From the Pastor:

 

Thank you to everyone who joined with us as I celebrated my 25th Anniversary of Priesthood.  Thank you to those who participated in the Mass of Thanksgiving as readers, extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, altar servers, ushers, our music director, Kathy Garchar, and everyone who brought their prayers and thanksgiving to God’s altar.  It was a glorious opportunity for praising God on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.  I am extremely grateful to everyone who baked such fantastic cookies, and to those who set everything up in the hall.  Thank you to Jim and Paula Brown and Handel’s Ice Cream for their generous donation of so many wonderful flavors.  The original plan was for a Mass later in the day with dinner outside under a tent.  I am so glad I decided a few months back to change that.  The 95-degree temperature made an early afternoon of air conditioning and ice cream the perfect way to celebrate.  I am so very appreciative of Bishop Bonnar’s presence with us at Mass and the reception.  He was too kind in his words – but if you were there, you know why I enjoy both my work in the parish and at the chancery.  It is a delight to work each day with people both here in Canfield and at the diocesan offices who have the common goal of building up the Church.  Bishop so often says, “we must live in reality!”.  That reality brings about needed change, but also the ability to come together, sharing our time, talent and treasure, to move forward along the journey to the Kingdom.  I have been truly blessed these past 25 years to be a small part of this journey.  Thank you again to everyone who celebrated with us: my family and friends, members of other parish communities in which I have served, colleagues at the diocesan offices, but most of all, members of this wonderful community of faith here at Saint Michael.  May we have many more years together as we journey toward the Kingdom. 

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Thank you and God bless you all,

Father Lavelle