February 24, 2007

Dear friends in life and in ministry . . .

I am interrupting the 80th Annual Academy Awards to send out this e-mail. I've seen none of the top nominated films - but enjoy the glitz and will probably watch some when they are available on Netflix.

After last week's whirlwind of activity, things slowed down a bit for me this week. Even got in a few long overdo visits to the gym.

Highlights of the past week included the Rite of Election last Sunday, our Lenten Dinner and Discussion on Wednesday Evening, a farewell lunch with parish bulletin editor Michelle Ferrara and having grandson Jack spend the weekend with us so his parents could have a few days together in Niagara Falls and Toronto.

Jack attended his first Mass on Saturday afternoon and is now considering either the priesthood or diaconate as a vocation. He's also considering becoming 2 in just 11 more months. What a guy.

God's blessings to you and those you love!

In my homily last weekend, I shared some thoughts on “Mountaintop Experiences” - times when we personally experience God’s love and are profoundly changed. Sometimes that change is very evident to others.

In today’s gospel, a Samaritan woman has such an experience when she encounters Jesus. She was amazed by what Jesus revealed to her about her life and she thirsted for the “living water” that he promised. Because Jesus welcomed the woman with love, she also wanted to share her experience with everyone in town and they were amazed by her witness.

In Baptism, Jesus offers us that same “living water.” It is a gift that we are preparing to share with our parish catechumen Katleyn Rumsey and little Delia Dieg this Easter. Katlyn will be baptized, and receive her first Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation at our Easter Vigil. Delia, daughter of Jerry and Julie (Crowe) Dieg will be baptized on Easter Sunday. The living water of Jesus and hundreds of people who will receive the Easter Sacraments in our Diocese are truly a blessing to our Church.

Rites of Sending and Election

Last weekend at the 9:00 a,m. Mass, our parish celebrated the first of our Lenten RCIA Rites - the Rite of Sending. For the past six months or so, Katelyn and baptized Christians Julia Gennella and Mark Young, have met weekly with Father Peter, Deacon Ed, Maureen O’Neill, Lynne Snyder, Brian Gennello (Julia’s dad and sponsor), Paula Gardner (Mark’s sponsor), recently confirmed Warren Tetor and me to discuss the faith and practices of the Church.

During the Rite of Sending, our parish affirmed its support of Katelyn, Julia and Mark as they continue their journey to the Easter sacraments and full membership in the Roman Catholic Church and “sent” them to Bishop Matthew Clark and the Rite of Election which took place that afternoon at St. Mary our Mother Church in Horseheads.

Two others who have been journeying with us, Drs. Bill Howe and Laura Rice attended a Rite of Election held on the previous Wednesday at St. Mary’s Church in Canadaigua. Laura is a candidate for full membership in the Catholic Church through St. Gabriel’s Church. Bill, her husband is her sponsor.

Parish Youth Cook Meals at Diocesan Retreat

As we were returning from Horseheads, several of our parish Junior High students along with several parish adults were heading for Camp Stella Maris on Coneseus Lake with our Youth Minister/Faith Formation Coordinator Mary Carol Wall. Several times each year, our parish young people and their adult leaders act as caterers at Diocesan Teen Retreats to raise funds needed for NCYC and other activities. Adult volunteers joining Mary Carol included Betsy Carisetti, John and Nancy Cardona, and Bill and Penny McNamara.

Thank You Michelle Ferrara

Thursday, was the last day at work for our parish secretary and Bulletin Editor Michelle Ferrara. Michelle, who joined our support staff on a part-time basis about two years ago, has found full time work at the Avoca Deli near her home. Michelle also worked part time at CVS, a position that often required her to work nights and weekends.

We are happy for Michelle, but will miss her as a staff member. In sharing her news, Michelle told me that she “loved her job at St Mary’s but the opportunity to work full time within a block of her home was just too good to pass up.” We agree and understand that this will be a good opportunity for her and her family. In addition to St. Mary’s. Our full time staff volunteer Paula Gardner will assume a portion of Michelle’s bulletin and social ministry responsibilities and our secretary/bookkeeper Barbara Bailey will extend her hours to assume Michelle’s data input responsibilities.

Have a good Lenten Week. Serve each other well.

Deacon Ray

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Bulletin: February 24th, 2008