Dear St. Raphael Parishioners,

While Christmas always falls on the same date each year, Easter moves through the calendar according to a set formula. This means the length of time between the Christmas season and the start of Lent varies quite a bit each year. (Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, naturally depends on the date of Easter for that year.) Easter comes later than usual this year, giving us eight weeks of ordinary time in between. These weeks take us through the coldest days of winter, often our least favorite time of year. But these weeks don’t have to be dreary for us since everything in God’s creation has a purpose. These weeks can be a good time to start a book or video from our Parish Library. If you have unanswered questions about your Faith, this is a good time to start searching for answers. If reading a book of theology seems a little challenging, we have videos for teens to adults. For example, Bishop Barron’s Catholicism series is a helpful review of basic Church teachings. These winter weeks will pass by more quickly if we put them to good use!

Our Catholic Students: We had presenters from two local schools last weekend, and one or two more this week. The green collection envelopes marked “School Support” are one way you can help St. Raphael meet our obligations to the local schools that our students attend. Donations in these go directly toward our school assessments. Some parishioners might not even be aware of these envelopes!

Our Second graders will receive their first Sacrament of Reconciliation next Saturday, February 5. They are preparing for their First Holy Communion which will be on May 1st. Please keep them and their catechist teachers in your prayers as they come to this important step in faith!

Church Lower Level: Hopefully these weeks of winter will see some progress in our basement! We plan to do some painting and finishing in the fellowship area, so it will be ready when our after-Mass gatherings eventually return. Some volunteers for this would be very helpful. If you are handy with a brush or roller, please contact Mark Mrowiec at the parish ofice. We also plan to start the construction of offices in one corner of the open basement area. This is a larger project that will involve professional contractors. I anticipate some kind of a campaign to help us fund this project. Remember, your contributions to the St. Raphael Building Fund will help us get out of the drafty old farmhouse.

God bless you all,
Fr. Mathew Kowalski