Weekend Wisdom - April 5th, 2026
Friends,
As I look out my office window, I know it is Spring when I see the willows across Sportsman Drive start to color up – they are always the first to return to life as the ground thaws and the water flows. They are eager to take up the water and begin their growing season again.
How appropriate are the willows as an analogy to the incredible paschal mystery we celebrate today – the light returns, the water flows and is blessed again, and we renew our baptismal promises as we rise with Jesus, our savior. Our sin is washed away and we begin to grow again.
As a Catholic community, there is no shortage of signs of growth at St. Mary. We have new members joining every week and baptisms on at least 2 weekends each month. Our staff is changing and growing all the time to meet the changing needs of the parish. We met our Bishop’s Appeal goal in record time, supporting the diocesan ministries and outreach which go beyond the scope of our parish. Those are just a few of the many fruits in our parish community.
There is always room for growth and new life. As this is your parish, I encourage you to reflect on where God might be calling you to offer life and energy to our parish community.
If you’re visiting…we welcome you and invite you to join the parish!
If you’re new, returning to the church, or seeking deeper meaning in your everyday life…participate in “The Search” small groups to meet others in the parish and share faith starting April 14th!
If you’re a parent…we’re so glad you’re here because we know that Mass can be an adventure with children of all ages!
If you’re recently retired or have a fresh empty nest…join us to volunteer in an area you’re passionate about – lawn care, office support, washing altar linens, overseeing the big picture of our meal ministries, etc.
If you love cooking, baking, planning events, and bringing community together…we’re excited about our new hospitality group which will kick-off April 26th!
With Bishop and the rest of our diocese, we also continue to be committed to vocations, discipleship, and welcoming people back into the church and accompanying them in their relationship with Jesus. Furthermore, it is priority for us as parish leadership to support you in reclaiming and restoring the blessing of Sundays in your life. God knows, and so do we, that the demands and pace of living is intense. We want to help you name and claim the Sabbath as a time for worship and relationships. We want to support you with the tools and the courage to rest and be blessed. I hope you’ll join us to be part of this important goal.
St. Mary is a beautiful place to be growing and worshipping as disciples. Know of my prayers for you.
He is risen! Happy Easter!
Fr. Mike Ingold, Pastor