There are just a few things that need to be tweaked to complete the Church renovations.  For example, we are still working on sanctuary seating.  But honestly, I think the whole project came out better than I could have imagined.  My desire was simply to highlight the crucifix because it blended in with the wood.  I thought we had a wonderful worship space before the renovations.  But this is certainly “more better.”  Our Church is beautiful!!
 
I am so very grateful to First City Enterprises, Tom and Mike Beytagh, who oversaw this project as General Contractors.  Mike did an amazing job insuring that we never missed a beat when it came time to celebrate Mass.  I’m grateful to all you who gave your input, encouragement and support.  I learned a lot about the history of the Parish during the project.  I learned over the years folks took great pride in their little Church.  Today we take pride in the beauty of our Church but even more important I hope we take great pride in the bonds we are forming as a faith community.  Our Faith Community is Beautiful!!!
 
I experience that beauty as our sense of belonging deepens in our social time together.  So, I hope you will sign up for the chicken lunch at the Legion which will take place after the dedication of the altar next Sunday.  We have a few sponsors covering the cost of the lunch, so you don’t have to worry about bringing a covered dish.  Let’s just all show up and enjoy each other’s company.  Our monthly nights out also bond us closer together as a Faith Community.  So, plan to join us this Monday at one of the newest places on the Island, Chamacos Tacos & Surf.  It’s Veteran’s Day, so in our quiz, we’ll see how much folks know about the how the Church has served the men and women of the Military Services over the years.  
 
Our Faith Community is grateful to all those men and women who are serving or have served in the Armed Forces. They have sacrificed their time, talent and treasured moments with their families to secure our freedom, especially, the freedom to practice our faith. This freedom does not come without cost.
 
The annual celebration of Veterans Day on November 11th invites us to remember the men and women who have put themselves in harm’s way to defend our way of life and the values we hold dear. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to those killed in the line of duty, those still suffering from the effects of their generous response to the Nation’s call, and, of course, everyone who has retired from active duty.
 
Let us remember those who have sacrificed so much to serve our Country. Let us keep them all in our prayers, on Veterans Day and always.
 
Dear Lord,
Today we honor our veterans, worthy men and women who gave their best when they were called upon to serve and protect their country.
 
We pray that you will bless them for their unselfish service in the continual struggle to preserve our freedoms, our safety, and our country’s heritage, for all of us.
 
Bless them abundantly for the hardships they faced, for the sacrifices they made for their many different contributions to America’s victories over tyranny and oppression.
 
We respect them, we thank them, we honor them, we are proud of them. We pray that you will watch over these special people and bless them with peace and happiness through Christ our Lord.  Amen!