As most of you know by now, we are expecting to welcome a new full-time parochial vicar—a second priest available to us on full-time basis.  He will be coming from the Philippines and is supposed to be with us somewhere around the middle of this month.  I do not know his name yet, since he will be one of the three priests being sent to us by the bishop of Sorsogon. 

Once he arrives, Fr. Jim will be freed to give more time to St. Elizabeth Parish.  I know that they are considering adding another Sunday morning Mass, so Fr. Jim will be getting busier there.  But we will be praying for and staying in touch with St. Elizabeth Parish.  They are still a sister parish with whom I hope we will continue to interact (i.e. with our Knights and youth).  And we will still see Fr. Jim every now and then, as we stay connected with his parish there.  Meanwhile, we give thanks that we have been blessed with his ministry.

Our new parochial vicar will take over all of Fr. Jim’s duties and more.  We will have his full attention, and I am sure we will keep him more than busy!  I know you will make him feel welcome!  Please help him as he adjusts to new surroundings and a very different culture.

Let us allow Christ to guide us.  And if we stay open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will continue to grow in the Love of the Father and be a positive witness in the world.  I will keep you informed as I learn more.