On Sunday - Tuesday of the past week, priests and pastoral
administrators from throughout the Diocese of Rochester gathered at the Crown Plaza Hotel for our annual convocation with Bishop Matthew Clark. On Wednesday , we were joined by pastoral associates, youth ministers, deacons and others in ministry.
Our speakers, both internationally known for their writings on spirituality and prayer, Frs. Richard Rohr and Timothy Radcliffe provided considerable food for thought. I'd guess that within the next few weeks my column will explore some of the insights received from this very knowledgeable and effective speakers.
A Silver Anniversary of Ordination As I mentioned last week, Tuesday, April 17 marked the 25th anniversary of my ordination. Being the only deacon from my class who serves as a pastoral administrator, I was asked to deacon the convocation Mass which was held at Sacred Heart Cathedral. What a thrill.
Tomorrow, Pat and I will celebrate with our parish family at the 9:00 a.m. Mass here at St. Mary's, Bath. We'll follow the Mass with a Pancake Breakfast in O'Malley Hall. Then, on Saturday, April 28th, the Diocese of Rochester will celebrate this anniversary with a special Mass at the Sacred heart Cathedral in Rochester. Deacons, priests and friends from throughout the diocese will celebrate with us.
If you live in the Rochester area, you are most welcome to attend. The Eucharist begins at 10:00 a.m. I have composed a new song for this occasion which will be sung as the Recessional Hymn. Not surprisingly, it is called "Sent to Serve". I'm attaching the words and music as a link below.
Pat's Heart Catheterization shows NO Blockages
In case you did not get the email I sent out on Friday afternoon, my wife Patty's Cardiac Catheterization showed no blockages. Recently, she has been feeling very "worn out" and tired. The catheterization showed us that the reason for this does not lie within her heart as the doctor who read her stress test had suspected. This of course is very good news and we are both vary thankful for all the prayers that were said for her. Keep them coming.
This weekend, we are also celebrating the many parishioners who practice stewardship of their gifts of time and talent. The attached bulletin provides details.
Have a blessed week. Serve one another well.
Deacon Ray
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Over the years, God has blessed me with many wonderful opportunites to
minister. As a Roman Catholic permanent deacon of the Diocese of
Rochester, New York, (ordained 1982), I have served in a wide variety
of ministries. Whether I am ministering to my parish, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, travel or retreat groups (e.g. Cursillo, Walk
to Emmaus, Koiniania, Pre Cana, Youth) - music has played an important
role in opening doors and hearts.
This website is an
extension of that ministry. Here you'll find the lyrics to many of my
prayer-songs and, if you like, purchase from a collection of CDs I've recorded.
There's also information about tours and pilgrimages that my wife Pat and I
occasionally host and links to web sites I've found interesting.
