By Shirley Baker, Pastoral Council Chair

   As the days shorten, life in our parish grows richer. The autumn holidays bring a busy season of reconnecting with family and friends, offering a time to thank God for His grace in our lives. My brother and sister-in-law travel from Olympia every Thanksgiving to spend it with us, a cherished tradition. Just before Easter, my sister-in-law received a diagnosis of incurable brain cancer. We continue to pray for her healing, and I also pray to be a conduit of God’s love during her hardship. I am profoundly grateful for the support of our parish community, especially the Prayer Chain, which has strengthened my sense of fellowship and deepened my commitment to prayer.

   Building relationships is key to our happiness and security, especially our relationship with God, the center of our lives. As a parish, we focus on fostering these connections to help each of us grow closer to God and to one another.

   Strengthening our community bonds has guided our initial efforts to implement the St. Mary’s Maintenance to Mission Pastoral Plan’s priorities. We started the statue restoration for the St. Mary of the Rosary’s Restoring Beauty project, and Alexis Peters has taken the lead in organizing the new seasonal Children’s Choir. These projects open doors for us to deepen our spiritual connections and unite in shared worship.

   Gathering as a community of believers reinforces our fellowship bonds. Events like the Feast Day Banquet, Crystalline Luncheon, and Mardi Gras Dinner offer us time to bond within the parish and the broader community. These gatherings, aligned with our faith year, bring joy and unity to our parish.

   Faith Night participation has become a priority for adults and children alike, infusing new energy into our parish. Discipleship remains central to us as Catholic Christians, and I feel blessed to have Father Vincent’s mentorship as we strengthen our relationship with God. Expanding our opportunities to serve both our faith and local communities helps us extend faith, hope, and charity to our friends and neighbors. I’m especially grateful for the Knights of Columbus, whose neighbors. I’m especially grateful for the Knights of Columbus, whose steadfast support and leadership pave new ways for us to serve. These acts of service embody Christ’s love and bring our faith into action.

   Evangelization lies at the heart of our community efforts, allowing us to share God’s love and welcome newcomers to the faith. Our goals of Evangelization, Discipleship, and Fellowship converge as we strive to lead others to the Church through our example as dedicated disciples of Christ.

   Our Pastoral Plan reflects the priorities of our worship community and serves as a foundation for our future. I am deeply grateful to all who share their gifts of time and talent, making St. Mary of the Rosary a vibrant place to worship, connect, and serve. With each step, our community’s efforts enrich our parish, creating a place where faith is lived, connections are nurtured, and service is joyfully given.