March 1, 2023 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: There’s nothing complicated or exceptional about a table. While there are a variety of makes and models, a table is typically just four legs with a flat surface on top. Yet, extraordinary things can happen when we gather at a table. Important family conversations and celebrations almost always include a meal with those we love. We share both nourishment and the gift of ourselves with one another around a table. There’s nothing that can beat sharing stories with loved ones around the kitchen table. Beautiful and useful items are created at workshop tables, sewing tables or crafting tables. Decisions that impact others, sometimes millions of others, are made by individuals gathered at tables to conduct business or governmental affairs. While all those moments and all those tables can be significant, they pale in comparison to our gathering around the Lord’s table at Mass. This is no ordinary table, but the very altar upon which ordinary bread and wine become the Eucharist, the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We gather around that extraordinary, sacred table as the Church, as a family of faith, offering our very lives with the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus to our Father in heaven. I invite the faithful of the Diocese of Ogdensburg to also “Gather at the Table” with the North Country Catholic this year. Our editor, Darcy Fargo, and editorial assistant, Christine Ward, work hard in preparing the menu that is offered to our readers. The NCC shares stories of individuals, couples and families who love the Lord and do great things in His service here in the North Country. The newspaper shares information about events and happenings around the diocese and helps us learn about opportunities to further connect and grow in faith and love of the Lord. Through the North Country Catholic, I communicate with Catholics around the diocese as we move forward together in this journey of faith, guided by the One we encounter at the Sacred Table, Jesus Christ. This weekend, the annual North Country Catholic subscription campaign begins. I ask that every Catholic family subscribe to our diocesan paper. If you are a current subscriber, thank you for renewing your subscription in this week’s campaign. Why not consider obtaining a subscription as a gift for a family member? I invite those who do not currently subscribe to consider the importance today to be an informed Catholic Christian and allow our diocesan newspaper to be a vehicle to help you and your families grow in faith. “Gather at the Table” with us by subscribing to the North Country Catholic. Thank you for your prayerful support. Faithfully yours in Christ,
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