St. Anthony of Padua Fraternity Bulletin
Vol. 11 No. 11   December 17, 2006

Minister's message
by Kim

Peace to you this holiday season. Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is upon us. Actually, Christmas has been at the stores since August, but it is finally appropriate. I do get tired of looking at fall decorations along with tinsel. I was even more disturbed to read that Toys for Tots refused 4000 Jesus dolls for donation because a Jewish or Muslim family might get one. these faiths don't celebrate Christmas, so I don't see a conflict.

We have just had our regional visitation. As our Regional Minister, Jim Hein, noted, we have been volunteered to host next years Regional Fall Gathering. We have begun preliminary discussions with St. Gerards for this event. The reason we were asked is because the TORs have been at the forefront of generating information and publicity for the 800th anniversary celebration for St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Jim felt a TOR fraternity was the way to go. We have hosted a fall gathering in the past, so we have some idea of what needs to be done. I am sure I can count on your support.

I have given Jim our request for an election representative for April. As part of that process, we have to undergo a Regional Treasurer's Audit. Mona will be sending out the required information in January. Even though Tom and I are on the Regional Council, neither of us can officiate at our own fraternity election.

On a personal note, I started a new job just before Thanksgiving. It is with the State of MN in the Radiation Safety area. I am working days. My work number is 651-201-5826.

I wish you and your family a Blessed Christmas (Yes Christmas!) and the rest of the "holiday" season.