Dear Parishioners,

We lost a tree and now we GAINED a tree!

In this past early spring one of the yellow maple trees on Portage Trail became “split.” The tree trunk seemingly “cracked” and was dangerously hanging over the parking lot. Not wanting a huge wind to cause the limbs to break off and “perhaps” fall on a parked car, it was removed.

By the grace of God and the generosity of our graduating eighth grade class of 2022 we received a gift of a new tree to be planted in their honor. We will be planting a RED MAPLE AUTUMN BLAZE tree on the Portage Trail lawn.

The Autumn Blaze tree is a cross between the Red and Silver Maples and combines the best features of both parent trees. (Drought tolerance and adaptability of the Silver Maple and beauty, strength, and brilliant orange-red fall color of the Red Maple.) Red also appears as new growth emerges in the Spring. This tree grows in full sun to part shade. No flowering, so no seeds. The trunk has smooth, thin, gray bark. A beautiful addition to the church yard, especially in the Fall.

Many blessings,
Father Jim