Quarterly Report from the Pastor - Summer 2024

Jenny Drzewiecki • September 25, 2024

We’ve recently entered into the fall season. Summer is over. Although many ministries and committees took a summer break, it was still a meaningful and quite busy time at St. Martin of Tours. Thus, I would like to offer you a quarterly report of some new ministries, projects and activities going on in our parish. 


First, I am grateful to our volunteers and benefactors who support many ministries and activities in our community, to mention a few; the Ground & Buildings Committee, the Cemetery Committee, Liturgy & Worship, Stewardship and the Formation Ministries. I am grateful to those who prepared for the rummage sale in June, cooking egg rolls, those who took care of the parking lot during the Labor weekend, and those who organized many social and formation events. We are blessed with a good parish staff and councils. Without their hard work many of these events would not be possible including this report.


New Personnel and Ministries

We hired Abby Wass, who became the full-time Religious Education and Youth Ministry Director. We were able to organize Totus-Tuus summer camp for our children with cooperation of St. Alphonsus Parish in July. It was a blessing to have over 30 children who played on our playgrounds, prayed in the church and had fun. We hope to continue with summer program for children and youth next year. 


We hope to begin a new ministry for married couples in fall. This ministry, which is run with the help of St. John Paul II foundation, is a good opportunity for young couples at our parish. Please register and sign up.


Incoming Projects

This year we are celebrating two great anniversaries: 50 years of the presence of SCJs at the parish, and the 20th anniversary of the dedication of the new church. We want to celebrate these occasions during the Fall Harvest Festival on the Day of our Patron Saint, St. Martin. We hope to invite and honor those who had a significant part in our history, the priests, principles, teachers, workers and benefactors on that day. We would like all our parishioners to be actively involved and participate in this important event on November 9th. 


On the occasion of these anniversaries, we hope to decorate our church with stained glass windows. I am grateful to many of you for your feedback and constructive criticism to the proposals shown and displayed in August. We will inform you about any progress of this project. 


Another significant project we started during summer, that we hope to complete this fall, is the parish photo directory. The most recent directory is almost 20 years ago. The directory is a vital tool for the staff, for ministry and it’s a good opportunity to get to know each other in the parish community. At this time, there are only 23% of families who took their pictures and participated in this project. We hope with your help to have the directory complete this fall. I would like to encourage everyone who did not yet have a chance to take a photo to do it soon. The last opportunity will be on November 22nd from 9:30 to 2:30pm.


Helpful Numbers

We are growing spiritually and in number as a parish community. We welcomed 17 new families who joined our parish since June 1, 2024. 4 children were baptized and 2 couples received the Sacrament of Matrimony. 5 of our members died and 4 families moved from our parish.


This year we have 75 students in total in our religious education programs: 43 K-8 students (excluding First Communion Students), 13 First Communicants, for a total of 56 K-8 Students. In our Lifeteen program we have 9 - 9th /10th Graders, and 10 Confirmation Students, for a total of 19 high school students. Additionally, we have 40 students in the Vietnamese religious education program. The numbers look good, but we have to keep in mind that there are 326 Catholic children and youth (5-18 years old) within the parish. This means that less than half of them joined the religious education program. We would like to reach out to them and welcome them into our formation programs. Please help us to contact them.

Besides our religious education program, we host a few other groups who use our church and school facilities weekly. Among them are two Catholic Homeschool groups with a total of 125 children. We are glad that we can welcome and serve children and youth in our parish and larger community thanks to our large facilities.


Capital Developments

We were able to accomplish a few maintenance projects in the last quarter. Besides cleaning the classrooms and repairing school equipment to get ready for the school year, we were able to improve the road and parking lot behind the school and food pantry. We patched concrete at the entrance to the church and parish office, we repaired and painted the entrance door to the parish office, and we fixed some equipment in the kitchen and parish hall. There were two major projects accomplished in July and August: replacement of the six remaining heating and cooling units on the church and gym buildings ($137,180) and the server transfer to the cloud with all our parish data ($25,000).

Lastly, thank you for your prayers and support. I always appreciate your comments, suggestions and encouraging words, but also criticism and complaints. Please do not hesitate to give me your feedback and thoughts not just about this report, but also about our parish life. Our effort as parish staff and administration only makes sense with your willingness to collaborate and your care. I am blessed and proud to be your pastor.

 

 

 Fr. Andrzej


The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

On the Way to Emmaus

By Jennifer Moscatello • April 13, 2026
On Easter Day, two disciples left Jerusalem and walked toward Emmaus, carrying sadness and confusion in their hearts. They had lost hope and, with it, their sense of purpose as disciples. Although Jesus Himself drew near and walked with them, their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. How often this happens in our own lives. The Lord walks beside us – in our struggles, doubts, and daily routines – yet we fail to see Him. Like the disciples, we may hear His Word and still remain deaf and unmoved. Yet Jesus never abandons us. With patience and love, He speaks to us, opens the Scriptures, and gently leads us forward. It was in the breaking of the bread that their eyes were opened, and they recognized the Risen Lord. This is a powerful reminder for us that in the Eucharist, Jesus reveals Himself in a real and personal way. Even when our faith feels weak or uncertain, the Eucharist strengthens us, opens our eyes, and deepens our belief. After encountering the Risen Christ, the disciples were transformed. Their sadness turned into joy, and their fear into courage. They immediately returned to Jerusalem to share the Good News and to be reunited with the other disciples. A true encounter with the Risen Lord always leads to conversion, transformation, and mission. We are called not only to recognize Him, but also to bear witness to Him in our daily lives. This weekend, we also celebrate our Volunteer Appreciation Weekend. We give thanks for all those who generously serve our parish community. Through their time, dedication, and love, they make Christ present among us. Their service is a living witness to the Risen Lord, who continues to work through His people. May God bless them abundantly, and may their example inspire each of us to serve with joyful and faithful hearts. On this meaningful and grace-filled weekend in our community, may we ask for the grace to recognize Jesus walking with us, especially in the Eucharist, and to become His faithful witnesses in the world.  Fr. Andrzej

Jesus I Trust in You

By Jennifer Moscatello • April 10, 2026
The Feast of Divine Mercy, celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter, which is a relatively recent addition to the Church’s liturgical calendar, is rooted deeply into the Gospel itself. It was established for the universal Church by Saint John Paul II in the year 2000, during the canonization of Saint Faustina Kowalska. Through her visions and spiritual diary, the Lord Jesus revealed His desire that the whole world come to know and trust in His mercy. This feast is not only a devotion but a reminder of the very heart of the Christian message: God’s love poured out for sinners. The purpose of this feast is to invite every person to trust in the mercy of God and to extend that mercy to others. In a world often marked by fear, judgment, and division, Divine Mercy calls us back to the truth that no sin is greater than God’s love, and no heart is beyond His healing grace. It is a day of hope, reconciliation, and renewed faith. It is deeply providential that this feast is celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter, when the Gospel recounts the encounter between the Risen Lord and Thomas the Apostle. Jesus appears to His disciples a second time, and this time especially for Thomas, who struggled to believe. The Lord does not reject him or condemn his doubt. Instead, He invites him to touch His wounds and to encounter directly His Heart, which is full of compassion and love. In this moment, we see clearly that Jesus’ mercy goes beyond human expectations. He meets us not in our perfection, but in our weakness, and transforms doubt into faith. This year, our celebration is made even more meaningful as we welcome a new image of the Merciful Jesus into our church. This sacred image, a faithful copy made and sent to us from the Divine Mercy Shrine in Łagiewniki, Poland, will be solemnly blessed and dedicated this weekend. After every Mass, we will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, entrusting ourselves and our intentions to the Lord’s infinite compassion. Soon, we also hope to receive a relic of Saint Faustina. Both the image and the relic will unite us more closely with the Shrine of Divine Mercy and with countless faithful around the world who venerate the mercy of God. They will serve as enduring invitations for us to deepen our trust and to live lives shaped by mercy. Let us be grateful for the gift of God’s mercy in our parish community and lives. May we trust in Jesus more deeply and share His mercy with others. Fr. Andrzej 

Easter Message – “Do Not Be Afraid” (Matthew 28:1–10)

By Jennifer Moscatello • April 5, 2026
On that first Easter morning, as dawn was just breaking, the women came to the tomb carrying sorrow, confusion, and fear in their hearts. They expected to find death. Instead, they encountered life – unexpected and life-changing. At the heart of this Gospel is a simple and powerful message, spoken first by the angel and then by the Risen Lord Himself: “Do not be afraid.” Fear is a real part of our human experience. It can hold us back, isolate us, and keep us from living fully in God’s grace. The women came with fear, yet they did not let it stop them from seeking Jesus. And it was there, in their faithful seeking, that they encountered the Risen Lord. These words, “Do not be afraid,” do not ignore our fears but they gently invite us to move beyond them. An encounter with the Risen Christ was essential for the women and His other disciples. Similarly, it become essential for us when we meet the Risen Lord. This encounter changes everything. It is not just something we remember – it is something we live. When we truly meet Him: fear begins to turn into trust, confusion gives way to clarity, sorrow opens to joy, and hesitation becomes a call to share the Good News. The women who came in silence now run with joy and urgency to tell others. Their fear and doubt are transformed into courage. This is discipleship: not the absence of fear or doubt, but a heart changed by Christ. To be a true disciple of Jesus means allowing His Resurrection to touch every part of our lives – especially the places where we feel afraid: fear of suffering, uncertainty, weakness, or the future. It is there that the Risen Lord meets us and says again, “Do not be afraid.” This Easter, we are invited not only to hear these words, but to take them to heart. Christ stands before us – alive, present, and full of love. He calls us to trust Him more deeply, to follow Him more faithfully, and to share His love more confidently. May our encounter with the Risen Lord heal what is wounded in us, strengthen what is weak, and fill us with quiet courage and joy. May it also continue to renew our parish community, helping us grow as faithful disciples of Jesus, following the example of St. Martin of Tours. A blessed and grace-filled Easter to you and your loved ones. Alleluia! Fr. Andrzej

Palm Sunday and Holy Week

By Jennifer Moscatello • March 29, 2026
The Sixth Sunday of Lent is traditionally called Palm Sunday. This name comes from the Gospel proclaimed at the beginning of Mass, which describes the solemn entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. The people welcomed Him with palm branches, showing reverence for the great prophet and spiritual leader known for His teaching and miracles. This Sunday is also called Passion Sunday, as we proclaim the Passion of our Lord during Mass. With this celebration, we begin Holy Week – the final week before Easter. Holy Week is the most important week of the entire year for us as Catholics. During these sacred days, we celebrate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. For this reason, we are invited to make a special effort to live this week in a more prayerful and intentional way and making it truly holy. Each day of Holy Week is marked by particular Gospel events connected to the mystery of our salvation. Over time, these days have received meaningful names in the tradition of the Church. Let me mention a few that may not be as familiar: Spy Wednesday recalls Judas’ decision to betray Jesus. Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment.” On this day, we remember the New Commandment of love which is perfectly expressed in the Holy Eucharist and in the gift of priesthood by Jesus Christ. Good Friday commemorates the Passion and death of the Son of God, who gave His life out of love for us. Good Friday reminds about God who is very good and loves us unconditionally. Black Saturday reminds us of the day when Jesus lay in the tomb, marked by mourning and silence, symbolizing the darkness of Jesus’ death and descent to the dead (Sheol or Hades), bringing hope to those who had gone before Him. Day of the Resurrection marks the victory of Christ over sin and death. It is the beginning of new life for all and is celebrated as Lord’s Day or Eighth Day. Dear parishioners, I warmly invite you to join us for the liturgies and celebrations of Holy Week at our parish. We look forward to celebrating these sacred mysteries together with you and your families. I am especially grateful to our Vietnamese and Anglo communities for preparing the liturgies together. It is a beautiful sign of unity and a meaningful witness when we come together as one religious family during this most important time of the year. Finally, I encourage each of you to make this week truly special – not only by participating in the liturgies, but also in your personal and family life. Each of us is called to make these days holy through prayer, reflection, and acts of love. Wishing you a blessed and grace-filled Holy Week. Fr. Andrzej

Seeing Mercy through the Light

By Jenny Drzewiecki • March 19, 2026
This weekend’s Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Lent describes one of the most powerful moments in the ministry of Jesus: the raising of Lazarus (John 11:1–45). Standing before the tomb of his friend, Jesus proclaims, “I am the resurrection and the life.” With these words and with deep compassion, He calls Lazarus out of the darkness of death and restores him to life. This Gospel reveals the heart of Christ – full of mercy, compassion, and deep concern for those who suffer. Jesus does not remain distant from human pain. He enters into it, weeps with those who mourn, and brings new life where there seemed to be only darkness, confusion, and despair. In a beautiful way, the stained-glass windows in our church echo this same message of mercy and hope. Inspired by our patron, St. Martin of Tours, the windows illustrate the works of mercy that shaped his life and ministry. St. Martin followed Christ by seeing those in need and responding with generosity, compassion, and courage. His well-known act of sharing his cloak with a poor man is just one example of a life devoted to caring for others.  The Gospel story of Lazarus reminds us that acts of mercy are never small or insignificant. When we feed the hungry, visit the sick and the imprisoned, or help those in need, we participate in Christ’s own mission of bringing life where there is suffering and hope where there is darkness. As sunlight shines through these stained-glass windows, may they remind us that the works of mercy are not only beautiful images in colored glass, but a living calling for each of us. Like St. Martin, may we allow the light of Christ’s compassion to shine through our lives, bringing hope, healing, and new life to the world around us. We are still expecting one more window depicting St. Martin, but we already appreciate the beauty and message these windows bring to our church. I am very grateful to all who made this project possible: the artists, Kim Kostuch and Slawormir Miskow, the team who prepared and supervised the project, those who helped install the windows, the generous donors, and all of you, dear parishioners, for your support and encouragement. Thank you very much. Fr. Andrzej

Fourth Sunday of Lent – Opening Our Eyes

By Jenny Drzewiecki • March 13, 2026
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
More Posts