Over the past few weeks we have received three thank you notes concerning our Christmas basket program: one from the pastor of Saint Gregory the Great parish, Fr. Damien Nalepa; one from Sr. Anthonia Ugwu; and one from Gloria Williams, the coordinator of the program at the parish in inner city Baltimore. All of them have expressed deep gratitude for the generosity of our faith community in assisting families in need. Please know that if you participated in this program this Christmas, you have made a very real difference in the lives of others.

Speaking of making a difference, our Social Justice Ministry (formerly Peace and Justice Ministry) is currently working on reorganizing and reinvigorating our parish outreach to the wider community. Please reflect on whether God might be calling you to become more involved in concern for the poor and marginalized members of our society. Check the announcement in this bulletin for further information concerning how to become involved. We are grateful to Kathryn Welty who has agreed to lead this important outreach effort.

Next weekend we join the national observance of World Marriage Day, and a special blessing of married couples will occur at each Mass. You may want to plan to attend the same Mass with your spouse to receive this blessing! Also, please note the information in this bulletin concerning a special Scout Mass planned for this month on Sunday 19 February at 9:00 AM.

Ministry Leaders are requested to return their response form to the Parish Office concerning our annual get-together by this weekend. Also, please consider attending this year’s Drexel Ball on 3 March (to benefit our Building Fund and Scholarship Fund), and/or participating through the various donations that are requested on a bulletin insert this weekend.

Fr.Keith