Dear St. Thomas Parish Family, I will be on sabbatical leave beginning January 1, 2021, until September 1, 2021. As music director at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church for nearly 20 years, this sabbatical will allow me to prepare for and recover from jaw surgery this spring and to concentrate on family, home and self-development, so that I may return to my position healthier, refreshed and more committed. I have truly appreciated the privilege of working with the wonderful people in the music ministry and the opportunity to serve you. I am very grateful to Fr. Cuddy for allowing me this time off, and I am also very grateful to Tyler Brandon, who will take my place while I’m on sabbatical. He is well qualified and has a heart for ministry—I am confident he will do a wonderful job! Even though I will not be leading the music ministry for this time period, I will be involved on a limited level. Tyler will schedule me to play the piano and to sing or run the live-stream at Mass as needed. Thanks so much to all who have sent me their well-wishes and support. May God bless you richly in this new year. Your sister in Christ, Lauren Hymel