You may have seen a large and unsightly contraption to the left of the crucifix in our sanctuary these past few weeks.  It is not a video camera.  It is a smoke detection system.  Our fire department, in its last review of our fire prevention system, informed us that it was necessary to update our original smoke detectors.  Some of them were no longer functioning.

This new system uses invisible beams and reflectors to detect smoke.  It will be a needed and critical upgrade.  The location, however, disturbs the beauty and integrity of our sanctuary, and I have asked the company to move it.  Unfortunately, somebody forgot to check with the pastor before it was installed.  Soon, if not already, it will be moved to a more discreet location.  The cost for this upgrade, for which competitive proposals were sought, is about $6000. Given St. Philip’s history, this expense for fire prevention is well worth it.

Rest assured, what you see is not a video camera taping you as you snooze during Mass.  But we are being watched, always, from heaven above.  So we should always try to be good no matter what.

At our last Finance Committee meeting, I was advised to pay an additional $25,000 off of our total diocesan debt of about $270,000.  To date in our special second collections this fiscal year, we have collected about $20,000.  The quicker we pay this off, the less we will expend in interest, and the sooner we can use these resources for important needs and ministries here.

I want to forewarn you that our Carnival will occur in July this year.  Our negotiations with vendors and our efforts to vary our rides a little have meant looking at other possible weekends.  Right now it looks like we will hold the Carnival July 7-11 or July 14-17.  Please plan on helping us if you can, and attending with family and friends for sure.  It is a great community event and an important fundraiser for us.

A final thanks are in order for a beautiful Christmas season!  Our Masses during the holidays were beautiful and uplifting.  So was our church.  So was your presence.  And God blessed us with the generosity of all of you, increasing our collection over last year.  That helps us in our effort to meet our carefully watched budget.  Congratulations, St. Philip’s!

Sincerely,

Fr. Paul