I’m visiting scenic (and, yes, cold) Minnesota this week, speaking at a couple of parishes and meeting with benefactors for CNEWA.

Sunday, my last Mass was at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Pine City. At the end of Mass, an announcement was made: “We’re going to be taking down the Christmas decorations after Mass, so if anyone can stay after and help, we’d be grateful.”

I’d guess about 20 men, women and children streamed forward to help pull apart the greenery, take apart the Christmas tree, pull down the lights and put the Nativity Scene into its box for next year.

Great folks. I’m sure they had other things to do on a cold Sunday morning.

Here’s a last look at the church this morning…