I know a little bit about what it’s like to be new in this place.  I arrived here in Charlotte and Bellevue at the end of June 2016, after having served as pastor of St. John the Evangelist parish in Fenton, south of Flint.  Being new to a place isn’t the easiest thing, but the folks here in Charlotte and Bellevue have been warm and welcoming to me, and I know you will find the same to be true as we welcome you.

The history of our parish community stretches back almost 150 years.  Back then, folks in this part of the world were lucky if they were able to attend Mass once or twice a year.  What a blessing it is to have the opportunity to worship together pretty much any day of the week.  Near the end of 2012, St. Mary and St. Ann were merged into a single parish, to make sure that we continue to be a strong and vibrant community of faith.  I think you will find this to be true, even as the unique nature and giftedness of each community shines through.

 We are also blessed with the presence of St. Mary School, a strong and growing Catholic school that seeks to shape hearts and minds in the service of Christ.  Our parish school, combined with our faith formation program for children and youth who attend public schools (what used to be called “CCD”) seeks to partner with students and families to form a strong faith and a loving relationship with God through his Son, Jesus Christ.

 In the end, the goal of all of this is what God wants for us:  to be happy, both now and in eternity.  “Happy” doesn’t just mean full of joy; it also means having a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment that can only be rooted in and come from God.

 As pastor of this parish community, I welcome you.  On behalf of our entire parish community, I hope you find welcome here and the love of God which brings us life and happiness.