From the Parochial Administers Desk:
After my first week in my new official position I have to say that I am very proud to be here at Christ the King. My excitement to serve you leads way also to fear. Please know that as I learn my new role, there will be mistakes made. I am relying heavily on our councils and the support of my brother priests as well as the Vicar for Clergy in La Crosse for this advice and guidance when questions arise. I will not jump into anything without doing the proper re- search and due diligence, weighing the positive and negative toward the growth and well being of Christ the King Parish and community.
Now for the update on the current capital campaign. We have had $42,365.00 pledged for Phase I (the building of the rectory) and we are still calculating Phase II monies (money to replenish our savings account over the next three
years).
The current rectory was listed in early January and an offer was made last week. We countered the original offer and the future buyer accepted. The diocese, through protocol, was sent the bid and the bishop approved the sale. We should close on the house in March, at which time Judy and the parish office items will move to the Seaton Center in a classroom. The fifth-grade class is the smallest so they will be meet in the conference room for the remaining year.
The final plans are being drafted, and a contractor will be chosen after the final bids come in. This should be in the next few weeks. The original five builders have been brought down to three, Greg Brock, Henry Aumann, and John
Altmann
As our Gospel passage from Matthew tells us this weekend, “you are the salt of the earth”. This passage is a well-known one taken from the Sermon on the Mount, a sort of spiritual pep-talk early in Matthew’s Gospel. The verses we just heard come only a few lines after the Beatitudes, that challenging blueprint for a God-centered life spoken so eloquently by our Lord. And by using images of salt and light Jesus is trying to make sure his listeners understand the profound impact they can have on the world, the city we live in, and the parish we worship at.
My friends, I know we have a bright future ahead of us, and as we unite to make this parish grow I promise you that I will do everything in my power to be here for you, to support you, administer the Sacraments to you, and help you grow closer in relationship to Our Lord Jesus Christ.
May God Bless your week, Your brother in Christ,
Fr. Barry