2015 archive of FROM THE DESK OF FR. JEFF
March 21-22, 2015
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 3/22/15
Next weekend is Palm Sunday. The masses will begin with an invitation for you to assemble in the gathering room for the blessing of palms, followed by the solemn procession into church. Last year we had many people who were willing to leave the pew and join in the ... Read More »
March 14-15, 2015
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 3/22/15
I would like to update you on the progress of the ChristLife program which began six weeks ago. Our team (myself, Deacon Tom, Nancy Peterson and Al Brankiewicz) are very happy with how the program has taken root in our parish. Despite two weather-challenged evenings, attendance has been very ... Read More »
March 7-8, 2015
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 3/11/15
The last question on the November mini-survey yield some helpful information about how the parish might best use social media to improve communications within and beyond the parish. I wanted to know how many make regular use of several of the well-known tools that are available: email, Facebook, Twitter, ... Read More »
February 28-March 1, 2015
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 3/02/15
You are welcome to come and pray before the Blessed Sacrament this first Wednesday of the month, from after the noon mass until Benediction at 7:00pm. Adoration. Come for a half hour, or even longer and experience the peace that comes from resting in silence before Jesus. This opportunity ... Read More »
February 21-22, 2015
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 2/23/15
We are almost finished reviewing the November in-pew survey. This weekend I have a few words to say about #7, the question about singing. You were asked whether you a) sing, b) sing only the songs you like, c) don't sing, or d) can't sing. The majority of you ... Read More »
February 14-15, 2015
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 2/17/15
In just a few days the violet colors of Lent will accent the church as the season of Lent begins. The next six weeks will feature a more subdued liturgy (no singing of the Gloria, no final hymn). We will be nourished by scriptures which call us to repentance ... Read More »
February 7-8, 2015
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 2/09/15
A few weeks ago I shared with you a sample of the min-survey that many of you filled out last November. I would like to cover some more of the results. Question #4 asked about the most important task of the parish. 248 respondents said "worship", 102 said "serve ... Read More »
January 31-February 1, 2015
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 2/02/15
This weekend marks a milestone for our parish Knights of Columbus council as it celebrates its 5th anniversary. We are truly blessed to have this group of dedicated men at the service of the church, our parish, and our community. Space in our bulletin is too limited to list ... Read More »
January 24-25, 2015
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 1/27/15
I was very gratified by the after-mass attendance at our ChristLife gatherings. Currently we have about 35 people registered for the program. Many good questions were asked and answered by those of you who came to view the video. We will be taking registrations up to February 1. The ... Read More »
January 17-18, 2015
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 1/19/15
This weekend I will be speaking about the coming Christlife program at all the masses. Today's column is a "warm-up" for that sermon. I would like to begin by providing the broader context for offering the Christlife program.
At the request of the Archdiocese, our parish has faithfully recited ... Read More »