Since he became our Pope, Pope Francis has been a wonderful example of humility and openness to all.  He invites us to not only open the doors of our faith community to others, but to go out to bring in those who have never encountered Christ and His Church, as well as those who once were part of our Church family and are no longer, for one reason or another.

Recently there has been reporting of the Pope's efforts to change some aspects of the annulment process so that people who have divorced, especially those who have remarried without the blessing of the Sacrament of Matrimony, may have hope that the Church wil someday bless their current union and restore them to the full practicce of their Catholic faith.

In the bulletin this week, we are inserting Bishop Taylor's recent letter that explains changes in the process of seeking an annulment that hopefully will be a blessing to those who seek the path that can lead to their return to the practice of the Catholic faith.  I hope and pray that those of you who know of people who are currently not practicing the Catholic faith due, at least in part on their marital situation, will encourage them to call me at 209-2502 or offer to accompany them to see me to learn what can be done through the annulment process to bring back to the practice of their Cathoic faith.  This pronouncement of the Holy Father on the annulment process comes in anticipation of the upcoming "Year of Mercy" which will hopefully lead more people to experience God's mercy in this and/or in other ways.