Fr. Mike Cronin

Dear Friends in the Lord,
 
This coming week, the priests of the diocese will be having our annual clergy days in Okoboji, Iowa, with our new bishop, Most Reverend Robert E. Barron. I am looking forward to this time with the priests and our new bishop. Because of a few post-surgical follow-up appointments, I will be arriving a little late. Because of that, I will be offering Mass this week on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, all at 8:30am at St. Mary’s. 
 
On behalf of our parish liturgist, Rachel Kimman, and the entire parish staff, I wish to recognize and thank Renee Knutson for her faithful work as the Liturgical Minister Coordinator for the past 7 years here at St. Mary’s. Renee never missed a scheduling deadline and was careful and detailed in accommodating for the various scheduling needs of our liturgical ministers as well as being timely in all email and phone communications. We will miss her but know that she and her family will continue to be part of our parish family. Renee has been invaluable to the weekly and monthly communications between the liturgy office and our faithful ministers.
 
We are seeking someone to take on this essential role as a Liturgical Ministry Coordinator. A person in this role helps coordinate all liturgical minister schedules and maintains up to date lists of liturgical ministers. This includes weekly and monthly responsibilities with email communications, scheduling software, and minister recruitment for feasts and special celebrations. Contact Rachel Kimman in the parish office for a full job description or for more information.
 
The parish continues to make progress with two major projects. The rectory restoration should be mostly finished by mid-October. For over 70 years, this building served as parish offices and the residence of priests. It was time to bring the home up to date, including bathrooms, kitchen, flooring, ceilings, window coverings and furniture, including some new electrical and plumbing. There will also be a small prayer chapel for priests and guests. It should be in good shape for the next 100 years! If you have not yet made a sacrificial gift in any amount, please consider doing so. Donations can be made to St. Mary’s parish indicating “rectory project.” You can mail it in, drop it off at the office, or place it in collection basket at Mass. There were additional expenses as you might imagine. Your gifts are helping to bring this project to conclusion. It is an amazing accomplishment. I look forward to welcoming you to see the place and my hopes for small gatherings of parishioners who might be interested in sharing a meal from time to time.
 
We are awaiting some final drawings and estimates for the sanctuary restoration project. If you would like to make a contribution to this project, please do so. Contact Lori at the front office for details on how to make a gift to this specific project. Gifts are made to the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota with the designation “St. Mary’s sanctuary project.”
 
Have a great week ahead.