I have found over the course of my life that it is very easy to lose sight of the gifts our Lord so graciously bestows. The day-to-day drudgery of life, and the chaos of the modern world, provide an effectively thick smokescreen that obfuscates these blessings. As a retired United States Marine, my family and I continually had to roll with the punches of life over the course of the last 25 years. Our blessings were often overlooked and underappreciated. Joining the parish, and sharing in fellowship with all of you, has been a bountiful blessing for the entirety of my family. Our parish family, in words and deeds, have indeed provided a positive example; I indeed attribute the clarity that has been gained to this and to all of you. Reflecting back and taking stock of our lives, we have found a deep appreciation for the blessings that we grossly overlooked, or maybe observed as nothing more than luck when it was truly God speaking to and answering us. We are honored to stand in worship beside all of you, and I am so very proud to join you in paying it forward and spreading the joyfulness of a loving relationship with and through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God bless all of you, and thank you.
Louie Alessio