The Pastor's Corner

11-18-2018Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Thank you to all who did our short survey about the possibility of a columbarium at St. Mary’s. Due to early deadlines I am writing this column early. Therefore the information that was collected is still being processed as I am writing. However, I did want to address a couple of concerns:

1) The cost for a columbarium in no way affects current parish funds or debt. All columbariums are “stand alone” and are managed just as Calvary Cemetery is done. In other words, it is built by the people who reserve niches as part of their pre-planning. Funds collected from selling the niches also pay forperpetual care (as at our cemetery). There are no loans or debt involved.

2) A columbarium is being considered for Calvary Cemetery; however, we are currently able to inter urns there. One does not need to wait for a columbarium.

In other news: As I mentioned in my last column, November is National Black Catholic History Month. “The presence and contributions of African Catholics range from the earliest centuries of the Catholic Church to the present. Each generation is called to maintain and spread the faith of the ‘one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.’ Let Catholics from all the nations of the world rejoice in the Gospel and the gifts presented by members of every race who bear the name of Catholic.” (from an article by Fr. Raymond Petrucci) This recognition is important for each Catholic because we are all one family in faith. Although the Black Catholic presence in the Church of the United States may be smaller, they are devout and have a mighty spiritual heritage to share with the entire Church. As a community, they have also been through much suffering and continue to experience suffering today. Again, healing takes not only time but also our presence, action, and love. Join us for our Sankofa Catholic Ministry meeting on November 27 at 6:30pm in Deacon Waters Conference Room (St. Michael Hall building) to find out how you can be a supportive force for our Black Catholic community.

Finally, we’ve had a tremendous response regarding the future sixteen Life of Christ stained glass windows. Only three remain available. If you would like to gift a window, please call the office so that we can schedule a time to meet. The donation for each window is $62,000.00.

Father Wilson

BACK TO LIST