This is my first article since I arrived here in Verona. The start of my assignment was not what I was expecting. Being sick with COVID for two weeks was very humbling. The time did offer an opportunity to reflect on what God has done and appreciate how God is active in daily life. Thank you to all who were praying for me and for those who dropped off groceries. It was and is appreciated.

This weekend, we celebrate with our second graders who will receive the Lord for the first time in the Eucharist. This is a special day – one that many of us remember. It is more than a ritual. God loves us so much that He is willing to humble Himself to become food, so that Jesus would fulfill His promise that He would never leave us. When we approach Him and then receive Him, God dwells in us. What a grace far beyond our understanding! That is why this weekend is a joy. I am grateful to our catechists and to Amy Harker, who have spent much time to prepare our first communicants. Thank you to our parents and their families who have encouraged these young ones to come to the Lord’s table. May their faith and trust in the risen Lord grow throughout their lives.

Have a blessed week!