Dear SJF/OLC Pastorate Friends,
I would like to thank everyone who helped with welcoming Archbishop Lori to our pastorate parishes. It was a wonderful way to celebrate our unity in Christ and the faith of our two parish communities. Thank you!
I would like to introduce a couple new members of our staff at the pastorate. First, I would like to
welcome Bethany Butters to OLC as our Administrative Assistant. Bethany was volunteering to help in the office while I was on sabbatical. When I returned, the staff told me to hire her! So I did. Bethany and her husband, Kyle, are parishioners at OLC and have two children. Bethany is ready to help with whatever you need, so please feel free to call her (ext. 102), email her at bbutters@olchesapeake.org, or stop by the office.
The second person I would like to introduce is Diana Healy. Diane has been hired to assist both parishes
with Middle School Youth Ministry and the “back office” paperwork required for Baptisms. Diana also will be helping (as her schedule permits) with other aspects of our youth faith formation. She has worked for the Archdiocese in the past as a youth minister and brings her experience with her to our parishes. Diana is also married and has two children and lives in Ellicott City. She can be reached at dhealy@stjane.org. I ask you to keep two other employees in your prayers: Sr. Sally Russell (OLC) and Gina Bujanowski (SJF). Both are continuing to deal with health issues that have kept them from being in the office and able to serve the pastorate. In speaking to them both, I know they appreciate your prayers for their healing, and are eager to return to the parishes.
Mark your calendars for the many exciting events occurring at both parishes! This week starts the Walking With Purpose Women’s Bible Study at both Parishes. Also, we have the Men’s Axe Throw & Log Splitting event at SJF on 9/24, followed by the Family Movie Night at 7:30pm, Atlantic City Bus trip on 9/26, KofC Crab Feast at SJF on 10/1, the Blessing of Animals in honor of St. Francis in early October, Trunk or Treat on 10/28 at OLC, and the Sight and Sound bus trip to see “David” on 11/15. And Fr. Jim will be launching the “Into the Breach” Men’s Video Series in October. I am sure there are more things going on so be sure to check the bulletins and our websites for more information.
Our program for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is starting up tomorrow, September 19th, at 7:00pm Rm 107 at SJF School. My former employee and good friend, April Dietrich, will be leading RCIA this year for the pastorate. It’s not too late to join the program. If you or someone you know were never baptized, or if you were baptized Catholic but never confirmed, or if you were baptized in another Christian faith, and would like to join the Catholic Church, this is the program for you! Contact April at RCIA@stjane.org or Melissa at MBoyle@stjane.org for more information.
Thank you for keeping us in your daily prayers as we certainly do for each of you!
God Bless,
Father Steve
