So many things happened in 2023, that if I try to capture everything in one word, it would (have to) be … “IMPOSSIBLE”! Yes, it is humanly impossible to do that, but we know, of course, that with God, nothing is impossible (Matthew 19:26), and we rejoice that we have a God who can never be outdone in generosity, and He knows our needs even before we ask!

Last year found me engaged in concurrent capacity as your housekeeper here at Saint Raymond’s: as the Site Administrator of the Diocesan Retreat Center in Lafayette effective May, as Executive Director of the Diocesan Eucharistic Revival Congress which culminated last September, and as a member of the Bishop’s College of Consultors effective October. Definitely no easy tasks, but something I embrace with much joy and confidence, knowing that I have the support of my parish and leadership teams rallying with me!

As a graced fruit of the Revival Congress, we at Saint Raymond’s brought back serving the chalice at the Masses last October. As we receive the Precious Blood at Holy Communion, we remember our very own patron saint, Raymond of Peñafort, whose following words captured how BLESSED we indeed are here in our parish community:
“Look then on Jesus, the author and preserver of faith: in complete sinlessness He suffered, and at the hands of those who were His own, and was numbered among the wicked. As you drink the cup of the Lord Jesus (how glorious it is!), give thanks to the Lord, the giver of all blessings.”

In all these, I recognize that truly, everything is grace (Saint Therese of Lisieux), and what we have accomplished together, we were able (to do) because of the participation of every member of the community.

To recap, last year we were able to:

• Complete the fire replacement project (50% of cost covered by school)

• Start renovating the main Adoration Chapel (now open 7AM-7PM)

• Set-up the rectory Adoration Chapel (with the Bishop’s approval)

In a few months, we are looking into completing the following important projects to ensure continued vibrancy of our parish community:

• Church audio and video systems (top priority)

• Main Adoration Chapel (exit door, access codes and city permits)

• Church Roofing (better start early and not be sorry)

In gratitude to Father Bob Mendonca who we now remember with great joy as he serves as our prayer warrior in the company of our dearly departed, we continue to commit doing well what we have been doing already, in the hope of building a church community that will last even beyond our years – forging a foundation for the future of our dearly beloved Saint Raymond’s!

At your service,

Father Erick

(2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2024)