February 2007

I am sure you all know by now that Father Joe Baker, the pastor of Holy Family Church passed away Sunday, January 14, 2007. As a reflection, it seems providential that he would pass on to our heavenly home just before the Pro Life March which took place on January 20th. Father Joe was one of our enthusiastic supporters of all pro-life efforts. His brother mentioned that before he became a priest he was thrown in jail for demonstrating at the college he was attending defending the life of the unborn. He was just as enthusiastic all through his priesthood. His love and care of the homeless is well known and the center he raised the money for and built will be a lasting remembrance of him. We will miss him very much.

As mentioned the pro-life march took place on January 20th. It was a very peaceful march this year attended by our Bishop (who had a broken toe) and several of our other diocesan priests.  There was a very good turn out to the mass and the march. The people extended at least three blocks which shows the concern we all have for the life of our unborn babies.

I noticed the news coverage was very slim on this fact. I was interviewed but what I said never went in the newspaper. It is so sad to see the number of roses that are presented at the tomb of the unborn with our prayers that we won’t have to do it again next year. That can only happen if we persevere in prayer and educate the people especially the young girls that simply do not know the truth.

The ministry is looking forward to this coming year. We will definitely be going to Fatima, Lourdes and Italy in September and are hoping to take another Priest to the Holy Land in July.

May God Bless Each of You.

Gayle Sims