Greetings from the Pastor

Dear parishioners,

I am happy and excited to be here at St. Nicholas as your new pastor. I look forward to meeting you and to learn more about you. I will be sharing my story with you over time as well.

I believe communication is an important key, along with a spirit of team work for a successfully run parish, so I will periodically use this space in the bulletin (and send the same information out via e-mail) to keep you informed of various changes and activities in the parish.

We all come from various Catholic traditions and in a way they are all intended to move us closer in our relationship with Jesus Christ. I will look at introducing some of the traditions I have been exposed to over my 49 years, but I will only do that after evaluating how I think it will affect the parish. I will ask others, from their ministerial standpoint, what they think of the change and how best to implement the change for the greatest impact. One criteria I will use is: does the practice invite parishioners to participate more? I think if it does increase participation the change will be meaningful and accepted, and if it doesn't (i.e. it reduce participation, making parishioners more of an audience or observer) it will not have the depth or meaning I am seeking.

As such, my first change is to initiate a 7pm Tuesday evening Mass. The Mass on the first Tuesday of every month will be a "Healing Mass". In addition to praying for anyone needing healing, it is also an opportunity for any parishioner who would like the Anointing of the Sick, to receive it. I have spoken with ministry leaders who have told me this would be a great addition and would not interfere with Tuesday night meetings that begin at 7:30.

I believe if we as a parish are to be successful in carrying Christ mission out into the world, then we need to have a very close relationship with one another.

Your Friend in the Journey,

Father Jun
Rev. Venancio R. Balarote, Jr.