November 9, 2025

Dear sisters and brothers of Saint Michael Parish,

This weekend we joyfully celebrate the seventh anniversary of the dedication of our altar — a sacred milestone in the life of our parish. Our altar, which beautifully contains relics of the ancient martyrs St. Lucy and St. Felicity, is more than a piece of stone; it is a sign of Christ Himself, the cornerstone of our faith and the heart of our worship.

On November 5, 2018, more than 1,100 parishioners and friends gathered with Archbishop Peter Sartain, Fr. Jim Lee,  Fr. Lou Cuningham, Deacon John Bergford, Deacon Rob Rensel, and many priests from across the archdiocese to witness the anointing of this altar with Sacred Chrism. In that moment, the stone became holy; set apart for the sacrifice of the Eucharist. But something mysterious also happened such that whenever we, the people of God, gather around this altar, we are renewed as living stones, called to build up the Church by our faith, our love, and our unity in Christ.

Providentially, this anniversary falls in the same week as our State of the Parish event on Friday, November 14. We will begin with a 6pm social hour in the Gathering Space, followed by Eucharistic Adoration and Evening Prayer at 7pm, all centered on the very altar we commemorate. The evening will include our State of the Parish address at 7:30pm, where we will share the fruit of our Unite in His Presence Listening Engagements — the heartbeat of who we are and where God is calling us as a parish community.

This presentation will not outline specific projects or plans, but rather a spiritual vision — a reflection of our growing understanding of our identity and mission — who we are, why we exist, what guides our actions, and the path we are called to walk together in faith.

As we mark this anniversary, may we be reminded that every time we gather around the altar, we encounter Christ, who unites us, nourishes us, and sends us forth to bring His love to the world.

May we never cease to gather at His table and witness ever more deeply the Kingdom of God in our midst.

With gratitude and prayer,