Dear People of St. Catherine’s,
I am writing this letter on a morning that it was 29 at my house in Wesley Chapel. Brr. Then I remembered all the days in Buffalo when we didn’t approach 29 all day! And then I felt better. 🙂 There’s a little of this and a little of that in this letter, so stay with me! 🙂
We begin this winter month with the joyful visit of Bishop Barry Howe to St. Catherine’s to confirm and receive some of our company. When I became Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Buffalo in 1995, Bishop Howe was Dean of St. Peter’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Shortly after, he was elected bishop of Western Missouri and when he retired from that ministry, he and his wife retired back to St. Petersburg Beach. He now assists Bishop Smith in our diocese. Every visit from the bishop is a joyful occasion. The bishop is for us the sign of apostolic ministry, a present reminder of the ancient apostolic cry. “We have seen the Lord, risen from the dead.” So be sure to be with us on Feb. 2 to welcome Bishop Howe and greet the newly confirmed and received.
It was given to the disciples and early church to offer the healing of Christ to all who needed such healing. Please notice the announcement elsewhere in the Wheel about our meeting on Feb. 16 to talk about incorporating healing ministry into the life of St. Catherine’s. To a world that is broken and adrift we can offer healing and hope. Please pray for this ministry.
Healing comes not only in personal moments and with quiet touch and anointing, but healing happens by our actions in the community. So, please join me in welcoming Ms. Nina Cruz, the social worker at Temple Terrace Elementary School, on Feb. 23. She will be with us during our breakfast following the 10:00 AM service. For some time, we have been privileged to walk with the children and staff of Temple Terrace Elementary to support the work of that school. We have given books, money, food, and many other things to help the children learn and grow, to have hope for their future. It will be our great pleasure to welcome Ms. Cruz and hear about the school and its needs.
Finally, continue to pray for our parish as we begin the actual work leading to the calling of your next rector. When the time comes for you to “chime in,” please do so with enthusiasm and thoughtfulness. The Holy Spirit will guide us, I am sure. This is the season of light for the church. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!
With joy and great hope,
Allen W. Farabee
Interim Rector