My Dear Parish Family:

The month of March, in the Bronx, is all about “the wearing of the green.”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day here in the Bronx and I pray everyone enjoys the parade!

Last weekend I was so proud to be honored by the Knights of Columbus at the annual St. Patrick’s Dinner/ Dance in Fr. Albert Hall.

My dear parents, looking down from heaven, undoubtedly were as proud as I was to be honored by this amazing fraternity of Catholic men. The Knights do so many good works for so many throughout the world and support the Catholic Church in countless ways. They also put on a great party! Thank you my brother Knights and to all the members of the parish who came out to enjoy the evening.

As always, the meal was delicious and the evening was filled with laughter, dancing and having a grand time together as only the Irish can! Thank you all. May God continue to shine His gracious blessings upon all the members of St. Benedict’s Parish and our families.

Next Sunday is actually St. Patrick’s Day with the parade in Manhattan along Fifth Avenue. I will not be attending that parade this year, but have often and so I am praying for everyone to be safe and to enjoy the day. As you undoubtedly know, St. Patrick is the Patron Saint for the Archdiocese of New York and that is why it is such a big celebration for us New York Catholics. When you are enjoying St. Patrick’s Day in whatever way you celebrate the day, please take a moment to pray for the Catholic Church of New York, Cardinal Dolan, as well as all the auxiliary bishops, priests and deacons of the Archdiocese.

We all know of the troubles of the Church and prayer is the only answer to assist all of us priests in returning to the heart of Christ and to humbly serving our people. St. Patrick, please intercede for us and bring us all closer to Christ, now and always.

Until next week, St. Patrick pray for us.
St. Benedict, pray for us! Terence Cardinal Cooke, Servant of God pray for us!

Fr. Stephen Norton