Pastor's Page:  Lenten Week
February 28, 2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
"I (Paul) planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth." (Paul's letter to the Corinthians 3.6)

Peter, in spite of his obvious flaws, was given primacy of place among the apostles and disciples
because of his passionate love for Jesus.

"Yes Lord, you know that I love you." (John 21. 15)

Paul, zealous to uphold orthodoxy within Judaism, erred gravely in persecuting the followers of
Jesus, and became by the grace of God Christianity's courageous messenger to the pagan, Gentile world. God used both Peter and Paul in extraordinary ways in the widespread growth of Christianity.
Both died martyrs’ deaths. "…God caused the growth."
Inspired by these great witnesses, the parish of Saints Peter and Paul continues the proclamation of the good news.

Our parish church and rectory do not offer enough space for our many ministries meetings, prayer groups, support groups and offices for outreach and religious education. We do not have a place to celebrate our oneness in Christ through hospitality and festivity.

Last October, we completed a Feasibility Study of the building of a Parish Center; a parish home in which the people of God in this community can gather for prayer, planning and mutual support.

"Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the spirit of God lives within you?" (1 Corinthians 3. 16)
Our Parish Center will allow us to cultivate the seeds of faith in our children, families, seniors and single adults. Through questionnaires and personal interviews the majority agreed on our plans. The grace of God has been evident in this wonderful faith community since Ss. Peter and Paul parish began under the leadership of Father McGratty in December, 1995. More than 1400 Catholic families have joined our parish family.

We will face the challenge to our continued growth by creating with God's help, a fitting living space for our parish activities. Our capital campaign theme is "Fulfilling Our Dreams". Please ask the Lord what he wants of your family in accomplishing our dreams for a new Parish Center. Your pledge of $7500 can be made payable over five years at $1500 per year or $125 per month. I know that each parish family will be as generous as they can be; and consider their gift as a response to the love of God. As a people of faith, we will reach our goal in pledges of $1.2 million. Then we will be able to take bids from contractors to start construction and fulfill our dream.

Peace and love in Christ,
Father Bruce

Transition Website Established
There has been a great deal of discussion about the voluntary separation package and the other changes occurring in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. The Diocese has set up a special transition website that has the latest information. Please visit www.drvc.org and click on the Lighthouse icon.