Father Marty's Weekly Message

Dear parishioners,

Now that we have had our organ concert, I can again use the space for some

weekly comments from me that we had given the space over to the concert

flier.

With the close of our fiscal year on July 1st, our parish Business Manager

officially retired.  Larry had been with us for the past 8 years.  When I started

as pastor, Larry started too.   For the past 8 years he has served Gesu very

faithfully.  He has watched over our budget and kept our “checks and

balances” checked and balanced through some major projects of the parish.  

Larry had the skills that we needed at the time he took on the responsibilities

of his position and never disappointed.  As they say in scripture, “Well done

good and faithful servant. . Thank you Larry for 8 really good years.

But as we say goodbye to Larry, we say hello and welcome to our new

Business Manager, Rick Webb.  Rick is coming to us from the Diocese of

Arlington, Virginia, where he was a Business Manager at two different parishes

over the past 13 years.   Personal reasons bring Rick to the Toledo and when

he saw our job posting, he applied right away.  Our committee was very impressed with Rick’s background and many of the procedures in place for the Arlington diocese are the same for Toledo.  I have no doubt that Rick will be able to “hit the ground running”, which in fact he already has, his first day was July 20, so I trust he is already off to a good start.

Welcome Rick to Gesu.  We’re glad you are with us.

Attendance at Mass since we opened up has been about 60% of a normal weekend congregation.  We are averaging about the same as most of the other parishes in the city.  And of course, many of our elderly parishioners haven’t been attending and for good reason.  They are the most vulnerable and SHOULD STAY HOME.  As I write this I haven’t had any more communication from Bishop Thomas as to changes in the obligation to attend weekend Mass.  When I hear something, I’ll certainly let all of you know.  Collections are holding their own, but we are obviously down compared to last year.  It is a great time to consider electronic giving.  Information is in the bulletin about that method of parish support as well.

Also if you are not yet “connected” with the parish (and with me) and receive frequent text messages or emails with news of happenings in the parish, you can easily sign up using the form in the bulletin or calling the office.  All we need is you cell phone number or email address and you’ll be “on my list”.  It’s a good way to know what going on and be reminded of things practically when they are happening.

That’s it for now.  Too hot to write anymore!  Have a good week and stay healthy.

God bless,

Fr. Marty