March 14, 2010

Dear Parishioners,

            I am writing this letter on Tuesday, March 9th.  Last week, I was able to steal way for five days for my annual retreat.  I think that the mandate of Church Law that a priest must make a yearly retreat is among the most practical and wise of all the church’s canons.

            I made this retreat along with two of my brother-priests of our diocese, Father Thomas Morgan (St. Lawrence, Tampa) and Father Patrick Rebel (St. Matthew, Largo, and native son of Nativity).  Thankfully, we were able to spend these days at Trinity Retreat in Larchmont, New York.  Trinity is the retreat center for the priests of the Archdiocese of New York, but is open to all priests in the country, including us Floridians.

            Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR has been the director of Trinity for the past thirty years.  Many of our parishioners know Father Benedict from his weekly television program or from his dozen of books, CD’s, and DVD’s.  Fr. Benedict is still showing effects of his serious “hit and run” accident and his recent stroke, but he’s still doing incredible amount of ministry, especially for a man ordained for fifty years.

            Father Benedict generously gave me a copy of his new book, “After This Life.”  This excellent book explains what Catholics believe about the “next life.”  I’ve read it and enjoyed it, and I recommend it to you.  Animal lovers will probably like his chapter, “What About the Cat?”

            Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 10th), I’m going to La Victoria for three days.  I hope to be back by the time you read this letter.  I’ll be traveling with a group of seven parishioners.  While there I will discuss the new nutrition center with the Sisters.  This nutrition center for the malnourished children of La Victoria is an important component of our Of One Heart Campaign.  I strongly believe that the Lord will continue to bless our parish if we hold firm to our commitment to the poor.

            Finally, I can hardly wait for the ground breaking of the Monsignor Lara Youth Center on Saturday, March 27th.

            Your brother in Christ,

            Very Reverend Arthur J. Proulx, V.F.
            Pastor

Father Proulx Tours Alaska

Annual Pastoral Appeal 2010
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