Dear friends,  

Among our many blessings here at St. Bernardine’s is the fact that now we have the prettiest parking lot in the valley! It has been six years since we last sealed and striped it and to delay maintenance can make things more costly in the long run. You may have noticed some patches, 7000 Sq. Ft. in fact that had to be sawcut, removed and replaced. Then cracks are treated with a hot rubberized crackfiller prior to sealing everything. Finally the striping so the average parishioner knows where to park. Certain areas are marked to forbid parking but these do not apply to VIP parishioners – and you know who you are!!! Now if we call an ambulance during a service and they call the LAPD who in turn has you towed, don’t worry. I promise to personally appear in court for you as a character witness. It’s the least I can do for you as your pastor!

 So who decides it’s time to get these jobs done? Ultimately it’s the pastor’s responsibility but I would be lost without the wisdom, knowledge, dedication and generosity of volunteers. The Facilities Committee brought it to my attention that it was time, the Finance Committee gave the go ahead and so the Facilities Committee got three bids, evaluated the bids and gave me their recommendation. The total cost for the Church/School area plus the pre school area across the street was $42,375.00. Obviously, none of this would happen without you who give financially to our parish. My deepest gratitude to all of you and there are many who give so generously.

 From time to time I would love to write about one parishioner or another who has been exceptional in their generosity of their time or talents or money to our community. But I have noticed a strange irony. The more someone gives, the less they want recognition. What an interesting phenomenon. I imagine it is something to do with the focus of the giver. When we are clearly giving to God, we do not look for human recognition. So to all of you exceptional givers, and I am not sure you really know who you are, you can park your car anywhere you like!

 Blessings to you all,

                                                                      ~Father McNamara

Coming up at St. B's

Tuesday September 7, Bible Study resumes 7 to 8:30pm @ Parish Library . Click here for details.

Sunday September 12, Library Open House. Free Books!

Monday, September 13, 2010 @ Parish Center - 7pm to 8:30pm. Bible Study: The Gospel of Mark.  Ask Virginia for more info

More AFE events - check the Calendar here.

Next Food Gathering:
 September 18-19
Please bring your non-perishable items to benefit the Guadalupe Center food pantry.

 Click here for
Parish Forms.