2024 was a momentous year for our parish community, as we thanked God for the nine years of Fr. Fischer’s spiritual fatherhood and leadership; he beautifully shepherded this Christ-centered community of faith during that time. Naturally, 2024 also brought me back to St. Patrick after spending the previous nine and a half years at St. Joseph in Imperial, MO. God’s Providence is always with us. Personally, I thank Almighty God for those two and a half years from July 2012 through February 2015, as that time laid a firm foundation for my return to Wentzville.

We had a beautiful Christmas Octave, and the Feast of the Epiphany was a joyful surprise. We added a 4 PM Vigil Mass to celebrate before the snowstorm, resulting in an incredible turnout despite the short notice. It was a true joy for me and Fr. Joe to lead all of you in worship during this blessed Christmas season at St. Patrick.

I would now like to take this time to share some important updates regarding our finances and land acquisition efforts.

Offertory Collections: As we begin the new year, we are back in the black, so to speak. This is really good news. Whatever any of you can do to continue this trend with the Increased Offertory Appeal would be awesome. Thanks in advance. The Stewardship Snapshot for November and December contributions can be found on page 3 of the January 19 bulletin.

Land Acquisition Funds: As of January 15, 2025, we have made significant progress towards our overall parish goal of $2,000,000. We have received an impressive number of gifts, and there's great potential for participation from all registered families. Please refer to page 5 of the January 19 bulletin for a Progress Report from the building committee regarding this important effort for the parish.

IRA Distributions: The Holy Spirit brought the early Church alive by giving individuals who would sustain the Church. By sharing your gifts, you can keep St. Patrick Parish alive. If you’re 70.5 years old, you can make a “tax-reducing” gift today of up to $100,000 through the IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution. It doesn’t create taxable income; rather, it can count toward your "required minimum distribution." Please consider such a gift, if you qualify.

Archdiocesan Benefits: Parish-wide for all participating employees in the parish and school, the Archdiocesan Benefit Plan faces a 15.7% overall cost increase due to rising healthcare expenses driven by higher claims, prescription drug prices, and inflation in medical services. Plan changes include deductible and out-of-pocket maximum increases, as well as merging the Premier and Standard Plans for efficiency. To note, this increase will require an increase in school tuition, to help defray the costs being handed onto the parishes.

As you are coming to know, as Pastor, I try to be very transparent with everything in the parish, especially related to finances. Overall transparency is key to earning your trust.

In closing, I wanted to let you know that I'll be away Saturday evening through Tuesday night with some of my family members who live in the Big Apple. Additionally, I will be concelebrating Mass at St. Patrick in Manhattan on Sunday. If you have any special prayer intentions, please let me know. Fr. Joe will be holding down the fort, and missionary priests from Cross Catholic Outreach will be here to celebrate Mass this weekend.

Happy New Year and May God Bless You All!