Dear Parishioners, this week, we celebrate our Saint of the Month: St. Francis of Assisi, one of my most beloved saints. I've had the privilege of spending time in Assisi, his birthplace and final resting place, which deepened my appreciation for his extraordinary life. 

    St. Francis's journey is a powerful example of conversion and dedication. As a young man, he renounced his family's wealth and embraced a life devoted to Christ. His pivotal experience came when he heard Christ's voice from the cross, saying, "Francis, rebuild my church." Taking these words quite literally, he went out and got building material and began to rebuild the dilapidated little chapel he was praying in. It was a little chapel dedicated to Our Lady. However, he soon realized that Christ was calling him to a broader spiritual renewal. 

   St. Francis became an itinerant preacher, embodying Christ's poverty and charity. His commitment inspired many men and women to follow him as disciples. He challenged the status quo, and focused on Christ as the center of personal renewal and dedication to the Gospel.  St. Francis's example resonates deeply with our parish's current needs. Like the Church in his time, we face challenges. Our demographic is changing, and we must adapt to ensure our vitality. St. Francis responded to a stagnant era by pointing to a new path—physically and spiritually rebuilding the Church. This mirrors our Pastoral Plan, which aims to enhance worship and our worship space, restoring beauty, and foster spiritual renewal through discipleship, fellowship, and service. 

   Our parish staff and councils need to be aligned with the mission in our Pastoral Plan. A few months ago, we created a new part-time position to support that mission: Director of Parish Life, with Kellie Trudeau moving to that position. Even in her previous role at the front desk, Kellie has always prioritized parish communications, religious education and faith formation programs, and coordinated volunteer ministries, which are all growing programs that continue to gain momentum in our parish. This new position allows her continued focus on building those ministries as she drives needed programs and helps sustain their growth, offers improved support and availability for volunteers, funeral and sacramental coordination, future pastoral planning, and consistency in parish-wide communication strategies.  

   There has also been a need to make sure the parish as a business can remain successful as we grow and prioritize our mission, which necessitated a part-time business manager to take on more advanced administration duties. Jolene McGee was hired in January to help improve our accounting system, assume administrative responsibilities and manage facilities. Jackie Fuller continues to do daily billing, data entry, and manage cemetery records, but moved to the front desk to assist with reception, correspondence, and office organization. 

    These staff changes are supported by our parish's sound financial position, which has strengthened with increased ministry participation and attendance. Several needed improvements have already been realized in many areas since the staff changes took place in January. 

   Our two advisory councils also work with us to ensure our parish remains focused on our mission. The Pastoral Council underwent a transition last year as we merged multiple church locations into one parish serving south Stevens County. The council, under the leadership of Shirley Baker, diligently crafted our Pastoral Plan and will spend the next years working to execute that plan. 

   The Finance Council is currently undergoing its own revitalization, re-emphasizing its role and responsibilities as advisers and helpers, to ensure that our parish's resources are supporting and advancing our mission as stated in the Pastoral Plan. Our Finance Council Chair Mary Schneiter, who has served on the council for many years, as well as long-time member Dorothy Mohr, have recently resigned from their positions on the Finance Council. We extend our sincere gratitude to both of them for years of dedicated service. Lori Larsen will join the council as the new Chair, and additional new members will join her as well. 

   We are confident that these changes will enable us to follow St. Francis's example and build a vibrant, renewed parish community. To fully experience our faith and evangelize to others, I encourage each of you to be active participants in our parish, sharing your gifts and embracing the mission of our Pastoral Plan.