The rainy season sure went out with a bang. As of this past Tuesday morning, we had received over three inches of rainfall and totals were expected to be in the five to six inch range before all is said and done. This moisture was associated with a broad area of low pressure center just north of the Yucatan Peninsula. The area of low pressure was forecast to move to the east northeast and eventually be picked up by our first true cold front of the season. This weather pattern was a true win-win for everyone in Southwest Florida as we picked up more than our share of much needed rainfall and as a result, enjoyed temperatures in the 70’s during the day and 50’s at night. Did you know that we have not seen a high temperature of 90 degrees since September? This statistic is very rare, however, I am sure that no one is complaining. It looks as though we will have smooth sailing for the rest of season with comfortable daytime temperatures and cool evenings. I, for one, welcome the cooler weather and look forward to the return of our seasonal residents and visitors. For those that have been away, we once again welcome you back to paradise.
We have added another Mass to the nursery schedule. Currently, there are nursery services available for the Saturday 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Masses and Sunday for the 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Masses. Please note that the times change on November 6 to 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. for Sunday Mass. Our new Mass with nursery services will be the 5:00 p.m. Mass. The nursery is staffed in the Parish Life Center classroom #5. The nursery attendant is an employee of the church, has been fingerprinted and has attended Safe Environment Training which is mandated by the Diocese of Venice. If you have children 1-5 years of age (or a special circumstance), please feel free to drop your child off in the nursery. This service is complimentary. If you have questions or require further assistance, please call Kellymarie Heslin at 514.2937.
The response to my recent comments regarding the memorial garden has been amazing. I believe we set a record for sales this past week. On Friday alone, I sold six spaces in the memorial garden. If you are interested in making our beautiful memorial garden your final resting place, please contact me at 566.1678 to schedule an appointment. There is plenty of space available, however, the prime spots are filling up quickly.
Lighting Update
It seems that my more concise explanation last week regarding our lighting project may have enticed some of our parishioners to get on board. I explained that we were not necessarily looking for a donation of $70,000 or even two donations at $35,000 (although that would certainly be nice). Instead, we could pool our resources and eventually reach the goal of $70,000.00 in order to fix our lighting issues for good. This past week I received several gifts of $1,000.00 towards our lighting project. We now have received $10,000.00 and are nearly 15% of the way to a new lighting system. If you would like to contribute, please drop a check in the offertory or better yet, stop by and see me in the office. Together, we can meet with success. Thank you very much to those that have made a contribution.
Triplet Update
It has been a while since I updated you on the status of our dynamic trio. The triplets are now 4 2/3 months old and thriving. Nate is over 13 pounds and has surpassed his once bigger sister Mia (12.5 pounds) by a half pound. Ella is bringing up the rear at 11.5 pounds. It is hard to believe that they came into this world at less than four pounds. They are now eating newborn formula and once or twice a day are being spoon fed a rice mixture. It is amazing the personalities that they have developed. Ella is extremely high maintenance and very demanding. Mia is extremely laid back, and Nate can go either way. The girls have developed a bond with one another, while Nate prefers that they do not bother him. Up until last week they were still sleeping in the same crib, however, there is no more room for the three of them. They are now officially sleeping in their own cribs. They are rolling over and have all realized that they have appendages called hands which they frequently use to knock the bottles out of their mouths. They frequently communicate via whatever language it is that they are speaking at 4 2/3 months. Ella’s speech can switch from happy shrills to an
gry screams at the drop of a hat. Believe it or not they are now sleeping through the night, which as far as I am concerned is the biggest development thus far. As a matter of fact, I am getting more sleep now than before they were born. Many of you (including myself) felt that these three beautiful little babies were going to be more than we could handle. Oddly enough, it is a wonderful experience and they are great babies. We keep them on a tight schedule and they have responded well. We are truly blessed! Attached is a picture of Mia, Ella and Nate in their gear preparing for the Alabama football game. Their Mom is an Alabama grad and the Seminoles had a bye week. Thanks again to everyone for your continue thoughts and prayers.
In His work together,
Scott Schlossberg, MBA
General Manager