From the Desk of Fr. Mike

We are in the process of turning the old office space in Our Lady of the Sierra Church into a more lounge like environment that will be better suited for RCIA, for Youth Group, and Confirmation Class and other groups that need the use of the room. It will foster a more "hospitable' space, instead of a strictly "classroom like" atmosphere. The living room furniture from the old library at Bass Lake, and donated furniture from parishioners are enabling us created this welcoming space. We may need more living type furniture, and if anyone may have a couch, love seat, or chair they use to donate to the parish, you may call the parish office.

This Sunday we are pleased to welcome to our parish the Cursillo community that are visiting us at the 11:00AM Mass followed by a meeting in the hall. Cursillo is a movement in the Church that allows for people to experience a conversation process in their lives through a retreat and follow-up journey. The Cursillo movement, both in English and Spanish have touched the lives of so many people in our diocese. We welcome them with great joy today.

Again we congratulate the members of the RCIA who participated in the Rite of Election with Bishop Steinbock last Sunday afternoon at St. Anthony of Padua Church. We are blessed with those who look forward to joining our Catholic community this coming Easter Vigil.

Father Eric Swearingen of Holy Spirit Parish in Fresno is leading a group to Italy this coming November. The seven day pilgrimage will begin in Venice and will end in Rome with a Papal Audience. Anyone wishing more information regarding this pilgrimage can call Holy Spirit office in Fresno at 559-434-7701.

We are in the process of investigating the possibilities of turning our beautiful Bass Lake facility into a retreat center. There is a need for some of our parished for a place to bring their students to a place for one day retreat. Our office is looking at seriously evaluating the facility, updating what needs to be changed out so groups, Catholic schools, CCD groups, Confirmation classes, etc., might come and use the parish grounds. As more and more activities have moved to Oakhurst, we do not want to let the grounds there fall into disuse, and we are discovering the need for a place such as this. We also believe that we could weekend retreats at Bass Lake if we could make arrangements with a local motel for the overnight stay, with all activity otherwise taking place at St. Dominic Savio. Certainly young people could camp out there, but there are presently no showering facilities. We would appreciate any input or help with these plans. We have such a wonderful gift with St. Dominic's and we need to show it off to more Catholics in our diocese.