some excellent chefs so don’t be late!  Meals will be served from 4:30 until 6:30 pm.

[3] Jesus had 12 Apostles and we have 12 Parish Council Members!  I’m very grateful for Dale Dawson who will soon step down after 9 years on our Parish Council.  Dale has done incredible work to hold things together in our parish.  He helped in the building effort with Fr Tighe and has helped lead our parish through many crises to include the Covid years.  I am most grateful for his selfless service.  Our newly organized parish council will gather on March 14 at 7 pm for introductions, orientation, and their consideration for office nominations to be voted on in April.  The entire council will come forward for an introduction and blessing at the 10:30 Mass on March 26.

Saint Catherine’s Parish Council Members:
Terms expire 31 Dec 2023: Chris Erving, Kevin Vogelsang, and Elaine Mercil.
Terms expire 31 Dec 2024: Mark Foreman, Joe Palko, and Juan Aguirre Robles.
Terms expire 31 Dec 2025: Kelly Karpinski, John Grossheim, and Mike Palczuk.
Terms expire 31 Dec 2026: Xenia Del Cid, John Damian, and Andrea Griswald.

[4] We continue our 2023 Bishop’s Annual Appeal and have reached 48% of our goal.  With God we will clear this hurdle and move on to dealing with our roof, our school expansion, and our parish hall and office complex.  The BAA funds many ministries throughout the Diocese.  We are “Stronger Together”.  Please make your pledge by bringing in your BAA cards or by clicking the donation button below.

[5] Our second collection this weekend is for earthquake relief.  Pope Francis offered his prayers and called for solidarity with victims after the two powerful earthquakes which recently brought death and destruction to southeast Turkey and northern Syria.  Funds collected will support the pastoral needs and building reconstruction of Catholic and Orthodox Churches as well assist Catholic Relief Services.  

Thank you again to all those who have made appointments to speak with me about various issues and concerns.  I will be out of the office this week but please be assured of my prayers for your intentions.  May God continue to bless us this Lenten season.  May we at Saint Catherine of Siena parish open the gifts are greater unity, vision, and joy as we follow God’s call.

In Christ,

Father Martin Fitzgerald
Administrator