April 27, 2008

Dear friends in life and in ministry . . .

As you'll recall, last Sunday I attended the Papal Mass at Yankee Stadium. My bulletin this week includes an a few pictures that I took. My joy at attending this Mass was the extraordinary joy that it brought to the fifteen or so people from my parish that attended with me and 60,000 others.

I admit that my opinion of Pope Benedict XVI has softened greatly since his days as head of the Congregation for the Faith. Recently, I "read" the audio book of his "Jesus of Nazareth." This man is a brilliant scholar and teacher. When given the book, I assumed that his papal writing style would read more like a "Holy Card" than an accomplished and very open scripture scholar. I was surely mistaken. Throughout the text he quotes scriptural scholars and theologians of many traditions in his personal exploration of Jesus' identify. It was a difficult but important book to read - even on audio CD.

While I enjoyed the Papal Mass very much, I was struck by the amount of "fabric" that was assembled in the infield sanctuary. At least 500 people in dresses (actually albs and cassocks) - but only eight (the lectors and prayer of the faithful leaders) were women. I suspect that I'd have felt more at home at the Youth Mass in Yonkers where the music was more in keeping with the post Vatican II Church that I am most familiar with. But the Church carries a very wide umbrella and, as long as diversity is respected and celebrated, I can enjoy some Latin chants and even appreciate why some young seminarians and nuns today might enjoy dressing as priests and sisters did in the 1950s.

On a very positive note, Pope Benedict XVI's decision to visit with victims of clergy sexual abuse was a very wise move. This horrific tragedy has hopefully forever made the Church and the scarred humanity of its clergy and members more humble and transparent than ever before.

God Bless,

Deacon Ray

This week's Column: April 27, 2008 - Comings and Goings . . . How will God Bless us Next?

By now you’ve heard the word that Fr. John Wydeven, who has served for two years as Catholic Chaplain at the Bath VA Medical Center has accepted the position of Chaplain of the VA Medical Center in Providence, Rhode Island. We congratulate Fr, John on this new opportunity and wish him many blessings.

We at St. Mary’s have greatly benefited from Fr. John’s priestly service during his residency in our parish rectory. He has regularly presided at our Saturday Mass and filled in at daily Mass whenever Fr. Peter was not available. He has also carried the lion’s share of our Tuesday evening Masses at the Steuben County Jail.

Father Wydeven is a priest of the Diocese of Oakland, California on loan to the Diocese of the Military. Prior to his position at the Bath VA, he retired as a US Army chaplain. His service to Saint Mary’s was a special blessing resulting from his generosity and love for priestly service.

Father will begin his new position during the week of May 11. His last day at the Bath VA will be Thursday, May 8.

A Reception for Father John
On Saturday afternoon May 3rd, following the 4:00 p.m. Mass, we will hold a dessert reception in Father’s honor on the Rectory Lawn. (Note that O’Malley Hall has already been reserved for the KLP production of “Harvey”.) A large party tent will ensure that we all stay dry should the weather not cooperate.

How will Fr. John’s Leaving affect St. Mary’s?
At this point, the impact of Fr. John’s departure on our daily Mass schedule is uncertain. Due to Fr. John’s departure and Fr. Peter’s class schedule, it may be necessary for the short term to replace some currently scheduled weekday Masses with Communion Services.

We have also been in discussion with Sandy Grocki who coordinates the temporary assignment of priests for the Diocese. She will work to assure priest coverage for both our Saturday and Sunday Masses until our new sacramental minister Fr. Jim Jaeger arrives during the last week of June.

Personal Reflections on loss and today’s Gospel

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, "I shall ask the Father and he will give you another advocate.” He tells the disciples that they will not be left alone, that he will send his Spirit to continue his mission in the world.

I realize the pain and perhaps anger that many of you are experiencing at the loss of two much loved priest in such close succession. I share your grief, yet cling to the promise of Jesus that we need not “let our hearts be troubled.” My experience has been that God never closes one door without opening another. Faith and patience will reap great rewards.

Although there are certainly times when all of us, feel lonely or even deserted by God, we know that we are never really left alone by my God. The Spirit has been given to me, to you, and to our whole community that we might be strengthened to share the Good News with others. It is a gift with a purpose; one that each of us is called to embrace.

Fr. Peter’s Party
An enthusiastic group of parishioners met last Sunday following Mass to plan a going away party and dinner for Fr. Peter. Here’s the plan:

On Sunday Afternoon, May 25th at 1:00 p.m., a sit-down served dinner will take place in O’Malley Hall. The menu will include a choice of Prime Rib or Baked Ham, potato, vegetable, salad, beverage and dessert.

The dinner in Father’s honor is being underwritten by a parishioner, but a $10 per person donation will be collected as a parish gift to Fr. Peter. Dinner Reservations will be required and on a first come-first served basis to the first 200 people who purchase tickets which will be available after Mass, at Coffee hours and at the office.

No one will be required to donate if doing so would create a financial burden. I will personally receive these confidential requests and RSVPs. Please contact me in person or by note and I’ll see that you receive complementary tickets.

The Common Ground Choir will provide entertainment at this event along with a surprise presentation.

Papal Visit Reflections
I was especially pleased that the Holy Father used this pilgrimage to the United States as an opportunity to personally meet with a group of people who had been victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy. It was an important step toward the healing of this nightmare for these victims and the entire church.

The cover of today’s bulletin includes several photos that I took at the Papal Mass at Yankee Stadium. As I’m sure you can imagine, it was a great experience.

Have a good week. Serve one another well.

Deacon Ray

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Bulletin: April 27th, 2008