The parable of the fig tree at the end of today's gospel evidently encourages the virtue of patience. The orchard owner wants to cut the fig tree down and eliminate the barren tree from his property because it has produced no fruit in three years. It is the gardener who wants to save the tree. It is the gardener who works with the tree who wants to keep it. The gardener still believes in the tree and its fruit-bearing possibility. The orchard owner may own the tree, but the gardener better knows and loves the tree. As we often hear from St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians, love is patient.
Patience is a lenten virtue. Often we begin Lent with the best of intentions and by this third week of Lent, we realize we may have faltered a bit and not lived our lenten resolutions perfectly. Today's parable is just for us. Our faltering ought not lead us to give up. We may well have succeeded most of the time with our lenten promises, but our weak moments may make us feel we have failed. It's in times like these we need to look to the gardener, the one who knows us and loves and will continue to work with us so that our lenten practices may bear fruit. Obviously, Jesus is the gardener. Allowing him to work with us so that our lenten practices may bear fruit can still make this our best Lent ever.

DIOCESAN RESTRUCTURING
You have probably heard and read about efforts in the diocese to work things differently because so many parishes are now operating at a financial deficit. Reports indicate 100 out of 133 parishes are recording a financial loss. We are one of those parishes. Our Business Manager is preparing a detailed report of our finances which I hope to have for you around Easter. We are not in crisis. We have succeeded these past three months in operating with a balanced budget. Our deficit over the past eighteen months is very much due to the many improvements we have made in our buildings. Our buildings (church, school, convent, rectory, outreach) are all in good shape. This is due to the past generosity and continued generosity of our parishioners. In addition to building improvements, our salary and benefits expenses take up a large percentage of our income. We are looking at all of our expenses and we have successfully trimmed them these past three months and will continue to trim. I am confident that for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, we will return to a balanced budget as we had for all years from 2000 - 2007.

Bishop Murphy has instituted a three point directive to help all parishes achieve fiscal health. Every parish is required to:

1. Prepare and submit a balanced budget.
2. Submit monthly reports of income and expenses.
3. Pay insurance and pension benefits on a timely basis.

I can report that Holy Name of Mary is in full compliance with each of these directives. Our goal and our work is to keep within our budget. All parish and school staff and employees have been directed to keep expenditures reserved for essential purchases. We have a history of good stewardship and we will continue to be good stewards and financial managers.
You may have heard of the Voluntary Separation Program offered to diocesan and parish employees based on age and years worked. About fifteen of our parish and school employees have been offered this option which allows for several months salary given to the person who chooses to leave his/her job, the amount based on years served, and an extension of medical benefits for a period of time. Employees offered this option have until March 22 to decide.
This brief report summarizes where we are in what has been called "diocesan restructuring." Most significant for our parish is that we are successfully working toward a balanced budget and our staff and employees continue to minister, serve, and work responsibly, as they have for many years.

BLOOD DRIVE
Our Blood Drive, organized by Parish Outreach, is set for this Tuesday afternoon and evening. The weather of this winter has caused a severe shortage of blood supply. Consider giving blood as one of your lenten sacrifices.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION WEEK
Next Sunday at the 10:30 mass we will celebrate the religious education ministry of our parish. We have more than 700 students and 80 catechists in our program. Under the direction of Sr. Emily and her two office staff helpers, Mrs. Breen and Mrs. Mullins, our program is entirely staffed by volunteers, some who have been involved for 20 years. I am very grateful to them. Last Tuesday, I was speaking to a group of students and parents who are thrilled with their catechist and are deeply grateful. I was so encouraged by this enthusiastic expression of those involved in religious education. Parents spoke of how this catechist truly loves their children. This is what teaching and catechists and parish is about - learning about Jesus and the Church and loving one another at the same time.
Religious education is preparing for its busiest time of the year - the First Communion Season !!! Many thanks to Sr. Emily and all who participate in this important ministry.

Sincerely in Christ,

Msgr. Tom