Dear Parishioners,

“A smokin’ time was had by all!”

Deacon Joe Menkhaus comes from a large family of 10. His mom, Christy and his dad, Joe have eight children; Deacon Joe being their first born! I invited the family over to the Rectory a few weeks ago to get to know them over a SMOKED DINNER. I also believe it is just good hospitality to care for and appreciate the parents of a priest and in this case a “priest-to-be”!

For the dinner we had 12 at the table, which included Father Thomas and myself. When I first met Deacon Joe, he shared with me that the whole family LOVES to BBQ on their smoker and he enjoys doing it. So, I bought a smoker to put in our patio area and we planned a menu of smoked beef, smoked sweet potatoes, and smoked buttery corn on the cob! It was wonderful and had the greatest aroma!

While food is always enjoyable and tasty, and it was, more importantly was seeing the love, the faith, and the care that this family has for each other and the church!

Many blessings,
Father Jim