Dear Parishioners, 

Well, this is the weekend we have to say farewell to Fr. Aidan, to thank him, celebrate him and give him our fondest and best wishes as he moves to Holy Spirit Parish in Fremont as Associate Pastor. There's no question Aidan has been a gift to us and is a gift to the Church. Who can forget his exuberant greeting style whether "The Lord be with you!!!" or hugging parishioners at the door and carrying babies around the church? Who can forget his aerobic Christmas masses with "The 12 days of Christmas?" He has also put in place much that will affect our life and ministry for years to come: PowerPoint projectors in Church, TV screens in the Parish Hall, breakout rooms and Ministry Center, giant screen and projector in the gym. ChristLIght weekends are now a dynamic fixture in parish life; regular grief ministry workshops, weekday morning prayer, Wednesday morning coffee and weekly book discussions and more. We are indebted to him and will not forget him. Join us after mass today, or especially after the 12:15 mass for a special reception and celebration in the gym.

Our Cathedral Cener, plaza and worship space are almost complete. This weekend and next you'll find a "Cathedral Sunday Campaign" brochure in the pews. I invite you to take a brochure home, look it over and consider how you may want to support this major project of the Diocese of Oakland by a pledge, donation, or contribution - either in the collection that will be taken up next weekend or by mail. It's not just once in a lifetime but once in many centuries that you can be party to "building a Cathedral." The brochure focuses on the Cathedral building itself, but the plaza and project includes: a convention conference center; a free medical clinic for the uninsured; Chancery Office for over 100 diocesan staff; residences for the Bishop and parish priests; mausoleum; giftshop and coffee shop; parish staff offices and hall; underground parking. Help out and be a "founder of the Cathedral" if you can!

Your Pastor,
Brian T. Joyce