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Grand President's February Address by Michael Rossi Just a few columns ago I was talking about how hard it was to believe that the holidays were quickly approaching, and now, not only are the holidays over, but 2009 is moving quickly as Lent begins this month. As Catholics this is our time of the year to repent for our sins and prepare our body, mind, and soul for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a reminder of the pain and sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us. Nowadays, all it takes is to turn on the TV or open a newspaper to see the pain and suffering many people are faced with due to our nation's economic downturn. Please pray for those who have lost their homes and jobs during these hard times. Pray that our new national leaders will help renew our great country to a position of strength and peace. As your Grand President, I have spent the greater part of January and will continue to do so for the remainder of February, had the pleasure of installing the different branch and district officers for their new term. I wish to congratulate the new officers and wish them a year of successful accomplishments. As members, I hope that you can help your officers explore new ideas for your branch and district to thrive this year. With the end of Installations, our focus shifts towards the celebration of Bishop's Days, beginning in March. Please make every effort to attend your district Bishop Day celebration this year as it shows our Bishops, clergy, and seminarians that we care about them. Between Installations and Bishop's Days, my calendar is already filling up with lots of ICF events. Be sure to mark your calendars now with all the important dates for ICF events this year. And don't forget to put the 2009 Convention in San Jose on your calendar for Labor Day weekend. Work is already in progress to make it a great Convention. Before I sign off for this column, I do have one bit of business to attend to: please send in your membership dues if you haven't already done so. Also, if you know someone hasn't yet paid their dues, try giving them call or send a note to check in. Sometimes all that is needed is a friendly reminder. Please work together to retain all of the members you have. Marcie and I wish all of you a Happy Valentine's Day and a blessed Lenten season. Italian Catholic Federation, 8393 Capwell Drive, Suite 110, Oakland CA 94621 tel: 888/ICF-1924; 510/633-9058; fax: 510/633-9758; Email: info@icf.org Website designed by HYPERSPHERE