His name is Jackson Gabriel Meek and he is our first grandchild. Our daughter Annie gave birth to Jack on February 2nd. I know, I know - the poor kid will have to share his birthdate with a large Rodent for Punxsutawney, PA - but its also the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and "Candlemas Day" - the day that candles are traditionally blessed.
Jack weighed in at exactly 7 lbs, and although he arrived about 18 days earlier than expected, was able to head home with his mom after just a few days in Corning Hospital's "Birthplace".
Patty and I discovered that Jack was on his way while we were cruising off the Coast of the Baja Peninsula. Obviously the plan was that we'd be back in town in plenty of time to welcome Jack in person - but Jack was so anxious to see what his Mom and the world looked like from the outside - that we had to find out by phone.
So far, Jack mainly sleeps, eats and, well you know. But we are confident that - when he's good and ready - the genius will become very evident. According to Annie - "Jack loves to chill out with her and isn't at all cranky." She would know, because the two have been inseparable for months. If you'd like to meet Jack, try this website: http://deaconray.shutterfly.com/action/
As to the Cruise - it was terrific. Wonderful food and service, great ports and excellent entertainment. On the three days that we were at sea, mornings were spent with two excellent speakers retired Methodist Bishop Woody White and Rev. Lloyd Stajiaen who broke open the scriptures with great knowledge and enthusiasm.
Because I've been off line for the past two weeks (my computer died just before our cruise forcing me to actually vacation) I'd planned on attaching three weeks of bulletins. Unfortunately I've just discovered that my new laptop does not have the bulletin files downloaded yet and consequently I've got nothing more to share with you at present. Hopefully, by next weekend, I'll have my life and new computer back in order.
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.
