Dear Parishioners and Friends, 
On Monday, October second, I reached forty-three years of priesthood. More than ever, I am grateful to the Lord for the many graces received during all these years in His service. I continue to entrust all to the Lord as he reaches out in the words of the gospel this Sunday: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes?” I place my life and ministry into the good Lord’s hands.  I thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and kind words of support. I am glad to be here as your pastor. 
 Forty-three years bring with it many memories.  I lovingly recall my dear parents, who have already entered eternity. They loved me deeply, prayed for me, and supported me in my priestly vocation. My dear brothers and sisters have been very good to me and a tremendous support over the years.  In addition, I have met so many God-fearing, God-loving, people - young and old- in my various assignments, who have shown me the face of Christ in their joys and sorrows.  My brother priests have also been truly like brothers in standing by me these four decades, some I have known even before ordination. The inadequate words “thank you” express my sincere sentiments of gratitude. 
 As we move into the month of October, I can’t help but think of Our Lady.  I know that she has been with me in a special way since my boyhood days.  I have tried to be faithful to my consecration to her with these words: “O My Queen, O My Mother, remember that I am thine own; keep me and guard me as thy property and possession!”  I also recall the profound Marian devotion of Pope Saint John Paul II who took as his papal motto “Totus Tuus”, which comes from the prayer “Totus tuus, ego sum Maria! Mary, I am completely yours!”  During October, let us draw near to Mary through her rosary, which leads us, like her, into the embrace of the Savior.  The family rosary is needed now more than ever to bring families together and to bring Christ into the heart of the home. During October we pray the rosary in church after all the 8:15a.m. daily Masses.  

Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 

Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor