DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST:
THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF ST. JAMES CHURCH: Our parish was established on October 11th, 1951. The first Mass was celebrated the next day, October 12th. I am writing my Letter on the 75th Anniversary of the First Mass. We made the decision a while back that we would have the 75th Anniversary this weekend because of several calendar conflicts. In this way, we can celebrate at all the Masses this weekend with refreshments served after the 12:00 Noon Mass.
PARISH MISSION STATEMENT: Saint James is a parish community, whose members are called through Baptism, to be intentional disciples. We are strengthened by the Eucharist and committed to serve God under the guidance of His Holy Spirit. As people devoted to Jesus’ teachings, we value on-going faith formation, Christian outreach and the growth and development of our parish.
YOU, OUR PARISHIONERS: The strength of our parish is all of you who are our parishioners. We have a good number of ministries and activities, which take place each week, and are truthfully the ideas and suggestions made by you.
I can’t tell you how many times someone has approached me to share with me an idea about an event or program. While I often receive the credit, I have tried to point to the person or group that originally came up with the idea.
We are truly blessed because many people come to our parish and tell me that we have a warm and welcoming parish community. That brings a smile to my face because I am grateful that it is so obvious.
I hope that as you read this you consider participating in at least one of our programs: the Faith Formation of our children, our Adult Sacrament Programs, one of our Liturgical Ministries (as a Lector, Server, Sacristan, Usher, or Choir Member), our Parish Outreach Program and St. Vincent de Paul society which serve those in special need, etc. Perhaps, you are not presently involved but would like to do so. Please do so.
OUR PARISH HISTORY: While there are some who can identify with parishioners who were the starting members of St. James, many of you have special connection with our parish: your children were educated in our school when it was open, or received their First Penance, First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation. There are those who visit and mention that they were married here as well.
Over the past 75 years so much good has taken place at St. James, forming us into a community of shared faith and friendship. I am confident that that will continue to happen because of you, our wonderful parishioners.
SPECIAL WORDS OF GRATITUDE: I want to express words of thanks to Jane Cordova and Eileen Tucci for their help in coordinating our parish celebration, taking place after the Noon Mass this Sunday. A very special word of gratitude is extended to Gus Tsiorvas, the Owner of the Embassy Diner, for graciously providing our luncheon festivities. Thank you, Gus! You are always so kind and generous to St. James.
