December 28, 2025, 12:00 PM
This week we’ll say our farewell to 2025! And we’ll greet 2026 Anno Domini!
In the busyness of all that, let’s not forget that January 1—known to the secular world as New Year’s Day—is also a Catholic holy day of obligation in honor of Mary, the Mother of God. Masses, of course, are available at all our county parishes. Here we have 4pm (St Boniface) on New Year’s Eve and 8am (St Lawrence) and 9:30am (St Ann) on the day.
But, as we look back on this past year, let’s highlight some key moments for us as the Catholic community in our two parishes:
Linkage. Yes, we began our linkage between St Ann and St Boniface Parishes. I don’t expect everyone to be happy about every change or decision. But, we’ve seen increased attendance at Masses and confessions. We’ve started to sort out how we can better serve God’s people and our local community in cooperative ministries. Please continue to pray for the parishes in the coming year. May that grow in our unity of purpose.
In the busyness of all that, let’s not forget that January 1—known to the secular world as New Year’s Day—is also a Catholic holy day of obligation in honor of Mary, the Mother of God. Masses, of course, are available at all our county parishes. Here we have 4pm (St Boniface) on New Year’s Eve and 8am (St Lawrence) and 9:30am (St Ann) on the day.
But, as we look back on this past year, let’s highlight some key moments for us as the Catholic community in our two parishes:
Linkage. Yes, we began our linkage between St Ann and St Boniface Parishes. I don’t expect everyone to be happy about every change or decision. But, we’ve seen increased attendance at Masses and confessions. We’ve started to sort out how we can better serve God’s people and our local community in cooperative ministries. Please continue to pray for the parishes in the coming year. May that grow in our unity of purpose.
Rectory Sale. We recently sold St Lawrence Rectory. While that can feel like a diminishment, it also frees us from the costs of maintaining a building for which we had no pastoral purpose any longer. We’re happy to have received offers that exceeded our ask. We look forward to welcoming new neighbors to Winthrop Street.
Catholic Ministries Appeal. I know this has been an unusual year for the Appeal. But, we’ve seen growing support for these important ministries (some of which have directly benefited our parishes and our area over the years.) Thank you for recognizing the needs—especially of the poor—and responding generously!
Capital Campaign. A huge thank you to all who have pledged to the St Boniface Capital Campaign. At this writing, we’re about to exceed goal. That ensures financial stability as we move forward with our buildings and our cemetery. In this anniversary year for St Boniface Church, I’m heartened by our willingness to continue the work begun 50 years ago after that fateful fire. May we always be ready to respond to the needs of the faithful in every time and circumstance.
Fr. McCreary
