With the season of Advent almost here, your PC has a busy calendar of events including Advent wreath making, a children’s tree ornament craft project, Christmas brunch, tree lighting and early visit from Santa Claus. Our popular notecards featuring the church’s façade will be available for sale. Paintings by young girls in India, saved from a life in prostitution, are also available. Please check the bulletin or website calendar for details and join us during this joyful season. Parishioners are invited to use this as a personal opportunity to evangelize by bringing a friend or two to Mass followed by an Advent celebration event.

The anticipated joy of the season was moderated by news Fr. Madigan received that our beloved parish is being re-reviewed for possible closure by the NY Archdiocese’s Making All Things New (MATN) Commission. This is particularly dismaying since there is limited information on why our parish is among the few churches being re-considered, despite the decision reached in the MATN process. Given the stability of our parish community and finances, and activities towards supporting a vibrant parish life, the MATN decision is surprising. Nevertheless, the PC unanimously agreed to put its resources towards helping Fr Madigan and STM’s MATN committee in any way it can. The Archdiocese has requested a report from STM by March 1, 2015 with their decision expected on Aug 1. It is imperative that parishioners engage in helping to ensure a successful outcome. Look for more information and ways to become involved in the bulletin, via email and the STM website.

The next PC meeting is Jan 12, 2015. Until then, we wish you and yours a Joyful, Peaceful and Holy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!