End of Year Pastor’s Report

Jenny Drzewiecki • January 19, 2024

We said goodbye to the Old and welcomed the New Year with prayer and gratitude three weeks ago. I believe it is a good moment now to look back and reflect on everything that happened in our parish community in the past year. I am convinced that 2023 was a good year for us at St. Martin of Tours. We must say “thank you” to God and to you dear parishioners for making it a successful and rewarding year. We had great plans and expectations, however not everything was possible to complete and achieve. At the end of the year, we are satisfied and grateful to God for the progress and growth.


I wanted to keep you informed with some numbers, new ministries, and explain our victories and challenges we encountered during the past year from my own perspective.


New Members and Ministries

First of all, I wanted to express my gratitude to the parish Staff, members of the Councils, many volunteers and those who minister in our community for their hard work, advice and willingness to serve at St. Martin of Tours. We have new trustees and a few new members on the Councils. Also, we gained two Staff members, Jenny Drzewiecki and Bro. Andy Gancarczyk. Both brought a lot of quality and substantial changes in our administrative work. I hope you noticed some improvement in communication, media ministry, and coordination of various ministries the last few months. Because of them we were able to begin a few new ministries like Family and Youth. Next steps are to strengthen these ministries and find even more ways to reach our young families and youth. We want to listen to them and build a future vision together. These are our priorities for this year.


Our stewardship and hospitality committees have grown and worked very hard by inviting and welcoming new members to our parish community resulting in growing new members and making every effort to be a welcoming church to the entire Franklin area. I learned a few days ago our Food Pantry was able to reach out and help many more people this year.

We are proud of this ministry.


Our first purpose as a religious community is to pray and worship. We had a meaningful and beautiful celebration of Easter, our patron feast St. Martin of Tours and Christmas. I was encouraged by your involvement, help and large participation. I am glad we have more opportunities and occasions to pray and organize social gatherings at St. Martin of Tours. We are committed to continuing these events and celebrations that strengthen us as one community of brothers and sisters in Christ. The social gatherings, hospitality, food and fellowship encourage people to come to church and join our religious community.


I also believe the Vietnamese community feels more at home at St. Martin of Tours and is growing in numbers. We will continue to make an effort to bring both our communities (Vietnamese and English) closer to each other in prayer and worship as well as social events with respect of course to our cultural difference.


The Vision Mission and Our Strategic Plan

I am glad we completed the Vision and Mission statement the end of the past year. This statement will enable us to create a 5-year strategic plan and will lead us in setting goals for our parish. We want to be a vibrant and growing community, listen to each other and reach those in need in the parish as well as in the larger community.

I am grateful to the Building committee for their discernment to maintain and keep in use the school buildings for at least the next five years. This decision gives us hope and possibility to welcome various groups and ministries to our large facilities. We are blessed to have enough space to function and welcome others. If we are serious about growing, we need the school building and space to welcome new ideas, ministries and groups. The 5-year strategic plan must include all of these.


Helpful Numbers

At this moment we are a community of 913 active families (2260 members). We welcomed 31 new families who joined our parish in 2023. We lost 29 of our members who died and 33 families who left or moved away. Sacraments in 2023 were: 24 baptisms (including two adults); 23 children received First Communion and 22 first reconciliation. We had just one sacrament of marriage. We provided catechism classes to 85 elementary children in the English and Vietnamese communities, and 24 in high school. We welcomed Catholic Schoolhouse group with 77 children that use our facilities weekly. In short, we are alive and there are signs of growth. I am grateful to Diane Winkowski for providing this information for us.


Difficulties and Challenges

Not everything was good and some of our initiatives and plans were not completed. Our community is getting older. Thus, inviting and welcoming young families and youth will be always a challenge. It is necessary to keep growing not just in number but also in spirituality. Another challenging mission is to find and train new volunteers to continue our long traditions, ministries and activities. Since we cannot reopen the school in the near future the maintenance of our buildings will be always a burden and matter of discernment. These are challenges we have to face but there are many other reasons to be satisfied and grateful to God as we are entering the New Year 2024.


Our Achievements and Victories

The Love One Another campaign was very successful. We were able to surpass the expectation assigned to us. We collected 105% of our goal and over 30% of our families took part in this campaign. It is a great result. We will receive over $660,000 over five years to invest/improve our facilities and upgrade technology in the parish office, school, and church. Thank you for your generosity.


We are stable financially and we are not carrying a debt. Contrary, the collections were larger in the past year but various fundraising activities gave us additional income which is being managed by our Investment committee. There are many needs and plenty of upkeep developments we have to encounter within the next five years, but I believe we are doing well. We are expecting the annual finance report with many details soon. I am grateful to our Finance Council and Investment committee for being good stewards of our money and for their professional work.


We were able to accomplish a few maintenance projects in 2023, which you probably noticed: Columbarium in the cemetery ($98,251); repair of the school roof ($25,000); replacement of the school doors ($10,700); landscaping around the church and office building ($3,000); playground for children ($15,000); patching asphalt on the road behind the school and parking lot near the cemetery ($18,540); replacement of bathroom stalls ($6,070); tuck-point work in a few places on our buildings ($4,630). We also began replacement of the heating and cooling units on the church and gym buildings. The five new units will cost us $137,180 and hopefully will last more than twenty years. Additionally, we must upgrade the internet and technology at the office, school, and church ($32,000). Both of the latter projects will be paid with money from Love One Another Campaign. Another major project we have to undertake this coming year is the road between the school and cemetery. We have many leaks in the kitchen and parish hall, and we have to fix the problem and improve the road as soon as weather permits. (Thank you to Denise Groniger for providing these numbers for us).

Thus, I am confident, this year will be another busy and successful year. I believe we will continue to grow in number but also in spirit. We will become an even more vibrant and growing community reaching out to those in need in the parish and larger community.



Lastly, thank you for your prayers and support. I appreciate your comments and encouraging words but also your suggestions for improvements. Please do not hesitate to give me your feedback and thoughts not just about this report but also about our parish life. Our effort as parish Staff and administration makes only sense with your willingness to collaborate and your care. I am blessed and proud to be your pastor.

Fr. Andrzej

Those Who Humble Themselves Will Be Exalted

By Jenny Drzewiecki • October 26, 2025
Last Sunday, we reflected on ‘work and prayer’ – two things that every disciple of Jesus needs. Both are important in our journey of faith. Work keeps us active in service, and prayer keeps us close to God. We need both in balance to live as true followers of Christ. This Sunday, the readings concentrate more on prayer. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the story of two men who go to the temple to pray: one is a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. The story is simple, but it shows us something very profound about how we stand before God. The Pharisee prays proudly. He thanks God that he is not like others. He talks about all the good things he does – fasting, giving money, and keeping the law. The tax collector, on the other hand, stands far away. He feels unworthy. He does not even lift his eyes to heaven. He simply says, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” And Jesus says that it was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who went home right with God. The difference between the two is not their actions, but their hearts. The Pharisee’s good deeds are fine, but his heart is proud. He thinks he can earn God’s love by praising himself. The tax collector knows he is weak and needs God’s mercy. His honest and humble heart opens the way for God’s forgiveness. This parable invites us to look at ourselves. How do we pray? Do we sometimes compare ourselves to others? Do we think we are better than someone else because we pray more or do more good things? Pride can quietly grow even in good works. True prayer starts with humility and gratitude – knowing that everything good we have is a gift from God. In the temple, only one man truly prayed – the one who knew he was a sinner. God can fill only an empty heart. If we are full of ourselves, there is no room for God. But when we come before God with open and humble hearts, God’s grace fills us with peace and love. May this Gospel remind us to pray with humility, gratitude, and trust. God does not look for perfection but for hearts that are honest and humble. As Jesus said, “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)  Fr. Andrzej

Dishonest Steward (Luke 16:1–13)

By Jenny Drzewiecki • October 3, 2025
At first, the parable of the dishonest steward may confuse us. Why would Jesus tell a story about a man who cheats his master, and then praise him? Jesus is not approving dishonesty. He is pointing out the steward’s prudence. The man saw that his time was short, and he acted decisively to prepare for the future. How often do we, the “children of light,” fail to show that same urgency for what really matters? People are often clever and determined when it comes to success, wealth, or safety in this life, but far less intentional when it comes to eternal life with God. The message is clear: all that we have, our time, our talents, our possessions, are entrusted to us by God. We are not owners but stewards. One day we will give an account. In the meantime, Jesus calls us to use what we have wisely, generously, and with eternity in mind. Money and posses sions will not last forever, but when used in service of God and neighbor, they can open the way to “eternal dwellings.” Money and everything we possess must not divide and take us away from God and other people. Contrary, everything can build up our relationship with God and people. It is not important how much and what we possess but rather, to which extend we are attached to it and if we are ready to share it with our neighbor. This Gospel ends with a wise maxim: “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” May we, like the steward, act decisively but not for selfish gain. Instead, let us be shrewd in love, intentional in faith, and generous in mercy, so that our true treasure may be found in heaven.  Fr. Andrzej

At the Threshold of the New School Year

By Jenny Drzewiecki • September 7, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.As the summer draws to a close and a new school year begins, we are reminded of the rhythm of life that God has inserted into creation, seasons of rest and seasons of work, times of play and times of learning. Summer often gives us space to slow down, to enjoy the beauty of God’s world, and to strengthen our relationships with family and friends. Now, as we initiate the new school year, we are called into a season of new beginning and time of growth. We think about our children and youth at the threshold of the new year. May this new year become a successful and meaningful year for each of them. For parents and teachers, it is a time of guidance, encouragement, and patience. And for all of us as a church community, it is a reminder to support and pray for our young students that they may grow not only in knowledge but also in wisdom and faith. Let us embrace this change of season with gratitude, holding on to the peace and joy of summer while welcoming the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead. May the Holy Spirit move and work with us every day, every household, and every heart, so that this new beginning may bear good fruit. The end of summer is a good opportunity to express my gratitude to those who prepared this new school year at our parish community and our church of St. Martin of Tours. I am grateful for those who will be involved with teaching and ministry to our children and youth at our Religious Education programs and any kind of youth ministry. Thank you for your time and effort. Additionally, the end of summer is traditionally marked with two significant fund rising events, the Rummage Sale and Labor Day activities. I am grateful to those of our parishioners who spend a lot of time, creativity and hard work to make these events successful and meaningful. I am not just thinking about the income to the parish funds, but also about the good spirit and energy brought up by these two events which make our community alive and welcoming to others. Thank you very much. Welcome back to those who arrived from their vacation and trips in the summer, and I wish you another meaningful and blessed time at home and in our parish community. Fr. Andrzej 

The Narrow Gate

By Jenny Drzewiecki • August 20, 2025
The image of the narrow gate appears in today’s gospel, where someone asks Jesus: "Lord, will only a few be saved?" He said to them, "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able" (Luke 13:24). I believe this image of the narrow gate is offered to us as positive encouragement rather than a frightening warning. There were many negative images of God as angry and condemning in the past. The Old Testament used these kinds of negative methods and images of God to encourage people to choose good instead of evil. God was shown as a strict judge who can see everything. According to them, God watches every deed and step of a human being. Then God repays to everyone with grace or punishment according to the human deeds. The New Testament method, contrary to the Old Testament, is very positive. It shows God as a good parent who loves people like his children. God is also shown as a good shepherd who searches for a lost sheep until it is found and brought back to the flock to be save. God loves his people unconditionally to the point of giving his only Son for the salvation of all. We are all invited to take part in salvation given to us by God. It is our invitation and destiny, but we must respond to God’s call. Luke in today’s gospel uses the word "strive" (Greek: agonizomai, from which we get agonize) which suggests a strong, ongoing effort like that of an athlete or warrior. Salvation is not shown here as something casual or automatic. The narrow gate symbolizes a path that requires intentionality, discipline, and commitment. It’s not about working for salvation, which is by grace, but about responding seriously to God’s call. There is a time sensitivity – later verses describe people knocking on the door after it is shut. The chance to respond is not indefinite. There is another helpful element in the image the narrow gate, which is exclusivity versus inclusivity. The narrow gate contrasts with a wide gate – something easier to enter, more comfortable, and more crowded. While many may expect to be included Jesus warns that not all who assume they are in will be admitted. This challenges our presumption that being religious, church goer, or Catholic is not a guarantee of salvation. Instead, it highlights the importance of a real relationship with Christ. The Lord answered to those who were knocking on the locked door, “I do not know where you are from” (Luke 13:27). A personal relationship with God is an essential condition of entering the narrow gate. The image of the narrow gate is echoed in many places and images in the New Testament but especially in Matthew 7:13-14. Matthew contrasts the narrow gate that leads to life and the wide gate that leads to destruction. This places the image within a consistent New Testament theme: the true path is costly, counter-cultural, and chosen by relatively few. The image of the narrow gate is not a warning but rather an invitation. The door is narrow indeed, but it is open to us. Fr. Andrzej 

A Good Steward

By Jenny Drzewiecki • August 10, 2025
A Good Steward, according to today’s Gospel, is a chosen servant who has been entrusted by his master with the task of taking care of his household, possessions, and the people under his care. In those times, a steward was responsible for faithfully and wisely managing his master’s household, even in his master’s absence. A good steward is one who: • is faithful – does what his master has entrusted to him, even when no one is watching; • is wise – makes prudent decisions for the good of the whole community; • is responsible – cares for others, not only for himself. Above all, a good steward is always awaiting the master. He must be ready to welcome him even when his master comes unexpectedly (Luke 12:32-48). Originally, the parable about the good steward was associated with Eschatology. A good steward, which is a model of disciple of Jesus, must be ready to welcome the Master, Jesus Christ, when we meet him face to face at the end of times. I believe this story must be understood in both context, Eschatology and Presentology. The parable is not just about the end of times. The story of a good steward encourages us to be ready to meet our brothers and sisters who come to us for help unexpectedly also today. It is our current and ongoing task to welcome them with love and care as good stewards. Elsewhere in the Scripture, Jesus explained the necessity of welcoming people in need and taking care of them, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt 25:40). Indeed, awaiting the Master and taking care of the needy are equally important tasks for a good steward. Recently, we have had a lot of reflection, talks and meetings regarding our stewardship committee at St. Martin of Tours. We have made a lot of effort to make our stewardship alive and dynamic. We believe the growth of our parish community depends a lot on the condition and vigor of our stewardship committee. We all agree today’s stewardship is not just about taking care of our money and resources. Good stewards must take care of people entrusted to them holistically. People who come to our parish must be welcomed and immediately feel they belong to the parish community. Everyone must receive what they expect, and feel safe with us, but especially those who are in difficult situations and circumstances. We also agree, as good stewards we must be ready to leave our comfort zone and go out to find people who do not formally belong to St. Martin’s parish community. Many of our parishioners left the community during Covid19 and other kinds of crises our parish had to go through in the past. We must go out and welcome them where they are. Perhaps they are waiting for us to invite them again. There are also many new families who do not know us yet. We cannot afford to wait for them at the church. Instead, we must go out find and meet them where they are. Today’s Gospel tells us that each of us, not just the stewardship committee members, is a steward – God has entrusted us with life, talents, time, relationships, material goods and our parish community. Ultimately, we will give an account for them. Whoever is faithful in small matters will be entrusted with even greater responsibilities. Awaiting the Master, our Lord Jesus Christ, and welcoming and taking care of our brothers and sisters in our community are equally important tasks for us, as good stewards.  Fr. Andrzej

Prayer

By Jenny Drzewiecki • July 27, 2025
Prayer is the theme of today’s liturgy. Prayer is a very broad topic and impossible to describe within one reflection. There are a lot of people who become religious only when they want something. When they pray and do not get what they ask for, they are further convinced that prayer does not work. Jesus tells us it does. The problem is we are too impatient, and we want things right away. Additionally, we must not forget to add “thy will be done” at the end of our prayer as we say in “Our Father.” God sees and knows much more than us. God knows what is best for us and gives us what we really need and what saves us. The first reading from the Book of Genesis gives us a beautiful example of Abraham’s prayer. Abraham interceded for the people of Sodom. God wanted to destroy the city of sin, but Abraham pleaded for the righteous habitants of the city. God promised to save the city if there are fifty innocent people, and then, fourth five, fourth, thirty, and even twenty. The prayer is meaningful but also dramatic. Abraham stopped his intercession at ten. As we know the story, the city was destroyed because there were not ten righteous people in Sodom. I just wonder if the city would be saved if Abraham kept going to five or three. The story, a wonderful image of an intercession prayer, encourages us to pray for others. God listens to our prayer as long as we are persistent like Abraham and believe in our prayer. Mostly whenever we think of prayer we think of asking for things and people. And this is the right thing to do. However, the more vital reason to pray is to build a relationship with God. Relationships cannot exist without communication. Furthermore, the quality of our relationship with someone depends on the quality of our communication with them. We need to learn how to communicate with God, just as we need to learn how to communicate with one another. In today’s gospel, Jesus knows prayer has its difficulties. Thus, he tells us not to give up. “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Luke 11:9-10). Persistence and faith are essential conditions of our prayer. Jesus said, “Ask and you will receive.” He does not say, “you might receive or maybe you will receive.” What he is saying is that no prayer is wasted. Prayer cannot fail to bring some blessing even we were asking for something else. If we truly believe God is all wise and all loving we receive what we really need. Instead of physical things and healing we sometimes receive spiritual ones which are more important for us. Prayer works, even when we do not see immediate results. Lastly, the greatest obstacle to prayer is our busyness and lack of time. Most of the people I spoke with about their prayer excuse themselves with lack of time for God. We have time for many things but not for God. God is not most important for us. If we want to pray well we must change our mind and find time for God. We schedule our daily activates in our calendar in order to remember and avoid missing important things. If we want to pray we must begin to schedule our prayer. We will have much more chance to pray and to meet our loving God when we schedule our prayer ahead of time. Fr. Andrzej 
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