I received from the Diocese this past week an update about the 2014 Annual Catholic Appeal. Our goal was set for $146,724. Our parish has pledged $186,713 and the diocese has received from us $169,284. This is indeed great news that I wanted to pass on to all of you. The reason for this success was due largely because we went from 718 to 1001 donors. I am extremely thankful to those who contributed to the appeal. The diocese has extended the appeal to Monday January 26th. This means that we still have time to pay off the pledged amount of $186,713 till then. Remember every dollar over our goal comes back to the parish up to January 26th. If you can make this all possible, I again thank you!

Tuesday, January 20th is the feast of St. Sebastian! We will have a special Concelebrated Mass with   music at 7 PM as a way of celebrating our patron saint. I have invited Msgr. Sean Ogle, the Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria, to preside and preach at the Mass. I hope all of you can attend. Tickets are now available for our parish Mardi Gras party to be held on Tuesday, February 17th from 7:30 PM to 9PM in our Parish Center. Tickets are $20 and can be reserved or picked up by calling or coming to the Rectory (718)429-4442. You can bring your own beverage and snacks.

Finally, congratulations to our Santo Niño devotion prayer group as they celebrate 25 years of service to our parish. I am very grateful for all that they do for the parish and for the faith that keeps them united to Christ. I look forward to working with them for many years to come.

Thanks you for your support!

Rev. Kevin P. Abels