As most of you can imagine, I have certainly been in my happy place for the last several weeks with the cooler than normal weather. And it looks as though this trend will continue for the next ten days or so. Below normal January temperatures in Naples are actually enjoyable for most of us and compared to what is taking place up north, we are sitting pretty. Just this past week, a large storm rolled through the Northeast and dumped upwards of a foot of snow on Central Park in Manhattan.
Everyone who contributed more than $100 during the 2013 calendar year should have received an annual contribution statement last week. If you contributed in 2013 by credit card or ACH, your statement was most likely incorrect as we had a problem with these contributions syncing to our database. We are working to correct these statements and reissue. Thanks for your understanding and patience.
As of this past Wednesday, we have sold 245 tickets for the 16th Annual Super Bowl Party to take place next Sunday, February 2 in the PLC Ballroom between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks. After two of the most enjoyable playoff games in recent memory, we have the stage set for what will be a great Super Bowl. Did you know that this is the first time since 1995 that there is no representation by a team east of the Continental Divide? Actually, Denver is just east of the Continental Divide, but for arguments sake, we will use it for this reference. Remember that we are capping ticket sales at 300. Therefore, if you have not purchased your ticket, please do so as this event WILL sellout and we will not be able to offer tickets at the door. We are once again preparing the boards to sell our Super Bowl squares following all Masses on Super Bowl Sunday. I look forward to seeing each and every one of you outside of Mass on the February 2. All proceeds from the Super Bowl party benefit our Youth Ministry program.
We will begin hosting a Stretching for Seniors class on Monday and Wednesday mornings in the Claussen Center (Monday) and Parish Life Center (Wednesday), from 8:10 – 8:45. The hope is that people will attend class prior to going to the 9:00 a.m. Mass and feel better physically. The ultimate hope is that the stretching will help quiet peoples’ minds so they can have more meaningful experiences during Mass. (As we all know, it is much easier to feel God’s presence when our minds are quiet.) The cost to participate in the stretching class is $5 per session. The classes will be taught by Miriam Austin. Miriam is a parishioner and also the author of numerous books on health and well-being. If you would like more information, please email Miriam at [email protected].
As your General Manager, I take it upon myself to personally host/coordinate several events annually. Since I also write a weekly column, I will take this opportunity to promote the events for which I am directly responsible. All of these events are also very affordable and a great deal – not to mention a lot of fun. So consider this your save the date list…
March 9 – Family Fun and Ministry Day
If you were able to attend this event last year, you will understand that there isn’t much I can say other than this is a great day for your entire family. There is absolutely NO COST to attend this event as it is the signature event of our parish. This is your opportunity to come out and meet with representatives from all of our ministries while your children can partake in countless activities outside. We will once again have a true carnival atmosphere with live entertainment, a rock climbing wall, a dunk tank, bounce houses, obstacle courses, crafts, cotton candy, snow cones and tons more. There will also be numerous giveaways under the big top at the north end of our campus. All of the food (hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings) for this event is once again being graciously prepared and served by our Men’s Club. There are also adult beverages offered at this event. We had nearly 1,000 attend last year and I would like to exceed that mark this year. Did I mention that there is no charge to attend this event?
March 16 – St. Patrick’s Day Party
Last year I took over this event and we decided to go “Old School” reducing the cost of admission to $25 and serving Corned Beef and cabbage as well as an open bar. The cost will once again remain at $25 and capacity will be 350. We sold out this event last year! This year we will have the same DJ who played anything and everything from The Electric Slide to Danny Boy. We will also have the Harp and Thistle Band and our very own Irish Dance Troupe (Tir Na Nog.) All proceeds from this event will be used for the benefit of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
March 29 – Reverse Raffle
By starting my solicitation early this year, maybe I will not have to stress trying to sell tickets for this amazing event. Tickets for the Reverse Raffle are $100, however, your ticket includes admission for two, catered dinner and an open bar. The real bonus is that you have the opportunity to win $10,000.00 with the purchase of your ticket. All proceeds from the Reverse Raffle benefit the Catholic Faith Appeal.
In His work together,
Scott Schlossberg, MBA
General Manager