Every parish has its traditions -- touchstones through which we mark the passage of time and confirm our relationships. Here at Saint Martha, it has been the custom to produce a pictorial directory of the parish every five years.
A trip to the parish library lets one see our history unfold. Every five years, another great crop of smiling family pictures. Children grow up, of course, although we adults apparently never age. Much. Reviewing the pages of these directories, one can chart the life of our many parish ministries and groups. It is wonderful to look through sections that focus on the school, on the details of the art in the church, on the early days of the parish, and on the hopes and dreams of the parish at each interval.
The last time the parish produced a full hardbound directory was in 2013. The 2018 edition was a thin paperback because the work was being done in 2017, when the parish was, shall we say, distracted.
The next five-year directory is due in 2023. Which means pictures will be taken and pages assembled in 2022. Which is now.
Two devoted parishioners -- Nichole LeFevre Leemon and Ingrid Schwab -- have generously agreed to serve as co-chairs of the directory committee. As we progress through the summer, into autumn, you will hear more.
As a preview, know that some parish groups will have pictures taken soon, on occasions when they are together. Pictures of the school and religious education programs are already under way, as well. And the directory photographer will be here to take individual and family pictures from October 25 through November 5. As in the past, this will be studio-quality photography that you may want to obtain and even frame for your home.
The 2018 directory was a bit of a hiccup. It will be fun to hold and look through a beautiful, fulsome 2023 directory. Thanks to those who are already helping with this effort. And please, this is a wonderful community we have here at Saint Martha, so do plan to participate when the photographer comes this autumn!
Blessings!
frmike