Dear Parish Family, This past couple of weeks have presented a few more challenges to the parish than was needed. The word “challenge” used as a noun is defined as, “something that by its nature or character serves as a call to battle, contest, or require special effort.” As a verb “to summon to a contest of skill or strength.” God uses difficulties and hardships as a means of correction, but they can also be God’s way of enhancing our faith discipline. The parish office was able to receive email, but not send anything for over 12 days. Everything was being done to detect why this was the scenario, only to find that my computer was dubbed a “Super Spammer.” Right – since when does sending out religious articles and funeral notices constitute spam? The Microsoft people working from a foreign country believed so! There was a large leak in the basement and was a conundrum to both the plumber and the mechanical repairmen. Steve wore his detective hat, Fr Stanley raced up and down the basement stairs to see if one thing or another had stopped it, I called repairmen & looked at blueprints to see if there were any water sources we had missed. Finally found the culprit - which was a small water heater in the ceiling. We were all praying to the saints, who we know are there for us during challenges. They intercede for us with the Father and walk with us on life’s difficult journeys. The roof and lights are awaiting the companies to repair them. Looks like I may be able to take the roof leaks off my to do list! Speed dial is my best friend, when contacting these places! St Pio of Pietrelicina told us “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. God’s goodness saw worry as useless.” Maybe so – but easier said than done! We are often told, “challenges make us stronger and that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle”. Through the intercession of the saints, our prayers were answered and we expressed gratefulness to all who helped. Mary Jo