My dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

As we celebrate this anniversary, I first would like to express my gratitude to Bishop Coyne for his presence with us this weekend. It is always a blessing to be able to celebrate the Mass with the Chief Sheperd of the Diocese and to assure him of our continued prayers and support. 

Next, I wish to welcome back alumns and former community members who may be joining us this Sunday.  Without your presence, prayers and generous support in the past we wouldn't be here celebrating this milestone. Know that you are always welcome in this portion o f the City of God you helped build.

20 years, where did the time go? While I have lived at The Catholic Center for most of the 20 years, it still seems incredible to me that we have arrived at this particular milestone. Over 20 years how many students from UVM and Champlain College have encountered Christ because of the presence of The Catholic Center? How many students and others have been reconciled to Christ and His Church through the Sacrament of Reconciliation? How many thousands of hours have been spent in Eucharistic Adoration? How many people have been fed through the efforts of our outreach to the Salvation Army and other agencies? These and questions like them remind us of our incalculable value of The Catholic Center because Jesus Christ is the heart of our mission and ministries.

As we move into the next 20 years of presence and ministry, I ask that you continue to pray for our present students and those who will follow them at The Catholic Center. It is only through constant prayer and supplications that we will continue to experience any kind of success or growth.  Also, as the generosity of so many 20 years ago allowed us to expand our building and presence among the students of Champlain College and UVM, I ask that you respond generously to this year's Annual Appeal, Christ Yesterday, Today and Forever, so that we can address needed captial improvements (e.g. roof replacement, HVAC upgrades, etc.).

Know of my daily prayers for all of you, please pray for me and our staff that we radiate Christ to all we meet.

With deep gratitude in Christ,

Msgr. John J. McDermott, V.G.