A great big welcome to 2021! 2020 will live on in infamy. Good riddance. I have some hopes for the future. Our parish is growing. In spite of the difficulties of 2020, we grew in registered families, baptisms and professions of faith. We have about 160 registered families and of them, about two thirds could be considered active. That is pretty amazing considering that most parishes are hardly claim 25% active. During the pandemic our attendance has been stable and we have seen an increase of visitors. I want to encourage you to make contact with visitors. Introduce yourself and invite them to return. A friendly parish is the number one attraction to those seeking a home parish or looking to return after a long absence. I must remind you that the future of our parish is precarious at best. We are the smallest of six parishes in a 15-mile radius. There will be parish closings in the future. Unfortunately, numbers matter. To survive into the future, we must grow! Yes, we have grown but we must continue. We are seated in a growing population area. (Just notice the new homes being built.) Consider inviting someone. And most important, pray for your neighbors. Our world desperately needs Christ, just like we do. Remember, you are the Lord’s instrument. Let Him work through you. Yours in Christ our Lord. Fr. Sid.