On this wonderful Easter Day may I express a word of warm welcome to all celebrating the central mystery of our faith.  As a parish family we are excited to see so many folks back visiting family and friends for the holiday.  A special welcome also to those visiting our parish. We are glad that you have come to worship with us and hope that you might consider choosing St. Matthias as your spiritual home.  To those who worship with us on an occasional basis, may I invite you to become an integral part of our community? We would like to build and grow our parish with your help.  You will find a warm welcome each time you come to worship with us.
     Many thanks to all who have participated in preparing the wonderful Triduum and Easter celebrations.  It is a great sign to see so many coming together to sing, play, sew, decorate, build, bake, welcome, coordinate, and serve in liturgical ministries.  A special word of thanks goes to the members of the Triduum Preparation Team who have worked so hard since mid-winter to prepare such a meaningful celebration of faith.  Thanks also to Martha O’Neil and all who worked on the beautiful program booklets that enhanced our celebration.
     Are you itching for a “spring fling?”  No I don’t mean like the ones you find on Desperate Housewives!   I’m talking about a night where parishioners and friends can come together to enjoy one another’s company and raise some much needed funds for our parish community.  Elsewhere in the bulletin you will find info on our parish “Spring Fling” to be held next month at the Marlborough Country Club.  Our $30.00 ticket price is part of the fundraising effort as is the auction and raffle that will take place.  Time is running short. Don’t miss out on this evening of fun and friendship!  Get a group together and buy a table today!   I look forward to seeing you there.
     Thanks for all in ministry who recently participated in the CORI information weekends.  I know of some folks who were a bit taken aback with the information requested, yes I too didn’t want to divulge my weight to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  However as we all know, safety for our children and elderly is a top priority and compliance with the archdiocese and the state in the CORI investigations is important and necessary.
     A final thank you to our great staff at St. Matthias for weathering the hectic weeks of preparation for Easter and, on a regular basis, for ministering to our community with such faithful service.  Thanks to Pastoral Associate, Joanie Barclay; Music Director Judy McManus along with accompanist Joyce Beliveau; Steven Levy our office manager; Sharon Levy who has given us secretarial assistance; Ed Krupwich our maintenance associate who works so faithfully behind the scenes; and our newest staff member Deacon Doug Peltak who has enlivened  us with his joy for ministry.  Along with all who volunteer in our offices, these are the folks whose dedication keeps our parish up and running and moving forward in ministry.